PhotoTao Card #46 - Three Treasures

Three Treasures

The sage has three treasures: simplicity

patience and compassion.  Go slowly,

enjoying every step.

- Exercise -

A contemplative photographer has four

treasures.  She practices the Four Be's everyday...

Be Still, Be Present, Be Patient and Be Persistent.

These are all she needs to create meaningful and 

poignant images.  She quiets her mind, she focuses

on only what is in front of her, she waits for the

landscape to invite her in, and she returns as often

as necessary until the conversation is over.

   My whole philosophy of contemplative photography can be summed up in those 8 words. If I did nothing else, if I could just practice those 4 concepts every time I journey out into the world with my camera, I would consider myself successful...even if I never made a single photograph.

    My journey as a contemplative photographer has been enhanced by my study of the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism.

    You can read (or re-read) the Characteristics of a Photographic Sage - from which I derive this blog's name - my clicking on this link.  Of course, this is my own invention and play on words and concepts.

    If I could give you all one gift it would be that you will always approach the world you photograph with stillness, presence, patience and persistence.  You will always receive the images you need.