This majestic maple tree stands in a park near where I live. I usually like to photograph it in the autumn when its leaves turn golden. However, recently I was strolling through the park and noticed the sun shining brightly through the maple's topmost branches, creating a powerful reminder that the height of summer can be a time of hope and strength.
As I grow older and become more aware of my mortality, I'm increasingly drawn to things that bear the marks of time such as this old weathered fence that I came across recently. It's comforting to discover that there is often great beauty and even strength to be found in the natural process of ageing.
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I came across this weathered wall at an old abandoned house not far from where I live and was taken with the scaly pattern formed by the peeling paint, which vividly shows the ravages of time. Over the years, the owners have let the large property gradually fall into a state of disrepair. It probably won't be long before the house gets torn down, so I plan to return with my camera to continue exploring the unexpected beauty that so often accompanies neglect and decay.
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Recently I was standing on our balcony enjoying the spring sunshine when I happened to look down and notice these delicate shadows cast on the concrete patio below. I of course went inside the house right away to get my camera. Something I've learned from photographing close to home is that there are always new visual discoveries to be made even in your own backyard.
I never get tired of photographing the weathered stone walls in our neighbourhood. Every time I look at them, I see new abstract designs and patterns created by their talented builders. However, I was drawn to this natural stone wall mainly because of its earthy colours, which are the result of Mother Nature's artistry.
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I walk past this house on my street almost every day and seldom pay any attention to it. However, this time I decided to take a closer look and noticed these fanciful railing shadows cast on the front steps. Reminder to self: don't let things become so familiar that you stop seeing them.
I'm always on the lookout for worthwhile books on photography. One that I've just read and really enjoyed is The Little Book of Contemplative Photography by Howard Zehr. The author is probably best known for his work promoting restorative justice. However, he is also an experienced photographer. Zehr discusses a number of topics covered in other books on contemplative photography such as the value of slowing down, practicing mindfulness and exploring the ordinary, plus he suggests practical photographic exercises for the reader. However, what I find special about this concise book is the depth of philosophical and spiritual insight that it provides. It is much more than just another "how to" manual on photography.
This English ivy vine grows along our back fence, and I have photographed it many times. This closeup image is one of my favourites. Not only does it highlight the beauty of the bright green leaves, but it also evokes a sense of mystery.
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Some of the most interesting abstract art isn't hanging in galleries, but rather it is waiting to be discovered in the world around us. For instance, during a recent outing, I decided to pause and have a closer look at peeling paint on the surface of an old metal lamp post. When I went to photograph what I saw, an intriguing abstract design took shape in the viewfinder of my camera.
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When something catches my attention while I'm strolling around with my camera, I often become so immersed in the present moment that it seems as if the flow of time has stopped altogether. This feeling came over me recently when I happened to look up and was struck by the beauty of these glowing autumn leaves still clinging to the branches of a maple tree.
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When autumn arrives, this dogwood tree that grows in our front yard undergoes a complete transformation as its long, elegant leaves slowly change from green to crimson. Every time I look at them, I'm reminded that I don't really have to venture far from home to enjoy nature's beauty.
Photo © John S. Mitchell 2024
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I always enjoy exploring back alleys with my camera. They are often home to hidden treasures like this old garage that I came across recently. No doubt its owner would like to have the building fixed up and freshly painted one day. However, I'm glad that for now it is being allowed to languish as there is beauty to be found everywhere, even in decay.
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Lately I've been taking along just one lens on photo walks, a 35mm f/1.8 prime lens, which is roughly the equivalent of a traditional 50mm standard lens with my crop sensor camera. Over the years, I've become somewhat addicted to zoom lenses that offer a range of focal lengths. However, I'm rediscovering that sticking to one focal length can have some real benefits. The 50mm standard or "normal" lens has a field of view similar to that of the human eye, plus it exhibits very little distortion. This makes framing and composition less complicated than with wide angle and telephoto lenses. Also, the wide maximum aperture allows for the use of lower ISO settings, and the shallow depth of field is helpful for blurring backgrounds. Perhaps best of all is that walking around with a single lens means fewer equipment-related decisions to make and more time for relaxed photographing.
What makes contemplative or mindful photography different from most conventional approaches? In trying to answer this question for myself, I've been compiling a list of what seem to me are the main prerequisites for exploring what has come to be known as contemplative photography. The list is a work in progress, and I hope to continue adding to it.
I've finally figured out how to set up an Instagram account, where I plan to post new images regularly. Please click on the montage below to go to my Instagram page.
Some images have stories to tell and lessons to teach. Others simply stop the mind in its tracks like a Zen koan. No words are necessary or perhaps even possible.
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I'm not usually a fan of boxy modern office buildings, but these playful reflections in a glass window caught my eye. Sometimes seeing things from a new perspective can make all the difference.
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I return often to this peaceful park not far from where I live. There is always something new to discover. This time I was greeted by these bright pink rhododendrons in full bloom, a sure sign of spring and the promise of renewal that it brings.
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There are a number of helpful books on contemplative photography. One that I can recommend is The Practice of Contemplative Photography by Andy Karr and Michael Wood. The book is written mainly from a Tibetan Buddhist perspective. However, the authors discuss qualities that are common to all types of contemplative photography. In addition, there are practical exercises, plenty of illustrative images, and quotes from celebrated photographers from the past such as such as Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Weston, and Henri Cartier-Bresson.
I always enjoy chasing shadows with my camera. They evoke a sense of mystery, plus they can offer surprising new ways of seeing the world around us.
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