MINDFUL PHOTOGRAPHY SYLVIA LOCKHART
O
ver the years I have taken numerous photography classes but I am mostly a self-trained photographer. Recently I have exhibited in the UK and the U.S. Having lived in large cities for many years I’ve always gravitated towards nature photography as a way to create a contemplative space away from the frenetic pace of urban life. My work has led me on a journey from more realistic, representational art to more abstract works that defy simple categorization. While exploring different types of photography I was soon fascinated with the myriad of colors and patterns that nature provided and this exploration opened up a new world. After a friend 8
gifted me a book on how to incorporate a more zen-like and mindful approach to photography I realized that by breaking technical rules it gave me the freedom to discover new ways of seeing. Experimenting with various techniques and playing with the camera settings allowed me to experience a more mindful photographic process and that led me to embrace an abstract style. These new techniques, such as ICM (intentional camera movement) and free-lensing (the lens is not attached to the camera) have allowed me to be fully immersed in the moment and to create something unique to that particular time and place. My attraction to this type of photography comes from
my need for an outlet for expressing my creative freedom while aiming to be at one with that moment and capturing it in a very personal way. With minimal post-editing I try to remain true to the moment in time when the image was captured. My photography is influenced and inspired
by some romantic painters such as Turner and some impressionist painters like Monet who so magnificently and deftly captured a mood in a landscape. This creative approach allows me to take minimalist images and eliminate distractions so the final photograph can portray a sense of calm and
CREATIVE EYE GROUP MAGAZINE NO. 83 SEPTEMBER 2020
