Workshops Archives - Peter MacDonald Photo

Meditation and Photography

Peter MacDonald — Sun, 26 May 2019 02:57:20 +0000

The value of Meditation has come a long away in the western world over last 20 years Even though Its been around for 2000 years or so in eastern culture it was treated with some scepticism by the modern world and science. That has rapidly changed in recent years with scientific study of the brain. There’s now conclusive evidence meditation has real benefits ranging from coping with the pressures of modern life to controlling anxiety, fear, poor sleep, pain relief and many more problems.

I have been practising meditation for many years and slowly I’ve recognised that photography is a form of meditation.

One of the key principles of meditation is to learn to live in the present. As that skill grows through meditation is can be applied to photography.

By living in the present you are focused on the things around you…one of the key elements to taking good images.

Living in the present means having no expectation of an outcome. I have had this happen on many occasions. That doesn’t mean aimlessly wandering around in the hope some miracle shot will appear before you.

It’s OK to have a plan, a purpose in whatever type of photography you work in.

I shoot a lot of landscapes, portraits and articles for magazines, widely diverse pursuits yet being in the present means looking at the possibilities around you – light and shadows, colour, subject, environment, storyline etc, but not having an expectation of the outcome.

I have been remiss in not exploring meditation for photographers in my workshops. That’s going to change. Not everyone will connect with this but it will be offered nevertheless.

Practise Makes Perfect

Peter MacDonald — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 02:12:57 +0000

Photographing close to home

Had a camera for a few years or just bought one. It was the best I could afford at the time. Unfortunately I’m not making pictures that I am really happy with. I am not sure if it is the camera or me.

You might fit into one of these scenarios or you might be quite experience, have all the good gear and into landscape photography.

The best place to start improving your photography is in your own backyard. Or the kitchen, the lounge room or some other place close by.

It may only be 10 minutes or so with the camera as often as possible which means keeping it handy, not stashed away in the cupboard or a desk drawer .

Find things where light and shadow is playing an interesting tune….maybe the salt shaker inn the kitchen, a garden flower or the back gate.

Whatever your experience it is a simple and often overlooked principle with many of my workshop students.

If you want to be a photographer then be like the good concert pianist or the pro golfer. PRACTISE.

Forward Planning

Peter MacDonald — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 05:39:13 +0000

Most of my workshops are now tailored to suit the the busy lives of most people, whether it be a one, two or three day courses or a one hour Skype session.

However there’s one popular workshop that needs a bit of forward planning.

The last 3 day event held at Arkaroola in the northern Flinders Ranges last April was a great success and I am scheduling another later this year.

The dates are November 3, 4 and 5. Maximum 5 people, minimum 3.

That’s plenty of time to plan for the trip to Arkaroola.

Details of the workshop can be accessed by going to thesentimentalbloke.com website and clicking on the Workshop header at the top right corner of the page.

If you interested in joining this event I can be contacted by email [email protected] or by phoning 0429703693

Information about Arkaroola, accommodation, how to get there and what you will need to bring in the way of camera gear will be provided as well as a list of the functions on your camera you should be familiar with prior to the workshop.

Photographers at all levels of experience can participate.