The state of mind of a photographer while creating is a blank…For those who would equate “blank” with a kind of static emptiness, I must explain that this is a special kind of blank. It is a very active state of mind really, a very receptive state of mind, ready at an instant to grasp an image, yet with no image pre-formed in it at any time. We should note that the lack of a pre-formed pattern or preconceived idea of how anything ought to look is essential to this blank condition. Such a state of mind is not unlike a sheet of film itself – seemingly inert, yet so sensitive that a fraction of a second’s exposure conceives a life in it. (Not just life, but “a” life). – Minor White, The Camera Mind and Eye
There was a time when my idea of conceiving life was nowhere close to this quote. I was in a different place in life and in my photography. I now feel the words I share, the way I live life and the images I share all have the power to conceive a life. That belief is the reason I will do my best to treat people in a positive way.That belief is also the reason I will venture out on a cold December day with a camera and tripod. And as I head out the door there is no “pre-formed” scene just a desire to experience this beautiful world. And, just what will I find?
9 Comments
Chris Klug
Beautiful, beautiful post, Monte.
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Chris!
Ken Bello
This is a great shot, Monte. Convert to B&W and it could pass for something Minor White might shoot.
Monte Stevens
Strange how it never entered my mind to convert this to black and white. But, what novel idea and one I must try. Thanks, Ken.
Paul
Monte, your post rather reminds me of a verse of the Tao Te Ching:
It is certainly better when we go out with a container, ready to be filled, rather than a container already full of our own expectations. Excellent post, Monte and a fabulous attitude. 🙂
Monte Stevens
That reading sounds familiar, may have read it somewhere before. I believe it, too. Sometimes I walk out the door with nothing, just an urge to move and take a camera. Did that this morning at the hotel. Quiet time will prepare me for those walks with a camera. No worries about the images, just look and see. If my mind is empty I seem to see more. No what I mean?
Steve Schwartzman
This is an excellent example of a minimalist landscape. Minor White’s words and yours are also good. Sometimes I go out photographing with a specific idea in mind, and sometimes that works, but I’m always glad when I find things that I hadn’t anticipated, or when I see familiar things in a new way.
Monte Stevens
Glad you stopped by and left a comment. Those preconceived images we have must remain alive, they may be presented to us next time out there.
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