I’m a bit sad this morning, because I finished a good book, Tao of Photography: Seeing Beyond Seeing
The book equated what the authors call “conscious camerawork” with the principles of the Taoist philosophies of Chuang-Tzu. While I have not studied these principles before, I have found that my approach to photography fits much of what they describe: Photography as a way to be more conscious in the world; a way to be in the moment, even a form of meditation.
I’ve thought of photography as meditation before. I’ve tried traditional meditation once or twice, attempted to sit and clear my mind of thoughts, but did not have much success. Yet when I am in the moment with my camera, my mind is clear. My presence is wholly there. I see things differently. Ordinary can become extraordinary.
Case in point, this image showing the detail of a painted newspaper box contrasted with a tile wall. It took working the scene with my camera to notice the details of the handpainting. To see the contrast of the color, the lines and the textures. A moment of meditation, finding an amazing detail in the every day world. How had I not seen this before? I had walked by here many times.
For me, photography is more about process than end result. I hesitate to admit the number of photos I take and don’t review. Or if I review, I don’t edit. Why? Because I got what I needed from the process at the time of capture. A brief moment of intentional consciousness, provided by the process of photography. That I get some wonderful images out of that process is a huge bonus, but not always the goal.
Tao of Photography
Shocking as it may sound at first, the art of living and the meaning of life both lie in the sheer experience of beingness, and can be reached by simply allowing oneself to be and to relax into the ceaseless process of life. When a photographer comes to experience the intrinsic existential richness and beauty of life by practicing conscious camerawork, the goals of achieving artistic “perfection” and “immortality” may lose some of their appeal.
Maybe this is part of what I’m looking for with the photo-heart connection. It’s not about the end result, a perfect image, but the way I feel all the way through.
What about you? Is photography about process or end result for you?
Your post really resonated with me, Kat. As you probably know, being in the here and now is my goal, and I find photography helps me get there. I spent most of yesterday with my camera enjoying the snow in the mountains. I felt so connected to the place and so happyI Photography is such a gift.
The book sounds like a good read. Love, love,love the image!
That sounds like a heavenly day Gina! I agree with you, photography is a wonderful gift.
Kat,
I will have to add that book to my Amazon wish list! I, too, think of my photography time as meditation – that time when it is just me and my camera, “seeing” in that special way. For me, the post-processing is also a special part of the process as I can “get lost” in the editing just like I do the image-making.
Wonderful abstract image!
How very cool that both parts of the process – the photographing and the editing – give you a meditative feel. I sometimes get lost in post-processing, but often feel like I should be getting something “done.” Maybe I just need to look at it a different way!
I know this may sound selfish, but I treasure the time with just me and my camera. Photography has never failed to relax me. Photography has made me more aware of the world of nature and it’s beauty. So yes, I would say I find the process of photography to be the most satisfying. Love your post and that is such a great paper box!!
I don’t think it’s selfish at all, Cathy. We all need time to ourselves, and what a great way to spend it – with your camera!
Kat,
Lately I have been more into the process of photography as you mentioned in your post. I fully understand that meditative quality about taking photos. Recently I told someone at work that I often get into “the zone” when I’m taking photos.
I’d like to be able to enjoy that end result a bit more. Our photo club had a juried exhibit recently, and I learned a lot about what goes into a good photo. This also reminded me that it is all so so subjective! Each judge looks at those photos from their own experience, likes, and skill. It stimulated me to think about entering a contest in the area this spring, which I plan to do.
There are a handful of photographers in the group who enter one contest after another….and I wonder if they ever get into that “zone” when they are out taking photos.
For me, that meditative part of photography will always be the thing that draws me back.
I think when you can enjoy the process, and get a good result, it’s the perfect kind of harmony. If it wins a photo contest too, that’s just icing on the cake. Both the practice and the appreciation of art are so subjective. To some, getting the perfect image may be the whole motivation.
I love this post Kat, it so goes with my philosophy of life and how I try to live it.
The present moment is the only one there is and how we live the moment is our choice.
I love the image you have included. I love the contrast of designs and colour.
Taking photos with consciousness sounds perfect.
I find that I am conscious when I am in nature and become part of it both outside and inside.
The book: “The Tao of Photography” sounds like a lovely birthday present, so I’ll know what to say if someone asks!
Have a lovely day.
Sandra
Thank you so much for your words and image this morning…Your photo is gorgeous and The Tao of Photography sounds like a wonderful read….I’m heading over to Amazon right now to place my order!! 🙂 The quote from the book is right on-loved it!
Enjoy the book! I’d like to hear what you thought after you’ve read it.
I must take more time to read through texts with more consciousness! I didn’t answer the question you asked us at the end of your text: “Is photography about process or end result for me?
If I’m completely honest, it’s a bit of both. When I’m in the act of capturing something with my camera, I’m completely in the moment and taken by the subject. So when I’m in the process, nothing else exists. However, when I’m in the process of transferring my photos to the computer, I’m there too, but also with anticipation of seeing, in more detail, the end result. Yet, finally, when I am doing each process of all of this, I am totally present. So I guess it is linked.
Doing anything can be an act of presence, even peeling carrots or doing the washing-up. The end result is the consequence of the process in hand.
“Anything can be an act of presence” – so, so true Sandra! Thanks for that reminder today.
My friend Kat taught me to say….”great contrasting colors” in your image, not to mention the contrasts in texture and strength of color.
Nearly every post you write I wish I lived in Oregon and could visit you. I love how your mind thinks and what you write helps me idenitfy random thoughts rolling ’round in my brain. I’ve also started allowing myself a little reading time in the morning. It is so superior to my nightly reading that includes “cat” interruptions and my face falling into the book as my eyes close. I’ve not yet read anything substitive, just embracing the me time. This book you mention sounds very thought provoking.
I know I enjoy the process of taking photos-and have grown to realize if I don’t do something creative-either taking, processing, blogging with photos every day, I get crabby. It is something we need.
Have a great weekend Kat. As always, thanks for your inspiration.
Thanks Susan! So glad you have started to try morning reading. I find it so much better to read thought-provoking material like this when I’m awake, alert and alone. Mornings are my time for that too!
Oh my Kat, I’m learning so much this week. Wabi-Sabi and now Tao! I totally agree with you regarding meditation. Photography is true meditation for me. I can get lost for hours photographing and the same with post processing. And I also love the end result! But if I would have to pick one that truly brings out the meditative state it would certainly be capturing the image. Great post!
I really related to this: “For me, photography is more about process than end result. I hesitate to admit the number of photos I take and don’t review. Or if I review, I don’t edit.” Ohmygosh, that sounds like me. I have learned how rewarding (and just plain fun) it is to put something out there to share with others. But I still have trouble actually doing it!
I’ll have to add this book to my need-to-read list. It sounds like a good one.
I’m glad to know that I’m not alone with capturing and not always editing! 🙂
Wonderful post, Kat.
I always enjoyed taking pictures. But when I first started photography it was more about the end result. I just wanted to take certain kind of photographs and I envisioned they would look certain way at the end. It was also more about documenting places and events. My pictures were the snapshots that I liked to take but I didn’t particularly care about them. But at some point I realized I don’t really connect with my pictures. So I began carrying a camera with me all the time and started looking at things differently. I became more observant of ordinary things and more appreciative of the world around me. It became of more about the process. Of course I still get hung up with the end result when I go through images and get upset when they don’t look the way I though they would. But I’m learning to let go and value the process more and more. one image at a time…
Thanks so much for your comment Esra! I hadn’t thought about the fact that consciousness may help our connection to an image. A great point for the photo-heart connection! I like reading that you “learning to let go and value the process more and more.” I’m doing the same!
It’s all about the process for me. I shoot in RAW for the most part. I love post process even if it takes a while. And yes, I guess it really IS a meditation of sorts!
Yay Larraine! It’s great to see how many of us feel this way.
I’ve had this book on my bookshelf for almost a year now and haven’t read a word of it. I’ll have to remedy that!
At the moment I’m having a hard time figuring out if my photography is about the process or the end result. I love the process and I do see things in a different way when I’m looking through a lens, but I often have projects associated with my photography. I can’t really remember when I’ve taken a picture just for the enjoyment of it, so it must be the end result that drives me, right? Although I get great pleasure in finishing a photographic project, so maybe the journey to my end result is my process.
I love reading your blog, Kat, and I’m only sorry that it’s taken me so long to comment. I really enjoy the conversations you start with your writing.
Samantha, I’m so glad you are here! I guess it’s just time… time for you to join in the conversation and time for you to read the book on your shelf! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on process vs end result. There are so many of us “process” folks in the discussion it’s nice to hear from someone who enjoys the “end result” as much!