Posts

How I Discovered, Through Photography, My Own Way of Seeing the World

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For a long time, I didn’t think of the way I relate to the world as something personal. I didn’t call it a way of seeing. I didn’t call it a quality. It was simply how I moved through things. And how things reached me. Photography came into my life later, in 2015. At the beginning, I thought photography was about learning to look better. Sharper. More accurately. I focused on technique, composition, light, timing. All the usual things you can name, practice, improve. And then, at some point, without trying to, I started recognizing myself in the images I was making. Not as an idea. More like a familiar feeling that kept returning. I’m drawn to small things. Ordinary things. A branch. A detail in nature you could easily pass by. Nothing spectacular. Nothing meant to impress. Empty spaces that still feel inhabited. Ordinary moments that seem quiet at first, but reveal something if you stay with them long enough. Something is definitely already there, something that delights me. A subtle ...

My Thoughts on Non-Tension and Inner-Struggle: A Mindful Perspective

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  There’s something powerful hidden in the tension just before a storm—a moment where the world seems to hold its breath, caught between what was and what will be. But this storm isn’t always external; often, it reflects an inner conflict, a struggle that brews within us, mirroring the turbulence of nature. Another facet reveals itself—a subtle, hidden beauty that emerges only in these moments of contrast. This beauty, just beneath the surface of the perceived world, speaks to me of the quiet truths that are felt more than seen. Yet, when the inner storm arises—when tension and conflict stir within us—it’s easy to become engulfed by it, to follow the storm’s path into a state of turmoil. But what if the key to discovering this hidden beauty lies not in chasing the storm or confronting it head-on, but in choosing to step back, to find stillness amidst the chaos? From my experience, true clarity and peace are found not by moving through the storm, but by finding the strength to pause...

Exploring Balance: The Art and Benefits of Mindful Photography

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  In the quiet moments of mindful photography, where being present intersects with capturing the external world through the lens, a profound dance unfolds. In this space, certain elements in the external world becomes a potential subject, each carrying an attractive energy that calls my attention. As I focus on these details, I find not only the world around me coming into sharper relief but also the training of my own focus, both outward and inward. Over the years of practicing this art form, I've honed my ability to shift focus seamlessly from the external to the internal landscape, and vice versa. Amidst the whirlwind of thoughts and sometimes intense emotions, I've observed a remarkable transformation. Initially, these internal energies seemed to destabilize me, threatening to overwhelm my senses. However, with dedication and practice, I've learned to navigate this inner terrain with grace. The key lies in the balance – the ability to anchor oneself in the present momen...

Pleasure Points: A Guide to Mindful Photography and Living

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In the realm of mindful photography, the concept of a "pleasure point" serves as a guiding light amidst life's myriad experiences. But what exactly is a pleasure point, and why should we care? How can we navigate life based on these points while remaining open to all that life brings, not just the pleasurable moments? A pleasure point is that sweet spot where our senses, emotions, and awareness intersect to create a moment of pure joy and contentment. It could be the warmth of sunlight filtering through autumn leaves, the laughter of loved ones gathered around a table, or the serene beauty of a quiet morning by the ocean. These moments are not just fleeting bursts of happiness; they are anchors of authenticity that remind us of what truly matters in life. But why should we care about pleasure points? In this modern life, it's easy to overlook the simple pleasures that surround us. Yet, these moments of joy are essential for our well-being. They replenish our spirit, ...

The Silent Power of Mindful Photography

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In the realm of mindful photography, we discover in time that "Looking is a gift, but seeing is a power", as Jeff Berner beautifully said it. This profound insight encapsulates the essence of our exploration into silent concentration through the lens. Beyond capturing images, it's about unlocking the transformative power of truly seeing. Present Moment Awareness: Mindful photography encourages us to go beyond mere looking. It prompts us to be fully present, observing and appreciating the nuances of our inner and outer surroundings. The act of seeing transforms a simple gaze into a powerful, concentrated experience. Observation and Perception: Through the lens, we delve into the intricacies of details, textures, colors, and compositions (qualities that both the emotional aspects of our inner universe and the elements of the surrounding world can have). This heightened perception becomes a silent concentration exercise, inviting us to see the world with a clarity that exten...

Embracing the Full Artistic Spectrum: from Air to Earth

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  As an artist navigating the material world, I often feel like a seal transitioning between two realms—the fluidity of water and the solidity of land. Much like the seal emerges to bask in the sun before plunging back into the unknown ocean depths, I find myself oscillating between the airy realm of heart, lofty ideals, and creativity, and the solid ground where movement feels more deliberate and, at times, challenging. Just as the seal glides effortlessly through the water, covered in its glossy sheen, I, too, move more fluidly in the realm of ideas, ideals, creativity, contemplation, and pure sensory experience. Yet, an innate calling beckons me to anchor myself in the earthly soil, to establish roots that delve deep into the nurturing embrace of Mother Earth, a source that knows exactly what I need to feel complete. Despite the comfort and natural movement I experience in the airy realm of artistic expression, there's an undeniable pull to immerse myself in the earth. It's ...