Week #17 Photo Challenge

Back Gate

"The bells and stones have voices but, unless they are struck, they will not sound"

Chuang Tzu

I would like to share a wonderful book that I've been reading. It's title is The Tao of Photography - Seeing Beyond Seeing by 

Philippe L. Gross and S.I. Shapiro. The book draws on Taoist philosophy and wisdom to illustrate how the art of living and photographic artistry is organically linked.

The book is broken up into five parts.

Part One provides a description go Taoistic photography.

Part Two focuses on the constructive nature of reality.

Part Three discusses barriers that can constrict awareness and ways of freeing awareness.

Part Four examines the role of method and education in artistry.

Part Five moves beyond the practice of photography and looks at using conscious camerawork as a way of enriching our everyday life.

I've read through the book twice and each time I gleam more insights and words of wisdom.

Week #16 Photo Challenge

"Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life."

Rachel Carson

Happy Earth Day 2015

Week #15 Photo Challenge

Bark

Yesterday, I took a walk down by the river at the Brandywine River Museum, to take in the first spring like day. I closed my eyes, took a breath and asked for nature to speak. This image was her answer.

Week #14 Photo Challenge

Garden Art

I just came back from a Garden Photography class at the Ruth Bancroft Garden. The teachers for the class were John Ricca and Richard Valenti . Both of the instructors were patient and encouraging as we spent the morning exploring this wonderful garden. We were encouraged to try new skills and both John and Richard were always available to walk us through a new approach or give us feedback on our photos.  

One of the reasons I took this particular class was that I wanted to try making abstracts using these succulents. I had noticed on John's site that he also looks at nature in abstract ways and I was excited to learn more of how he set up the technical part of his shots. I was not disappointed and feel like I finished the class with some new knowledge and techniques. Besides all that, it was fun to meet some new people and share a morning together.