Posts Tagged: Photography Instruction
blog post: alternative photographic processes
…or, a lesson on how to feed your soul…
As I’ve evolved on my photographic journey (and on my spiritual path) I’ve learned many things…
In the early years of my career and learning process, it was all about controlling the outcome of the images I created. Much of that need to control came about as a result of who I was creating for and what my subjects were…Wedding Clients. Photographing weddings was a “get-it-right” one-time opportunity with no-room-for-error, and it had to be done quickly AND creatively.
It was a super-exciting challenge; one I always approached with confidence and passion that led me to become one of the top wedding photographers locally and beyond – I’m well-known for my wedding art…and then I decided to let that go. I was serving others in a wonderful way, but came to realize I wasn’t serving myself. Eventually, I began to feel the powerful pull to do art for myself, in my own way and style, just as I had when I began to photograph weddings!
As I left the wedding world, I threw out the need to control the outcome of my images, and instead immersed myself into alternative photographic process where the control and outcome was almost completely out of my control in many instances, except for where I was choosing when to release the shutter. This letting go of end outcomes became a vehicle for self- and art-exploration. I thought I was happy while photographing previous to this, but letting go became pure BLISS to me!
But, to this day I must say that I feel it is so very important to have knowledge and understanding of the technical aspects of photography / cameras / lenses so you know what to do and how to create from your vision. So, self-taught or formally educated. Knowledge is the catalyst to freedom!
The photographic journey – mine, yours, the masters, the beginners – it’s all an ever-evolving process of creative- and self-knowledge.
Here is an example of one of my Pinhole (alternative) Photographic images taken in Provincetown MA:
What does it make you feel when you view it? I’d really like to know, and thank you for stopping by.
Namaste, Joanne Bartone Photographer / Zen Photography
ABOUT THE PHOTO ABOVE:
Canon EOS 7D | No-dust 50mm Pinhole Lens | ISO: 400 | f/64 | 25 sec. | Images refined and enhanced for density + tonality in PS5
blog post: why zen photography?
Zen is not a philosophy, it is poetry. It does not propose, it simply persuades. It does not argue, it simply sings its own song. — Osho —
I imagine that those visiting our website might wonder why we have chosen to call ourselves “Zen Photography.” I can hear the pondering…”Is it a religious thing?” “Do I have to be a Buddhist to participate?” The answer to both questions is ‘no,’ but it’s OK if you are!
Zen is considered a form of Buddhism that focuses on meditation and enlightenment through direct experience. Primarily dependent on awareness and concentration, the premise of practicing Zen is to bring your focus to the present moment. As humans, our tendency is to dwell on the past or focus on the future, and when we do that we typically miss the rich experiences that happen in the “now.” Zen is an awareness. If we shift our focus to the present moment we are not burdened by the woes of the past or the anxieties of the future.
So, that brings us to the question…”Why the title ‘Zen Photography’ then?” Our Zen Photography philosophy is to provide lectures and hands-on practicum that bring your attention to the things you are most in need of learning. Through these practical learning experiences we focus on skills and knowledge that will bring you immediate progress and success. Our goal is that after you’ve attended one of our Zen Photography Workshops you will leave with the knowledge you came to obtain from us and a deeper understanding of that knowledge which will bring you more success in your photography, no matter what your level of experience. We like to think if it as Photo Satori, or Photo Enlightenment! So, our goal is to enlighten you photographically, and if some of that enlightenment rubs off of you in a spiritual way, we’re OK with that too.
For the record, we leave the religious practices of Zen up to the Zen Masters who teach Zen well. And, it’s my understanding that the Zen Masters are leaving the photographic instruction up to us, since we happen to provide photography instruction well!
Namaste, Joanne Bartone Photographer / Zen Photography
ABOUT THE PHOTO ABOVE:
Canon EOS 5D | Canon 70-200mm L f/2.8 IS @ 200mm | ISO: 100 | f/2.8 | 1/800 | Images refined and enhanced for color + tonality in PS5
Basic Photography Workshop Recap
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
Our Basic Photography + DSLR Camera Workshop was a lot of fun, but the time together went all too quickly…
The workshop was hosted by Christine Goodis at her contemporary Lawrenceville salon, Salon Christine purposefully so we could include a photo walk to the historical (and magical) Allegheny Cemetery (a great location for creating photos!) where we put the info provided in the lecture into practice. We had a beautifully inviting space, great food to partake in during the lecture and delightful champagne and more snacks to enjoy after the photo walk. Thank you, Christine, for hosting and providing such a beautiful space for us, and thank you to all the workshop attendees for participating – I am grateful that you spent your Sunday afternoon with me!
The workshop was full and weather held wonderfully for us – it was a bit cold, but the sun graced our presence and allotted some great afternoon light for creating photos. Photos and “Ah Ha Moments” from the participants will follow soon, and I’ll add them here after all have been submitted. In the meanwhile, enjoy some of the details of the day!
You’ll notice the Zen Photography Exposure Triangle + Photography Guide smack in the middle of the image above…it is my gift to all attendees of workshops or 1:1 coaching sessions and is a great field reference to guide you as you practice and apply both the technical and creative photographic principles that I offer instruction on.
I can’t wait for the next workshop! xoxo
Namaste, Joanne Bartone Photographer