The zen of photography

[FrankS]

Cool thread, man.

 

[oftheherd]

The only ZEN that you will experience while photographing, is the ZEN that you bring with you.

Russ

When I first read this, I thought it was some type of humerous put down. I guess I am just slow.

Now that I have read it several times, it is actually quite profound.

 

[Russ]

When I first read this, I thought it was some type of humerous put down. I guess I am just slow.

Now that I have read it several times, it is actually quite profound.

Yeah, It wasn't meant to be humorous. I have always combined Taoism and Zen, with my photography. Once we learn, and then let go of the technical crap, we are free to be in the moment. (at one with the essence of what is). The great works of art, are not made with the paint brush, or the camera lens. "They come from within"

Russ

ps. As you all very well know, I am always serious. There is no room for levity around here...

 

[MCTuomey]

That's my problem, Russ. I bring no za-zen, no Buddhist genuflection. I stumble, I wipe the grit from the midwestern knees of my worn jeans, I offer a sheepish half-smile, then I release the shutter. And I'm redeemed ...

 

[Russ]

That's my problem, Russ. I bring no za-zen, no Buddhist genuflection. I stumble, I wipe the grit from the midwestern knees of my worn jeans, I offer a sheepish half-smile, then I release the shutter. And I'm redeemed ...

MCTuomey

I beg to differ. Zen comes in many forms and shapes. It is not always recocnized, it just is. You may very well be bringing"buttloads" of Zen with you, as we say in the photographic Monastery.

Master Russ

 

[Russ]

Freeman Patterson's, Odysseys-Meditations and Thoughts For A Life's Journey.

Another very good one. Yikes I have way too many photo books...

Russ

 

[Kris]

Russ, that last photo of yours, it's brilliant! One of the best photos I've ever seen!

Now is there any way you can pass your combination of Zen and Taoism on to me?

 

[Huck Finn]

Kris, I agree. Isn't it something how photography has gotten me to see the beauty in the faces of old folks much more than the ideal that's held up in our "youth culture."

 

[Rick Waldroup]

When I was very young, I remember thinking that If I could only make a living doing what I love (photography), then I would be in heaven. Well, almost 30 years later of making a living doing architectural photography, sometimes you learn you have to be careful what you wish for. When you are busy trying to pay the bills, sometimes the fun and passion of photography takes a back seat. So when that happens, I put away the 4x5, grab a small rangefinder camera, usually with one lens, head downtown and spend the day by myself. I'll stop and eat lunch, maybe stop later at a bar and have a beer, and in general just try to unwind. Sometimes I come away with some good shots, sometimes not. But what I always come away with is a feeling of renewal. I hope this makes sense.

 

[Russ]

When I was very young, I remember thinking that If I could only make a living doing what I love (photography), then I would be in heaven. Well, almost 30 years later of making a living doing architectural photography, sometimes you learn you have to be careful what you wish for. When you are busy trying to pay the bills, sometimes the fun and passion of photography takes a back seat. So when that happens, I put away the 4x5, grab a small rangefinder camera, usually with one lens, head downtown and spend the day by myself. I'll stop and eat lunch, maybe stop later at a bar and have a beer, and in general just try to unwind. Sometimes I come away with some good shots, sometimes not. But what I always come away with is a feeling of renewal. I hope this makes sense.

It makes perfect sense. I do that on a regular basis. When the weather permits, I am prowling the streets of Portland, about three days a week. I discovered street shooting about fifteen years ago, in Los Angeles. Then moved to the Denver area (shooting isn't so good there) and now have found a cornucopia of photo ops in Portland, Oregon. Would like to hook kup with Jorge, for an outing. I'm buying the focusing fluid..

Russ