Here’s how you can apply mindfulness to your photography:
1. Be all there when you’re taking photos. Completely focus on what you are photographing, what you are trying to say, and what your story is. Engage with your subject, and forget about everything else. Most of the time this happens naturally when you love what you’re taking photos of. Which takes me to my second point…
2. Take photos that you enjoy creating. Don’t worry about what you’re supposed to take photos of, or what you think others will like. Just go with your gut and trust your feelings. Have fun taking photos.
3. Take your time. Don’t rush taking your photos - no matter whether you’re just photographing some flowers, or are working on a story over a few days. Don’t let people walking past irritate you for example. Just do your thing and concentrate on it.
4. Take someone with you who’s just as passionate about photography as you are. It’s so much more fun going out and shooting with someone you can relate to, someone who you can talk to about photography, and even other topics you share an interest in. You’ll also feel more comfortable taking photos - that’s why the Photo Brunch is so great. You get to meet like-minded people, share your thoughts on photography, and explore London together - taking photos will feel more comfortable and natural, and you get to take your time.
There’s one spot left if you want to come along on 29 March.
What are your thoughts on mindfulness, especially when applying it to photography? Do you have any tips to add?
Hi Helena,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I want you to know that I LOVE your blog! And your philosophy about story and mindfulness. It's like we are soul sisters! (Actually I am old enough to be your mother so perhaps I should adjust that to 'soul family' !?!).
To me story is everything (my husband thinks I should have had 'story' as my middle name!
All my life I have used the power of story in all that I do... in my profession - I am a retired teacher-librarian and in my personal life - I am sailing around the world with my husband in our sailboat and I am recording it in both still photos and movie clips. When back in Canada we have been asked to present to various groups interested in our adventures and, of course, story plays a huge role in all of that!
To me mindfulness is an essential component of all that I do. In my photography it is as though I am part of the photo... part of the story. My presence is an essential ingredient of the story which is being captured. My photos are not just a picture of a disinterested bystander rather I attempt to focus and often have to refocus or find a different perspective on the subject at hand to record the moment...I hope that doesn't sound too ethereal.
Thank you so much for bringing mindfulness and story to our photography discussions.
Take care
Cathy
Oh, thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts, Cathy! I loved reading this - I totally agree that telling a story is so important, and combined with mindfulness it's really powerful.
DeleteIt's great to hear that you're passionate about both as well - that's why connecting online can be so inspiring!
All the best with your travels, sounds super exciting!
P.S. I oh so wish I lived in London to be able to join your Photo Brunch!! Maybe sometime when I am visiting...?
ReplyDeleteCathy
Don't I wish I could hop right over to London to sit in on your brunch. Coming to Maine anytime soon?!! I guess I will just have to enjoy your blog for now.
ReplyDeleteKaren
Thank you, Karen! (No plans to come to Maine at the moment, sorry!)
DeleteSuch great tips, will deffinatly use the tips‼
ReplyDeleteTie dye disaster
I need a photographer friend! I loved that tip best.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I'm often struggling with is taking photos in public. I don't know why, because often people around doesn't even notice it, they are probably busy thinking about themselves. But it's like I become shy as soon as I take out my camera from my bag. Do you have any tips on how to become more confident about my photographing?
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, great tips. Photographer friends are the best.
I know what you mean, Maria! I used to feel this way all the time. What has helped me overcome this shyness is practise. The more you do it the easier it becomes, and the less awkward you'll feel. After a while you just won't care anymore. You just do your thing, and keep reminding yourself that it doesn't matter what everyone else around you is thinking. Just focus on yourself. To start with it can help to go out with a friend, or take photos with a group of people. It will help you to become more confident with what you do.
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