Be Mindful
Mindful observation transcends the mere act of seeing. It's about deeply experiencing the world through your senses and consciousness on a path to finding good photographs.
Start by heightening your awareness of your surroundings. This means consciously tuning into the details around you. Notice the play of light and shadow, the textures, the shapes and forms that make up what you see. It's about seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Pay special attention to how light interacts with your subjects. See how it creates depth, mood, and atmosphere. Observe the quality of light at different times of the day and how it changes the character of subjects. Similarly, observe shadows and how they define and complement the light, adding balance to compositions.
What is your emotional response to the subject? Mindful observation is not just about what you see, but also about what you feel.
Be patient and be present in the moment. Wait for the right elements to align for the perfect shot. This practice will transform photography from a pursuit of capturing images to a meditative and introspective process. This is required.
Consider keeping a journal of what you notice, feel, and think during your photographic excursions. This can deepen your practice of mindful observation.
Becoming more mindful about your photography means decreasing your concern for the technical aspects of making photographs. If you begin travels with the only intention of making photographs you will struggle, worrying about technique, style, and output.
Surrender to observing. The photographs will appear.
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