Juggling photography while on vacation

My wife and I just got back from San Jose Cabo, Mexico and had a perfectly lovely time.  What is so out there about this trip is that I couldn't put my camera down.  I always felt compelled to find a shot in every situation we were in.  At the time, it didn't seem off.  However now that I'm back and reflecting on the amount of time I spent finding shots, I feel I didn't really get a vacation in the traditional sense.  

Do you ever feel this way after taking a vacation?

My only possible vacation is to shoot something different;
the idea of spending a day without camera(s) is hideous.

In general, family vacations and photography don't mix.  If the wife isn't into photography, than most likely she was bored or went off on her own exploration(s).  A camera is always a must for snapshots, but one has to make a choice between family and vacation. Baja has so much to offer ... it is just so photogenic ... that it is tough not to stop and shoot ... look around every corner and shoot, drive over the next ridge line and shoot, stop at every cove and shoot. I recommend to separate family vacations from photo excursions. 

Nikon Shooter wrote: My only possible vacation is to shoot something different;
the idea of spending a day without camera(s) is hideous.

When I was shooting news, (which involved considerable travel), for my vacations I would stay at home and simply hang. (I lived at the beach and I vividly remember grabbing my first cup of coffee and just sitting in the sand, watching the waves roll in ... feel the sun warm up the air ... seeing the day move ahead with me being still.

(sans camera)

Nikon Shooter wrote: My only possible vacation is to shoot something different;
the idea of spending a day without camera(s) is hideous.

I know right?

Now would you consider your iPhone or other smart phone as a camera for those days you don't have your big camera? 

Easy, I set the golden hour and blue hour for photography, the rest is for enjoying myself.  During those family hours, if I want to take a photo, I use my iPhone.  

Dave Burburry wrote: Now would you consider your iPhone or other smart phone as a camera for those days you don't have your big camera? 

No way. If I go on holiday, I'd go places I've never been and
only the real gear can support my ambitions toys can't.

That's why I prefer to travel alone, that way I can stop and take photos when ever I want.  For me, that is every bit important as the vacation itself.  

Mostly, I use my smartphone. TBH, I don't enjoy walking around with a camera on my neck while on vacations. 

I totally understand what you mean, whilst I don't really get that feeling that I haven't had a holiday as such, I do get the feeling at times that I should actually just put the camera down and enjoy it a little more through my eyes instead of the viewfinder.
I now try to limit my "photo" time, either a day solely set aside for it or just limit it to the time I know the light should be good. 

Some things I have learned while on vacation...

1. Choose times that you can go out on your own. 

We take “rest days” on our vacation. A day for everyone to catch some sleep and get rejuvenated for the rest of the trip. I use this morning to go out for sunrise. 

2. If others want to come along, let them know your plans and tell them it’s important to you to stick to that plan. 

I wanted to go to a bird sanctuary to take photos. I got up at 6am, had some coffee, and people started rolling out of bed at 8. Didn’t get there until 10am, but by that point, it was no longer adequate for photos. Needless to say, I was irritated that everyone was terribly inconsiderate.  Later I realized my expectations of a morning out taking bird photographs is much different than your average person. Let them know that you will be leaving at a certain time and  what your plan is and that they are more than welcome to “tagalong”.  They could even meet you out there later in the morning.

3. Learn to accept snapshots as part of photography.

No, it’s not technically a photograph, but you will be much happier that you captured those great memories without sacrificing time with loved ones.  Think about what lens is the easiest to take snapshots. A lot of folks like the 35mm and 50mm for snapshots for exactly this reason. They also don’t distort quite as much as 28mm and wider, allowing more portrait type shots and not worrying about weird, curved lines when/if you crop or the camera wasn’t perfectly straight.

4. Plan!

This doesn’t just mean plan all your shots at the start of the trip. This also means if you see something, is it possible to come back and get a better shot when you aren’t holding back the fam/vacation. I also used another idea where we ate in areas of great shots. It gave us something to do while waiting for our reservation/table. Taking photos of fam and birds having drinks on the beach, at the outdoor area etc. I have a couple great snapshots of us sitting and waiting with some cool shots of birds etc that came up to use. 

5. Final thoughts

One of the topics that has come up in recent years is a phenomenon where folks are no longer creating memories because they spent so much time behind a camera/phone. They record everything, but neglect to actually watch or experience the event.  They are missing out on really great stuff. Instead, set up your camera to record without a need to hold or watch it. At other times, consider just putting it down completely and enjoy the moment. 

On vacation you do what makes you happy.  For me, bring the camera to capture the memories.  

When I'm by myself, I'll take my big camera with me.  When out with family, it's my small mirrorless or my iPhone.  My husband is pretty understanding and knows how important photography is to me.