6/21(Sat.)The Double-Edged Power of Photography, Please Also Bring One Photo That Matters to You (Host: Jane)

[jane]

The Double-Edged Power of Photography: Memory, Mindfulness, and Meaning— Bring One Photo That Matters to You

When I look back at my old photos, they always bring up a lot of emotions— sometimes happy, sometimes nostalgic. And I actually enjoy sharing them with friends, because it’s a fun way to tell stories and also reflect on my life. So I thought, why not do this together? Let’s share some meaningful photos, get to know each other more, and of course… also take this chance to practice our English in a fun and relaxed way!

Note: I would like to invite everyone to upload one photo if you feel comfortable.
You will find the photo sharing link and instructions below. Kindly upload one photo!

Photo sharing link and instructions
To make our upcoming activity more meaningful and fun, you're invited to upload one photo that you’re willing to share. It can be any photo that feels meaningful, emotional, or memorable to you — for example: childhood, travel, friendships, daily life, or an important moment.
We’ll view the photos together during the activity and have some thoughtful group discussions.

How to Upload Your Photo:
1. Click the link below to enter the Padlet page:
https://padlet.com/azureaazure/photo-sh ... v07lp9hzrm
2. Once you’re on the Padlet page, click the "+" button in the lower right corner to upload a photo.
3. Select a photo from your device and click upload.
4. If you'd like, you can add a brief caption or description to explain the meaning or story behind your photo.

Session 1: article discussion

Article 1: are you taking too many pictures?
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/2015 ... y-pictures

This article explores the psychological effects of our modern habit of frequently photographing our experiences.

Key Points:
• Memory Impairment: Constantly taking photos may actually impair our ability to remember events. When we rely on cameras to capture moments, we might pay less attention to the experience itself, leading to weaker memories.
• Cognitive Offloading: This behavior is linked to "cognitive offloading," where we depend on external devices to store information, reducing our mental engagement with the event.
• Selective Attention: Focusing too much on capturing the perfect shot can distract us from the broader context of the experience, causing us to miss out on other meaningful details.
• Emotional Connection: While photos can help preserve memories, the act of taking them might distance us emotionally from the moment, affecting how we recall the experience later.
While photography is a valuable tool for preserving memories, over-reliance on taking pictures can diminish our actual experience and recollection of events. It's beneficial to find a balance between capturing moments and fully engaging with them.

Article 2: 7 Reasons Why Photographs Can Boost Your Happiness
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog ... -happiness

Key point
• Reminders of Loved Ones and Cherished Activities
Displaying photos of family, friends, and enjoyable experiences can reinforce feelings of love and connection.
• Enhancing Memory Recall
Photographs serve as prompts to recall happy moments, helping to relive positive experiences and emotions.
• Efficient Memory Preservation
Digitizing or compiling photos into albums allows for preserving memories without physical clutter, making them easily accessible.
• Facilitating Sharing and Bonding
Sharing photos with others can strengthen relationships and provide opportunities for storytelling and connection.
• Encouraging Mindfulness
Taking photos can make individuals more observant and appreciative of their surroundings, fostering a sense of presence.
• Boosting Creativity
Engaging in photography can inspire creativity and provide a fulfilling artistic outlet.
• Providing a Sense of Accomplishment
Organizing and curating photo collections can offer satisfaction and a sense of achievement.

Session 1 discussion question:
• Are you someone who likes to take photos? Why or why not?
• Do you think taking photos helps you remember important events better—or worse? Why?
• Do you think smartphone technology makes it too easy to take photos? How has it changed your habits?
• Have you ever felt like taking photos made you less present in the moment? Or the opposite?

Session 2: photo sharing circle

Bring a photo that always makes you feel something strong (joy, sadness, pride)! What’s the story behind it?
(Don’t worry if you don’t bring a photo, just pick a photo from your smartphone!)

Here are prompts if you are not sure where to start your story!
• Introduce the background of this photo. (people, location, time…etc)
• Why did you choose this photo to share?
• What was your feeling when you took the photo at that time?
• How does this photo make you feel when you look at it now?
• What does this photo represent in your life?
• If this photo had a title, what would it be?
• If you could send a message to the “you” in this photo, what would you say?
Optional Reflection Questions — if there’s still time left!
• Do you enjoy being in photos, or do you prefer staying behind the camera? Why?
• After everyone shared their photo, did you notice any shared themes, emotions, or messages among your group?

Agenda:
3:45 ~ 4:00pm Greetings & Free Talk / Ordering Beverage or Meal / Getting Newcomer’s Information
4:00 ~ 4:10pm Opening Remarks / Newcomer’s Self-introduction / Grouping
(Session I)
4:10 ~ 4:50pm Discussion Session (40 mins)
4:50 ~ 5:10pm Summarization (20 mins)
5:10 ~ 5:20pm Regrouping / Instruction Giving / Short Break (Intermission)
(Session II)
5:15 ~ 5:55pm Discussion Session (40 mins)
6:00 ~ 6:20pm Summarization (20 mins)
6:20 ~ 6:30pm Concluding Remarks / Announcements

Meeting Date: As shown on the Subject Line
Meeting Time: 4:00pm – 6:30pm
Meeting Venue: 丹堤咖啡 Dante Coffee (Minimum Order $85)
Address: 台北市濟南路三段25號[MAP]-捷運忠孝新生站3號出口步行3分鐘

Important Notes:
1. We suggest that participants read the articles and think about the questions in advance.
2. Newcomers should prepare a two-to-three-minute self-introduction in English to deliver when called upon by the host before the start of the discussion.
3. We welcome newcomers and other guests to attend the meetings and join the discussion freely for three times. After that, we hope you will consider becoming a YoYo English Club member. We charge a NT$1000 lifetime membership fee, or NT$500 for students.

[Leon]

This is really an interesting topic!
For this topic, I recommand one of my favorite book.
https://www.books.com.tw/products/0010289826?sloc=main

"每張照片讓人驚奇的地方，
並不是通常人們所認為的
“時間定格”，
恰恰相反，
每張照片都重新證明
時間的綿延連續
不可停留。"

[miller]

Move to the top.