Alright before we dive deep into this topic I want you to do one thing for me.
Close your eyes...
Breathe in deeply...
Hold for five seconds...
Now breathe out for another five...
Open your eyes and look at what's in front of you and in the current space your in....
Now what happened in those short couple of seconds? You got into your body right? Now why is this relevant to the topic at hand or even to photography? Actually it's got everything to do with it. Your body has to be in tuned with the moment. Having the awareness of seeing a moment worth taking a picture.
If all you do is spray and pray then I feel bad about all the hours you'll have to spend in front of your computer searching for the right image. In the end all you needed was to relax and focus on the best moment as you press the shutter.
“How Did The Masters Do Before You?”
Remember the days of film? Most don't. Especially with new cameras coming out almost every 6 months to a year. But the beauty of film cameras was not just it's analog look and feel but in the limitations of how many frames you can take.Creating a different approach to the art.
With a roll of 12 to 24 frames you bet that photographer will think and cherish every shot before they are quick to snap a photo. Taking your time in today's fast paced world may seen like your lazy but in reality your patience allows you the time to fully soak in the moment. Then when your fully there and aware you press the button and click...
You can get all the fancy high speed stuff and shoot over 20 frames per second if you like but the truth is no technology will ever beat what's within that head of yours. Developing skills beyond all the tech and gear will make you stand out as a unique individual. But that takes practice. Inside first then showing it to the world going out. Then when it has been cultivated enough, you'll be able to naturally show the lessons learned from staying quiet in your mind while still performing at a professional level.
When your on the job or shooting for the fun of it, asking yourself the fundamental questions of what you intend to bring out is a great way to set the mood for being aware of the present moment. Personally I always strive to see any work I do as a story.
Since photography can only capture a single moment in time It's my job as the photographer to show the highlights through the unfolding of time. How do you process all that is appearing in front of you? Figure out the relationship between you and your subject. How they communicate with you both verbally and non verbally. Between the clicking of the shutter.
“Step Into The Moment's Role”
We also have the power to influence the unfolding of a moment. As it reveals itself. Sometimes I have work where I allow things to happen the way they do. While others I influence the moment myself. Shifting between the observer and the director of events. Only after having many experiences in the two did I come to realize that nothing can be totally of my own making.
Everybody acts the way they do and you only have so much control. Making it into a collaboration. Never having total control leaves room for others to express and live the moment. That's where the real magic happens!
A proper plan is always a good thing when going out to shoot but leaving some wiggle room for creativity will definitely ease off a tense situation. Be prepared for things not to happen according to plan. Believe me, that tends to happen quite often in the world of people and events.
Coming in with a clear mind will make you all the more ready for moments that will test your patience and your skills. It's best to come in the moment with all the focus you have. A lot of beginners question if the work they are doing is any good or not. Leave those thoughts for after the shoot. Right now your here. So make sure your open to receive whatever comes your way.
Developing your sense of awareness is a skill like any other. In time like any master once they can express themselves with their medium of art, in a way that seems effortless then you know your on the right path.
Show the world an example of a clear and focused mind. Take the time to find the quiet in yourself. Then use the inner skills acquired and show the rest of the world what a clear mind can see and do.
Keep Snappin'!
Chris from MKMI Photo