The A, B, C's of Contemplative Photography - Y

Y is for Yield (and also for Yearn and Yin & Yang and...)

To surrender, submit or relent

   One of the things I have learned over the years as I've pursued photography as a contemplative practice is that we approach the entire scope of the medium with a different mindset from traditional photographers.  

   We are totally alright with yielding control to the natural flow of energy that pervades the landscape.  We are not there to impose our will or "capture" the elements of the natural world we find there.   

   This is also true with the images we ultimately receive.  They are what they are and we don't reject them because they may not be "artsy".  We think more of the metaphor and meaning contained within than the equipment and technical considerations without.  Not that we don't want our photographs to be the best they can be but it is not our prime concern.

   Yielding to more profound considerations, we are at peace with our practice.  We may not win photographic awards for cutting edge imagery but we will gain insight into the workings of our heart.  That's an acceptable trade off in my mind.