Finding interesting, photo worthy nature moments is more about the state of mind you bring to nature than about what’s out there waiting for you! I’ve found that the optimal state of mind for nature photography is the same one I cultivate when looking for rocks for my natural jewelry or when looking for clothes at the secondhand store. And it’s a state of mind that’s enhanced by “spiritual practice”, which I’ll explain what I mean further down the post!
The best state of mind for nature photography depends on 1) having an idea of what you’re looking for, 2) remaining open to unexpected opportunity and 3) letting your eyes drift unfocused and trust that they’ll find what you need! (As I said, it’s the same for finding special nature moments as for looking for the perfect rocks on a beach full of rocks as for finding the right clothes at the secondhand store and it’s even the same for weeding a garden! You’ll go stark raving mad if you try to look at the weeds too closely, it’s easier if you let your eyes unfocus and your mind drift a little.) (As my Aunt said when I posted about this on my Facebook Fan Page, “It’s a new religion!”)
Now, what’s the best way to cultivate this state of mind? Up above, I said the best way is through “spiritual practice”, but that’s different for me than it would be for a lot of people. I spend a lot of my time using that state of mind for picking out the right combinations of stones for my river rock jewelry, and I consider that creative time “spiritual practice”. But, I find that the more I do things like yoga, meditation, sketching, journaling, etc, the easier it is to slip into that unfocused but alert state of mind when I need it. Spending more and more time in nature helps, too, because your eyes get trained to see the jumble of the natural world as a pattern and those things that jump out from the pattern are what you photograph!
Here are some of the moments that I’ve been seeing on my walks, lately! (Right here in town, too!!)
All of these pictures were taken within the same mile-long route that I always take around the neighborhood and through the cemetery. There are times when I go out and nothing grabs my eye and other times when I can’t hardly walk for having to stop and take pictures the whole time! The only difference is my state of mind while I’m walking. (Of course, sometimes the walk is the “spiritual practice” when I’m distracted and confused and need to get my mind back into that calm state of mind, not a lot of pictures come out of those walks!) So, if you want to get more interesting nature pics, do a little Sun Salutation and then get out there and start clicking!!