Contemplative Photography
Miksang, meaning “Good Eye” in Tibetan, helps practitioners to see the world as it is, in the absence of the narratives, concepts and personal preferences usually superimposed by the mind. You are invited to discover a playful path to mindfulness through photography.
Contemplative photography also offers a creative way to perceive the world with greater depth. It is not just about "capturing an image", it is about having an experience of the visual world before creating a story or narrative about it. All that is required is our full attention and a willingness to slow down. Together we will learn the art of composing ourselves before we compose an image. This is a calming and restorative practice that can also makes us better photographers.
Each class will include photographic explorations, sample images for each week’s content and review of student images and discussion. Feedback is both compassionate and highly individualized. We will also examine and discuss photographers and artists whose work is directly influenced by contemplative practices.
The optional text for the course is Looking at Seeing: Nalanda Miksang Contemplative Photography by John McQuade and Miriam Hall, which is available on Amazon.com as a paperback or e-book.
No photography experience is necessary! Just use whatever camera you have available, including your cell phone.