Essence of Wood

I used to photograph as a form of self-expression. And yes, photographs often reflect the photographer’s tastes and likes.

Later, I photographed as a way of connecting to the world around me, as a way of being more present and aware, of seeing beauty, especially in the every day.

Some of us photograph as a way to earn a living. We hope that by honing our photographic skills and being patient and persistent we will create works of art that others will love too (and perhaps even buy).

Today, photography is a practice that teaches me how to be. 

When I experience a connection with something in the moment just as it is, it reveals something universal that resonates deep inside. It’s magical. It changes me and the way I see. It cracks me open and I see how everything (including me) belongs. It’s a way to continue learning and growing through my encounters.

That is why I photograph.

When John Cage was asked why he made music, he said,

Instead of self-expression, I’m involved in self-alteration. ~ Where the Heart Beats: John Cage, Zen Buddhism, and the Inner Life of the Artist by Kay Larson (paid link)

To alter ourselves and the way we experience life sometimes requires shocking our system out of entrenched ways of seeing. We begin to do this in my online workshop, Photo By Design, when we spend each week noticing one of the foundational aspects of design, beginning with light.

Here is what one participant wrote after that first week noticing light.

This was an exciting week for me. I feel like I am 12 with my first camera! On Friday am while swimming I noticed a lacy shimmering light pattern on the bottom of the pool. These observations must stimulate neural pathways in a widespread manner as I felt great all week.

Why do you photograph?