The Five Ways of Contemplative Photography: Part Three

3.  With the Eyes of the Poet

   When you approach your world in this way, with the eyes of the poet, you bask in the lyrical qualities of nature.  The metaphors are paramount.  Nothing is as it seems but everything stands in for other qualities and characteristics.

   The curving, undulating path that journeys through shadow and light can represent life.  To another, the non-poet, it may be simply a way of progressing through the landscape and staying on it is important otherwise, why is it there?  The poet knows beyond mere knowing.

   Some people, and hence, some photographers, seem to have a natural tendency to this way of being.  I know that it is a way I've looked at the world all my life as soon as I learned the concepts of analogy and metaphor.

   For the poetic contemplative photographer, the journal is as essential as the camera.  The poet is inspired by words and their relationship to the visual image.  Reading poetry is a great way to focus attention and quiet the mind.

   It is a vital practice for me as a contemplative photographer, this metaphorical thing.  Although I make no claims to being a literal poet, I would confidently claim the eyes of a poet.

Footnote:  Today is the second anniversary of the start of A Photographic Sage!  This has been such an amazing journey for me and I hope you have enjoyed the odyssey as well.