Navigating the World of Travel Memories: When VHS-C & film-Cartridges were My Go-To

Ah, the joys and woes of documenting travel adventures! As someone who’s been wandering the globe for quite a while, I’ve gathered a treasure trove of stories that could fill countless pages. But here’s the kicker: my collection of photos is, well, less than stellar.

Back in the day, when the travel bug bit me, I succumbed to the allure of VHS-C video cameras. Photos were expensive, and shooting videos seemed like a trendy, high-tech solution. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t the best choice for me. Let’s just say my camera skills left much to be desired—think more “motion sickness” than “masterpiece.”

And let me tell you, the equipment was a beast. My camera gear practically filled half my luggage! I lugged around bulky cameras, tapes, and photo rolls, adding stress and weight to my travels. Today, all you need is a smartphone with a good camera. It’s a game-changer—so much less hassle and no more worrying about running out of film.

Fast forward to today, and I’m faced with the harsh reality that my VHS-C tapes are now relics of a bygone era. Converting them to digital? Painfully pricey. And those early digital cameras? My first one cost a whopping $1000 for a mere 1.3 megapixels. I had no clue about settings, so a lot of my early digital photos are… let’s say “artistic.”

So here I am, sifting through what I have, trying to find the right images to complement my tales. It’s a time-consuming task, but the stories behind them? Priceless. Many of my adventures took place in a world that no longer exists, offering experiences that younger travelers today might never have.

In a world captivated by high-definition everything, I sometimes feel like a dinosaur. People gravitate towards stunning visuals, often overlooking the stories. But I’ve come to realize that while vibrant images are eye-catching, the weight of my experiences holds more value to me.

Striking a balance between compelling stories and eye-popping visuals is a challenge. Yet, I believe there’s still magic in storytelling. For those who take the time to read, there’s a richness in words that no photo can capture. So here’s to the tales we tell, imperfect visuals and all—because sometimes, the story is the best part. And now, with just a mobile phone in hand, we have the freedom to capture it all—without the stress of yesterday’s gear.

Happy Travels!