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These boats on the isle of Mull are popular with photographers, but it’s important not to rely too heavily on outside sources for inspiration. B+WWe have touched on the sixth
attitude, acceptance, already.
When we stand at the foot
of the mountain, we have an
opportunity to accept what we
see exactly as it is, without trying
to change it in any way. If we
just observe the scene, without
getting carried away on a stream
of unconscious thoughts, we are
fully present, seeing the world
clearly, not through a filter of
ideas and opinions.
By releasing our grip on
thoughts and emotions we
can rid them of the power
they have over us. This is
letting go. Some of the hardest
thoughts to release are those
that give us pleasure. As we
play back a picture we might
say to ourselves: ‘This is a great
photograph, I can’t wait to post it
on the forum. I might enter thatlandscape competition I saw last
week.’ The minute we drift into
a reverie we lose touch with our
immediate surroundings, and we
damage our ability to see clearly.
Mindfulness is about being
fully awake and fully alive. It’s
about experiencing life moment-
by-moment without wishing that
things were different. If this new
attitude leads to heightened
visual awareness, improved
concentration and more
rewarding photography then
so be it; but these should be
by-products rather than end
goals. By keeping a receptive
mind we will naturally stop
looking and really start seeing.
Tracy Hallett will be running
Mindful Photography workshops
in the New Forest this autumn.
For more information email
[email protected]‘By learning to trust our own instincts we
stand a much better chance of developing
an artistic style that is unique to us.’
When we are awake and aware we notice small details,
such as this peeling bark, with ease and interest.38-43_MINDFULNESS_180 ER/MB.indd 4338-43_MINDFULNESS_180 ER/MB.indd 43 16/07/2015 11:4916/07/2015 11:49