Tag Archives: Photography

Zen in the art of photography archery

Combination of mind and camera can create more than a picture.
“Zen in the art of archery” is not about photography. But it has such strong parallels to the learning of photography that its meaning is unmistakable. Professor Eugen Herrigel explains how he took the path to Zen (a balance between the body and the mind) through the medium of traditional Japanese archery. His beautifully written book explains his personal journey, in a very-easy-to-read way.

In Zen in the Art of Archery: Training the Mind and Body to Become One (Arkana) the professor simply explains his experiences and the physical and spiritual lessons that he learned. His vision is clear and his insight instructive. The reader learns that the way of Zen is not learned through archery and the book is not a guide to learning the art. Instead his book shows us that the journey to Zen is about enlightenment, inner selflessness and clarity of thought.

For photographers the book shows us that there is more to taking a picture than the physics of holding the camera, pointing and pushing the button. Technique and thought become one and the art in the moment becomes a part of the of the shot. For beginners that may seem bizarre. For the experienced photographer it is a self evident truth.

The mere picture is the result of a harsh capture of the scene using point-and-shoot technique.

The making of an image is more than that. Creating an image in the viewers mind is the essence of communication. It flows from the photographers interpretation of the scene through the photographic process to the published medium. In its pictorial form it serves to conjure in the mind of the viewer an image that inflames feelings and passions, creating a lasting mental experience. A great image flows from interpretation, capture and creation through a work flow that is a smooth and practised extension of the photographers commitment to the communication. The creation of a great image in the viewers mind is as final and precise as the arrow hitting the dead centre of the target.

“Zen in the Art of Archery” shows us that in the physical process there is something deeper than is visible. Something that is a selfless act of complete focus. It is an act that is both totally committing and yet subconscious.

Zen in the Art of Archery: Training the Mind and Body to Become One (Arkana) is a short, beautifully written book. Its beauty lies in its simplicity.

Details:

Title: Zen in the Art of Archery: Training the Mind and Body to Become One (Arkana)
Available: Amazon
Paperback: 112 pages; Publisher: Penguin; Language: English;

By Damon Guy (author and Photokonnexion editor)

Damon Guy - Netkonnexion

Damon Guy (Netkonnexion)

Damon is a writer-photog and editor of this site. He has run some major websites, a computing department and a digital image library. He started out as a trained teacher and now runs training for digital photographers.
See also: Editors ‘Bio’.

Of vignetting, ethics and bird song!

Three new articles on Photokonnexion…

We have published two new articles in our Photographic Glossary: “Definition: Vignette; Vignetting” is a great article providing insight into the vignette. There is a second article and the matter of modern bird-song too. Read on…

Vignetting

The newest article in the Photographic Glossary takes an in-depth look at the vignetting – the slightly dark border you find on the edge of some pictures. Did you know you can create it yourself? We would be interested in your comments below about this article.
Definition: Vignette; Vignetting

Photography – right and wrong

We have also published on a slightly more controversial subject, the rights and wrongs of certain types of photographic endeavour. The article is looking at the issues, not providing any answers. There are lots of things that could be added. Have you got any issues you can raise? We would be very interested in your thoughts. We may even write them up in the article. Let us know what you think and leave a comment.
Definition: Photography and Ethics

And bird-song?

Did you know you can follow Photokonnexion on Twitter? We are @photokonnexion  External link - opens new tab/page and would be really pleased to see new followers come online. Additional tips and insights can be found there. We will be announcing new posts and providing other useful information. A cool extension to your visits to this site.
@photokonnexion  External link - opens new tab/pagePhotokonnexion on Twitter

Enjoy!

15 great links for you to see 50 photos a day

28 great links for photo sites to help you get your 50-a-day habit started...

Great links for photo sites to help you get your 50-a-day habit started…

Great links for photo sites to help you view 50 photographs a day

In a previous post I challenged you to take a serious look at 50 photographs a day. By gaining an insight into the work of others you can get both inspiration and guidance. So in this post I have put together a links for photo sites to help you find 50 photographs a day.

15 links for photo sites
Thousands more links for photo sites…

In addition to these sites and directories there are literally thousands of photographers with their own sites. There are also many sites that are photography related. A range of web sites will send you daily pictures, or provide daily blogs for you to view. Try a few out and after a while you will be able to get daily pictures through email or visit your favourite sites for you daily dose of photographs.

The important thing is that you view and critically appraise as many photos as possible every day to extend your skills.

By Damon Guy (author and Photokonnexion editor)

Damon Guy - Netkonnexion

Damon Guy (Netkonnexion)

Damon is a writer-photog and editor of this site. He has run some major websites, a computing department and a digital image library. He started out as a trained teacher and now runs training for digital photographers.
See also: Editors ‘Bio’.