Window View – © John Neel

To me, the experience of seeing the world and making images is the same as or at least very similar to a ZEN experience.

However, that does not mean that simply owning or having a camera, or even taking a picture has the same effect. It means that one must work in a ZEN-like way when creating photographs. It has much more to do with the awareness of things than it does with any kind of title or ownership of a piece of equipment. It has nothing to do with a camera brand or the make of a lens. It has everything to do with connecting with your world.

As Robert tells us, it takes a heart, an open mind and a search for truth. It is a discovery as much as it is a revelation. A photograph is essentially a representation of who and what we become within the act of seeing. A photograph is a mirror of ourselves for others to see. It shows others what we have discovered through our eyes, our hearts and our souls.

“This is Zen in the art of photography. In discovering the universe, we discover ourselves.” – Robert Leverant from Zen in the Art of Photography

“Photography is now doing what words have failed to do, which is why it had to be. . . .A camera alone can’t tell us this. It is only an eye. It doesn’t have a heart.” – Robert Leverant, Zen in the Art of Photography

“A camera is an extension of ourselves, an appendage to bring us closer to the universe.” – Robert Leverant Zen in the Art of Photography

Zen in the Art of Photography is one of the best little photo books ever! For years, it has been my guide to image making and perhaps more importantly, to seeing. – John

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Please have a look at some of my other posts here.

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