A recent quote by Pema Chödrön summarises very well the key elements of contemplative photography and Miksang.
THREE INNATE QUALITIES
“In meditation and in our daily lives there are three qualities that we can nurture, cultivate, and bring out. We already possess these, but they can be ripened: precision, gentleness, and the ability to let go.” Pema Chödrön
Precision is knowing where the boundaries of the perception are so that when the camera is raised the perception is precisely composed.
Gentleness is being open, mindful and taking the time to connect with the perception without the feelings that come with the more aggressive approach, “I really need this shot; I have to have this shot”.
The ability to let go refers to those occasions when you have a perception but it is not possible to capture it with the camera. Perhaps it is too far away, too many issues with depth of field or difficulty with composing the perception. When there is a struggle between what you see and what the camera sees, you need to let go. If you are open, you will see many, many perceptions.
