Sunday, October 27, 2013

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.

  

2 comments:

Mystic Meandering said...

I'm so glad I found your blog! I dabble in "contemplative photography", or what I also call "intuitive photography" myself and your blog is a goldmine! I will be back to read more! :) Christine

Patricia Turner said...

Thank Christine! I hope you enjoy "meandering" through the archive!