THE LITTLE BOOK OF CONTEMPLATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY: by Howard J Zehr

THE LITTLE BOOK OF CONTEMPLATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY:

Seeing with Wonder, Respect, and Humility

Author:  Howard J Zehr
Publisher:  Good Books
Publication Date:  March 2005

Fascinating look at photography as a newway of seeing from restorative justice pioneer and accomplished photographer, Howard Zehr. Ignoring the rules absorbed over time, embracing wonder and openness in seeing one's world and self. "Instead of Descartes' stance of doubt..approach life and the world in an attitude of wonder...begins with appreciation rather than suspicion...an openness to possibilities."

Encouraged to become aware of light and shadow; pattern and placement; in composing and in spiritual insights. Journalling the journey of discovery with one's camera as companion.

Zehr's own notes and quotes from various sources inspirit the reader to look anew at the familiar, remaining receptive to what the space is offering. Receive from it. A helpful chart offers definition in comparing typical photography perspective as 'taking' vs photography as 'receiving'. Focus on final product vs process; expose' vs revelation; aggression vs respect. All challenging to personal thought regarding the act of photographing and effects on the results of the act.

Each chapter of informed discussion is followed with purposeful exercises to implement and explore the theme discussed. I anticipate more amazing learning by experimenting with his practical activities. Reflecting on the results is the valued takeaway.

Zehr admits, "I have written this book in part to encourage myself to slow down, to heighten my imagination, to renew myself while I gain a new view of the creation and the creator."
The same influencing reasons I chose to read the book. I was not disappointed.

Highly recommended. For information. For inspiration.

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Armchair BEA Day 2: Developing Blog Presence 29.5.13

Paths to Becoming a Better Blogger--Discussing Development

Today's topic at Armchair BEA, to foster "blogger development"--and clearly, that              development can go in a variety of directions! Today, we're inviting you to talk about       your approach. Have you branched out into your community? Do you partner with other     bloggers? Have you gone "pro" or tried generating some income through your blog? If you're a long-term blogger, how has your online personality developed over the years?                

Tell us about things you've done to expand your blogging horizons, and the things you'd     like to do but haven't managed (or figured out) yet. Come back HERE to link up your post, and then go see what other participants have to say. Let's foster our development as        bloggers and learn from each other!                                                                              
                                                                                                                                  

I've branched out in the blogging community in several ways.  I like to participate in support if an  author has a promo for their new book.  I'll interact with their book launch events by tweeting it, posting the updates or reposting their own event post including the links.  It serves to widen their influence to readers they possibly wouldn't reach on their own.  If I've read and posted a good review of one of their books, I will often get a new release to read and review as well.  Pretty much another partnership has been formed each time this occurs.
                                                                             Margaret Feinberg's 'Wonderstruck' book launch is
                                                                             one example.

Ken Wytsma's 'Pursuing Justice' is another.



I am in process of affiliation with a few businesses I particularly value and consider worth offering their product to my readers.  I wouldn't be interested in random ads for income as , to me, it just cheapens my intended influence and acts as a distraction from the purpose of Infuse as a blog.

That too aligns with my blog personality development.  Knowing what works with my personality.  What reflects me as a blogger.  I'm a resource for readers. I like to provide connections and information.  So I need to stay true and atuned to my internal call and focus for Infuse: InSpirit.

Definitely working on affiliation is a blogging expansion I want to do but haven't managed to accomplish yet and there are details I haven't figured out [though I am sincerely working on!].  I also want to import the remainder of the original posterous posts for the past 3 years onto this site and restore it to its full impact and online presence.  Time is  essential for completing that task.

And you?  What development have you experienced or pursued as a blogger?







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