{"id":72249,"date":"2017-12-07T10:11:17","date_gmt":"2017-12-07T18:11:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=72249"},"modified":"2017-12-07T10:15:13","modified_gmt":"2017-12-07T18:15:13","slug":"the-zen-of-street-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/12\/07\/the-zen-of-street-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"The Zen of Street Photography"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why do I love street photography? For me — street photography is applied zen philosophy.<\/p>\n

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May 2-5: KYOTO-UJI \/ Zen Creative Photography Experience<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"Eric<\/a>
Kyoto, 2015<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To find more zen in your street photography and life, join my upcoming Kyoto-Uji Zen Creative Photography Retreat<\/a> (May 2-5, 2018).<\/p>\n

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How it feels to be in a zen street photography zone<\/h2>\n
\"Walking
Walking woman with umbrella. Seoul. 2009<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For example, when I’m shooting street photography, I walk slower. I appreciate more of reality around myself.<\/p>\n

I empty my mind. No more worries or stresses about life, family, finances. I get into a zen zone, and just shoot my immediate surroundings.<\/p>\n

I disappear. My ego vanishes. I just become one with the camera. I keep my camera in program mode (p mode), “set it and forget it”. And in a sense, when I shoot street photography, I forget myself.<\/p>\n

\"Kyoto
Kyoto Zen temple, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To me, I am the happiest when I am in a happy zen zone — in a creative spirit, empty, full of eager anticipation to create.<\/p>\n

Like they say in Taoism<\/a>,<\/p>\n

\n The usefulness of a bowl is based on the empty space inside.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Or,<\/p>\n

\n The usefulness of a house is based on the empty space inside.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

I think,<\/p>\n

\n In photography, your creative ability is based on how much you are able to empty your mind — and allow the photos to enter your consciousness.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Shoot in airplane mode<\/h2>\n
\"Zen
Zen aesthetics. Kyoto, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Practical tip: to empty your mind, shoot the streets with your phone off, or in airplane mode. Nothing to distract you in your street photography zen zone.<\/p>\n

Shoot to music (or without music)<\/h2>\n

A tip:<\/p>\n