In today's digital age, the way we capture and document our lives has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once upon a time, photos were reserved for special moments and occasions. But now, with the advent of smartphones, we seem to be constantly documenting even the most mundane details. This article explores the journey from the convenient yet limited Instamatic cameras of the past to the powerful and all-encompassing smartphones of today.

Unraveling the Shift in Photography Habits

The Advent of Instamatic Cameras

Back in 1963, the Kodak Instamatic camera brought low-cost photography to the masses. It was a game-changer, allowing people to easily capture memories without the hassle of threading a film lead. One could simply open the camera, drop in a cassette, and click away until reaching 24 shots. It was a convenient device that captured special moments, but it was also a time when people dressed up to go out and had different values regarding taking photos in public. If a teen had pulled out an Instamatic camera in a restaurant back then, it would have caused a major scene. Parents would lecture them on being rude or remind them that money doesn't grow on trees. 2: The cost of using an Instamatic camera was not insignificant. Along with the price of the camera itself, there was the expense of buying the 24-shot cassette, flashcubes, and paying for film processing and prints. When all was said and done, each photo cost about 40 cents, which in 2016 dollars amounts to $4.10. Many people thought those with Instamatic cameras were a bit trigger happy with the clicks. And yet, even the author, who owned an Instamatic camera as a 12-year-old, has only a few photos from those pre-adult years.

The Rise of Smartphones

Fast forward to today, and smartphones have taken photography to a whole new level. Now, there are smartphones that can take 20 photos in just three seconds with a fine resolution that can be blown up to billboard size. The Samsung Galaxy A15 smartphone, for example, can be purchased for $168.99 without a service contract. It's a far cry from the cheapest Instamatic camera, which cost $16 in 1963 (equivalent to over $170 today). 2: Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, not just as phones but also as cameras. The author's experience with using an iPhone5 as a camera in Death Valley in 2013 was a turning point. Initially struggling to figure out how to use it, it took time and practice to master taking selfies and other photos. But now, with the convenience of a selfie button, the author has amassed a collection of 3,238 photos, including 305 selfies and 229 videos. These photos are mostly from hikes and include younger relatives. While it may seem excessive to some, there is not a single photo of food that the author was about to eat among them.