Resonation can arise within us when we are resting in the space of openness and simple appreciation. This happens when we receive our perceptions and connect with them deeply. Resonance occurs when our being responds to what we have seen in a deep way, so that our body and mind are fully engaged; we have physical sensations, and our hearts open and we feel joy in the act of connecting. Resonation is an expression of our innate wisdom as it connects to our world. ~ Julie duBose
We feel resonance.
Wikipedia says that in physics, resonance is a phenomenon where a given system is affected by another vibrating system or by external forces and oscillates with greater amplitude at certain preferential frequencies.
The dictionary says that resonance is produced by sympathetic vibration, or frequencies that are close. To see this in action, watch this fascinating video of salt affected by different sound vibrations. Make sure your sound is turned down low, as the frequencies may hurt your ears.
Resonance feels like a vibration in our bodies. It invokes an association or strong emotion. It feels significant.
With regards to photography, we all respond to images or visual cues in the environment in different ways – depending on our own associated memories and experiences. Some perceptions resonate more than others. It’s a good exercise in self-awareness to notice what resonates with you. Pay attention to what you’re feeling.
With the image at the top of this post, I first noticed the red tree. It’s an unusual colour to find in springtime. The red stands out and it feels like passion. I photographed what stopped me – the red colour. As I moved in closer, I also appreciated how the red blended with the spring green and the blue sky. By using intentional camera movement, I placed the emphasis on the colours, rather than form, and the composition gives them each equal treatment. Even the movement suggests the resonant vibration between the three.
In the book, The Zen of Creativity, author John Daido Loori shares his teacher’s (Minor White) instructions for photography. I’ve adapted them below. Notice the emphasis on what you feel.
* Let your subject find you.
* Notice when you feel resonance, a sense of recognition. If, when you move away the resonance fades, or if it gets stronger as you approach, you’ll know you’ve found your subject.
* Sit with your subject and see if the resonance continues.
* Don’t try to make a photograph, but let your intuition indicate the right moment to release the shutter.
* If, after you’ve made an exposure, you feel a sense of completion, bow and let go of the subject and your connection to it.
* Otherwise, continue photographing until you feel the process is complete.
What does resonance feel like for you?
What an interesting experiment through through resonance and sand patterns.
I like how you worked on the red tree against the green and the blue of the sky. You created impression rather than form.