Contemplative & Meditative Photography

Photography informs our spiritual lives and spirituality informs our photography.
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Photography is a spiritual journey behind the camera when we record images.  The journey continues in front of the camera when we meditate with the images we received. Meditation on Both Sides of the Camera: A Spiritual Journey in Photography (Upper Room, 2012) explores our experiences on both sides of the camera.  Meditation on both sides of the camera helps us see with the eyes of our hearts. The book includes exercises and is sold in digital format only (see my store to purchase a copy). I teach classes on the book and offer one-on-one on-line learning experiences.  Check out the section on workshops for more information.  
Meditation Behind the Camera
How do you prepare to go out on a photo journey?  You gather your equipment and supplies to make sure you are ready.  Do you make sure you are ready spiritually?  The journey of photography as a spiritual practice begins with centering before you walk out the door.  Preparation also includes praying as you clean your camera and decide where to go. 

Meditation behind the camera involves:
  • centering
  • listening
  • waiting
  • being attentive
  • seeing the story
  • practicing silence
  • healing
and ends with reflecting at the end of the day.  We allow the the Spirit to be our guide from beginning to end, always paying attention to the nudges from within our souls and the external environment.  Photography becomes an act of meditation and contemplation when it comes from the center of our being.  

Meditation in Front of the Camera
The journey doesn't end when we get home and reflect on the day.  The spiritual experience continues as we view the images on the computer or on printed paper. We allow the Spirit to guide us as we prepare the images to print and as we gaze on the finished product. When we look at the images: where do we see ourselves in the image?  where are we called to be?  where do we want to be in the image.

Meditation in front of the camera involves:
  • praying
  • focusing
  • contemplating

Meditation in front of the camera also includes those who look at our photographs.  What do they see?  Where are they called to be in the image?

Interested in reading more about photography as a spiritual practice?  Here's a resource list to get you started. Let me know if you find other books you think I should check out and possibly add to the list.