Cameras and the X-Chromosome

Just about everytime I'm out with the girlfriend, she needs to take pictures. I don't quite understand it. And I'm not alone.

The last time I went to the beach, the girls present were more concerned with who brought the camera than the lack of sunblock (much to the chagrin of my skin). Chances are, most gatherings or outings involving members of both genders fall along the same path sooner rather than later.

Nice restaurant. Ooo take a picture!

Fancy car. Picture picture!

Random friend showing up. Eh, take a picture!

New dress. Oh my god, picture!

And so on and so forth. Usually accompanied by uncontrollable giggling and fidgeting with the females in question doing their best to put up their best demure smile while talking at the same time. The guys, of course, are standing aside and looking at each other going "Eh?"

'Cept the one guy who has to play cameraman for a time.

Following which the girls in frame would grab the still-clicking camera from the stunned male and relegate him to insignificant fodder while they pore over the digital image, debating with each other on the apparent girth that the appliance has added to their waists and appendages.

The girls of course must take photos of everyone present. A group shot, couple shot, random trio shot, and more. It's as if they're going to war armed with a broomstick and a horn and the girls might just never see them again. I'd hate to break it to you, girls, but you can actually see pictures of people you know within 5 minutes of wanting to nowadays...

Ever see guys act the same way? Stumbling over each other to grab a camera?

No, not really. I've known one or two who like taking discreet shots of unsuspecting girls, especially the barely-clothed ones, but not much else. What drives girls to such ecstatic throes of picture-taking?

The first impulse, of course, would be vanity. Most would agree, I think. Girls like looking at themselves. Heck, guys like looking at girls too.

"Did you see the new photo uploaded yesterday?"

"Yes! Oh my God! Those jeans are so..."

"Exactly!"

No, you don't hear males talking like that.

Is there another reason? Insecurity on the part of the girls (or nonchalance/indifference from the guys)? Surely there is a reason for the usually reasonable females to pursue the taking of new pictures with such a passion that is almost holy.

Well, I guess it's just another part of the female psyche that us guys will never understand. Until then, I'll be making sure my Nokia still has some free memory for the inevitable new shot that's coming soon.