Thanksgiving in South Haven

The wife and I are spending a couple days over Thanksgiving in South Haven. Naturally, I needed to do some lakeside photography.

Zen Camera - Day 3

Today’s photographs are not suggested by the Zen Camera book, but seem to be in the spirit and intention of the book. I went out looking for pictures this afternoon and I made two changes to my typical practice: I switched the lens to manual focus, and I left my glasses at home. I have quite poor vision. Getting things in sharp focus is a bit of a challenge at the best of times so I generally hope autofocus will do a good enough job. So today, with my blurry eyes and no electronic focusing help I shot pics. I noticed I was shooting pics i very likely would not if I had my glasses on, and I don’t really know why I shot some of the pics I did. Naturally, many just turned out bad. Not intriguing bad, or quirky bad. Just bad. But I liked how others turned out. Out of focus pictures are curious. If they are just a little out of focus they look like a mistake, then there is a level of out-of-focus that seems attractive and mysterious, and then there is a level of out-of-focus that just seems like a senseless blur. I think these fall in that midrange.

This is scene that often captures my eye. I think its because of the curving path. The blur and darker background make this pathway look a little more ominous

I took several looking up at the trees and sky pics. Definitely more than I would typically. Once again we have a curving “path” and darkness.

I couldn’t tell you why I thought to take this and yet there is something about it that keeps bringing me back.

There is this small stand of about a dozen pine trees that were planted in a clearing on the property. I’ve used it for several pictures. I don’t think I had ever noticed this formation.

Contemplative Photography/Visio Divina gatherings

Photography and video is an increasingly important spiritual practice for me, and I know it is for others as well. So, as part of my work at The Hermitage I am planning to start an online Contemplative Photography/Visio Divina gathering. I envision each gathering as a time of sharing, sitting, gazing, and reflecting. Participants will take turns sharing a photograph and we all will spend time in silence sitting, gazing, receiving the photograph and looking for what the image might be telling us. There will be time for the photographer and all participants to openly reflect on their experience of the picture. We can also spend some time at the end talking technique and tools but that is not our focus. (The shared photographs must be original to the person sharing them.)

These gatherings are open to everyone who can point a camera/phone and take a thoughtful picture. Don’t think you do not have enough skill. This is not an art critique. This is not a place to “show off” our amazing pictures. This is about contemplation, not competition. This is a time to share and encounter photographs that speak to us at a deeper level; pictures that may reveal deeper truths; pictures that may reveal something of the divine.

The gatherings will happen via Zoom the first Thursday of every month at 7 pm (EST) and will go no later than 8:30 pm. You must register to participate. There is a $5-10/session recommended donation to The Hermitage to participate, but all will be welcome regardless. The gatherings will be limited to 8 participants.

If there is an abundance of interest, or the scheduled time doesn’t work for several people, I’ll consider additional/alternative gathering times. Contact Kevin Driedger with any questions.