The Practice of Contemplative Photography

 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.

 

Freeman Patterson Film

I have been inspired by the work and philosophy of Canadian photographer Freeman Patterson ever since I came across his first book Photography for the Joy of It in the 1970s. He is now 85 years old and still very active. A new documentary film called The Universe is Unfolding as it Should has been made about Freeman's life. I watched it recently and found it to be very moving. You can view the film on CBC GEM if you sign up for a free subscription. There is also a short trailer here.