As you surf through Instagram, you are stopped mid-scroll by a #NoFilter image. Whether it is an azure sky, green translucent ocean, a pebbled street or a watery canvas. Any image with no filters seems unique because of its authenticity. And this is what technology has done to travel.
There are those who travel for their vanity, and then there are those who travel for passion. The former post check-ins on Facebook and update their Insta stories. Then there are those who come with loads of memories, their cameras tired with exhausted lenses and storage full of pictures. But they keep them as memories, weave a story around every moment, and live in the present reality, without worrying about their virtual vanity.
While technology has helped travellers with apps and logistics, it has also harmed the experience of travelling. Have you seen those, who turn their backs on a beautiful piece of art or the sun setting on a beach, because they want to capture a selfie?
The authenticity of an experience has become more important as technology intertwines with travel. Through Instagram and similar apps, we are invited to use a series of predefined filters and adjustments to enhance the look of our photos. And because these filters are so readily available, the truth is that most of us end up using and abusing them quite a lot. Rare are the photos that, nowadays, are shared with no filter or colour corrections of some sort.
Image Credit: greatescapepublishing
And this could be one of the biggest revivals of travel experiences in the coming years. Along with #NoFilter photographs, people want #NoFilter experiences on their trips. No more shopping at boutiques, people want to interact with the artisans, and buy from a local haat.
By adding filters, we may be betraying the natural beauty of our earth. Why distort the colour of the sky or the twinkle of an innocent eye, when naturally each will remain beautiful and unique.
As with all things to do with aesthetics, there is no right or wrong to using filters. But it is important to experience the moment for what it is, rather than living the disillusion, especially when travelling.
