Practicing awareness is one of the best tools a photographer can have. When we're on the job, figuring out a multitude of tasks can be very difficult. Being preset and capturing the photograph that will get you the award, make the sell or surpass your personal best requires focus. Becoming calm and still may sound zen like and all but in reality it's one of the most important skills you can have not only in your business but in the grand scheme of your life.
Distractions are endless. In this world of ever increasing information it's important to develop of sense of how to keep your boat sailing high and wide in the midst of total chaos. If you want to become a better photographer then being in tune with your environment and your subjects goes beyond physical aesthetics. Photography just like any other art form appeals strongly to the emotions.
Awareness is not just seeing things but also being in control of how they are seen. Perception is the key to knowing when to shoot with an outcome in mind. Many moments pass daily so it's up to us to tune in and discover the jewels hidden in plain sight. Bringing them out to the surface. Let's dive into how we can recognize the magic moments when they arise and realize their greatest potential.
“Perception has this sentence read in an infinite number of ways.”
Now being aware takes work. Developing calm and focus is a skill that's developed like any other. But it's not some elusive thing only the gifted among us have. There are tangible practices that we can do daily in order in create our powers in perception. Making us better artists in tune with all that is around us. The practice is simple but it no way is it easy. Still that doesn't mean we don't try. Think of it as a competitive edge you have compared to those who inspire you. Once mastered you'll be able to do more with less stress and maintain a healthy way of life.
Alright so enough of the talking and more of the doing! What's the first thing to get you going? Start by finding yourself a time where you can be alone and leave out all distractions. Sit on your chair, on the floor, stand in the middle of the room or wherever you feel comfortable with.
If you have meditation experience the principles are the same.
Start by observing your breath.
The in and out of your chest rising and falling.
Notice your feelings in the body.
Scan your body from head to toe.
Feel your feet on the ground.
Once you feel your in tune with your physical body you might notice activity in the mind.
Thoughts are the primary source for focus or never ending distraction. They are the filter to your awareness of the moment. How could you ever notice the overjoyed grandfather hugging his son in tears in the background if your thinking about your performance or yesterday's lunch? Finding those moments needs you to be fully present. The mind can be in many places at once no matter where your physically located.
But recognizing if your distracted in thought is not always easy to perceive. Especially when beginning the practice of awareness. Whenever I catch myself in thought I come back to the moment with this mantra.
You are here... Right now... This moment...
These practices may sound encumbering to some but the goal here is to develop a daily routine that works for you. If could be meditation, running outdoors, a painting on a canvas. Whatever you need that will get you in that space daily will have you accustomed to generating awareness. You'll start to discover that there's more to a situation when you go beyond the surface of things.
“Life is lived through the currents of awareness.”
Awareness can go a long way when your out there on the day to day hustle and bustle. Apart from capturing great moments on camera there's also another layer of increased relationships and client satisfaction that comes along with the skills attained. Like said in earlier posts, business is not about you, it's about serving your customer's needs. There are so many signals in body language and voice tonality that can reveal the truth beyond the actual words spoken.
That's why emotion plays a vital role in how others make decisions. We have to be aware of them if we ever want to lead our clients in the best possible directions. Your power of perception will have you willing and able to customize your approach in a instant when you can tune into the emotions of your uncertain clients.
It also applies to your new ventures or major investment decisions. A lot of the time we can become overwhelmed with the stress of taking a risk and be caught up in the problems while totally ignoring the solutions. Awareness gives you the ability to see the bigger picture and catch yourself panicking when out of control. When you think about it, only one thing exists and that's the moment we have right now. All past is now a memory and future is a probability. The only truth is right now. You have the power to shape it as you please thought the key of perception.
Training Awareness Through Personal Projects
When work becomes stale. When things start to look like it's a carbon copy of yesterday, then it's necessary to take the time to freshen things up. Taking that trip in exotic lands while documenting the culture or shooting that creative fashion shoot gives you easy access to the joy of the moment. When we do things over and over, we start to get into our minds as a automatic response to things done many times before.
The reason why artists or anybody else for that matter across the world go on vacations is to get back in the moment. Have you ever noticed what happens with your awareness when taking the subway in your home city versus a town you've never visited before? Both are the same activity but simply being in a different location stimulates your brain to be more present.
Have your passion projects dive into areas that are scary, unknown or make you uncomfortable. Projects that keep you on the edge. That way when you come back to the daily working of your business, the new found skills will be there to keep you present. Finding more efficient ways and faster results keeps you sharp and present for any situation.
So make a deliberate effort to practice perception of the moment. There are many ways to keep things inspiring in your business and it doesn't always have to be buying that new lens or piece of gear. Increasing your level of quality or service just requires you to be still and calm. Finding your space to get there is unique to everyone but once you find it, make sure to water and care for it daily.
Slowly you'll be able to see things deeper than what most unfocused or stress out colleges can't. Just this skill alone will help you in all areas of your life. Create your space and know that how you see things is really the only thing we have our own universes. Make sure it's a world where you attain your ideals.
Keep Snappin'!
Chris From MKMI Photo