Who amongst you get zoned?

[FrankS]

When I am photographing uninterrupted for several minutes, I get into a particular state of mind where I seem to lose my consciousness (self-awareness) and get into a zone, oblivious of time, responsibilities, worries, etc. In my limited understanding of Zen and meditation, this is like "losing oneself in the moment". This can be a problem if I'm with others who are non-photographers (like my family) because I lose track of time and my responsibility to those others.

My question is: How common is this among other photographers? Does this sound familiar to you or or just airy-fairy?

 

[BrianShaw]

Borderline airy-fairy... but I'll bite.

Getting into the zone is a common occurance with me, when photographing and when doing other activities. In fact, without the zone some activities simply take too much effort and don't come out so good. The zone is a good place to be but can be unpredictable in that it sometimes can't be force -- it either happens or it don't.

 

[dcsang]

Hmm... I wouldn't say I get "lost".. but there are definite "times" when I "feel' photography. (I really have got to stop using those quotes... sheesh)

I rarely ever think that I'm definitely going to photograph something today but I get into moods where I know that there is a need for me to photograph something. I feel creative juices flowing (or maybe that's just me getting old and in need of Depends Undergarments) and I have a desire to shoot particular subjects.

There are also times when I go out and I'm with a lot of photographers and I feel absolutely zip.
I don't want to shoot, have no desire to shoot, and usually end up shooting 2-3 frames max.

For me, I get the feeling only when I'm alone. I rarely enjoy photographing in a large group but I do enjoy the camraderie that comes with a photographers gathering or group outing.

Cheers
Dave

 

[kbg32]

All the time Frank, all the time.......

 

[BrianShaw]

I rarely ever think that I'm definitely going to photograph something today but I get into moods where I know that there is a need for me to photograph something. I feel creative juices flowing...

That's "the Zone": much better stated than I said it.

 

[FrankS]

For me, I get the feeling only when I'm alone. I rarely enjoy photographing in a large group but I do enjoy the camraderie that comes with a photographers gathering or group outing.


Same here. That's why I enjoy being alone while photographing. A group, even a group of photographers, distracts me from "the groove". It's easier and more fun to be social, but that, for me, is counter-productive to photography.

 

[BrianShaw]

(or maybe that's just me getting old and in need of Depends Undergarments)

That's a shame... a real shame.

 

[back alley]

i get zoned occasionally, but i do it responsibly and only at home.

i like how music sounds when i'm zoned, so clear and crystal like, man...

🙂

 

[BrianShaw]

and to keep your thread from being banished... so, Frank... is it easier to get into the zone using a RF camera than with a SLR?

 

[FrankS]

Now, do you think more Canadians or more Americans .....

Just kidding Joe! This is tame. Enjoy your evening!

 

[Stephanie Brim]

When I first started doing web design years ago in my teens, I got this way. I lost track of time while writing all that HTML/CSS, doing Photoshop manipulation, drawing in Illustrator, etc. I started at well before sundown and ended sometime around sunup most of the time without really intending to. Photography has a similar, but not so drastic, effect on me, as does cooking. I think you can say the same thing for a lot of your favorite activities. I really love developing film, too...and tend to spend a lot of time doing it when I can.

 

[BrianShaw]

Now, do you think more Canadians or more Americans .....

Just kidding Joe! This is tame. Enjoy your evening!

eh ?

 

[FrankS]

Brian 🙂 Actually I think it is easier to get zoned with RF than with SLRs. Here's why: using a RF is more conceptual - you don't see exactly what the final image will look like from a ground glass, you have to think about DOF. An SLR spends more time up to my eye and I look around through it to find a picture - it's very literal. With a RF, it mainly comes to my eye only to take a picture, or sometimes to check with the framelines if my conceptualized composition actually "works".

How's that? 🙂

 

[BrianShaw]

How's that? 🙂

Another of Frank's titilating discussions saved from banishment by the evil mods. My job is done here. Good evening , folks, my dinner awaits me!

 

[raid]

Frank: I have "been there" many times.

Raid

 

[FrankS]

Thank you Brian (you super hero, you).

Raid, this happens to me almost all the time. If it doesn't I know it's not a good day for photography for me. I do need to be alone and uninterrupted for this.

 

[jano]

Hmm.. I get into a "zone" only when with other photographers. I find I take better pictures with a group. Maybe I'm feeding off their abilities, or perhaps a bit of competitive spirit *shrug*

 

[FrankS]

That's okay, Jano! Everyone has a different style. Difference is good. It's how evolution works.

(sorry Joe)

 

[Rafael]

When I am photographing uninterrupted for several minutes, I get into a particular state of mind where I seem to lose my consciousness (self-awareness) and get into a zone, oblivious of time, responsibilities, worries, etc.

I don't know whether I am agreeing or disagreeing with you Frank. I sometimes get into a bit of a zone when I am out taking photographs. But for me, that zone is one of heightened awareness, not diminished consciousness. I hear the conversations and see the interactions around me more clearly. And I am better able to anticipate good photographic opportunities. Are we talking about the same thing?

 

[FrankS]

Rafael, I totally agree with you. Heightened awareness of external stimuli (esp. visual) and a forgetting of oneself and ones issues. I think we are agreeing!