They say one of the best advices in photography is to ‘slow down’. I somehow feel it is an advice that I would do well to heed in life as well. It is one of those days when everything feels just like a mad rush. But then I will restrict myself to photography thoughts only.
I understand the merit of the advice. That is why I like walking so much. That way if I like something, I often have an option to stop and click it. On the other hand it makes me incredibly slow. On a trek I take 8 hours to reach from one village to another whereas if I took a flight within the same time I would reach London!
When expert photographers say slow down they mean really slow down. I remember seeing a picture for which the photographer said it took him one month to get the sky right. I remember reading a comment by Steve Winter that it took him 23 days on elephant back to capture this shot. Now that kind of slow a lot of us cannot afford, I certainly cannot afford.
So for me slow had to be defined in my own context. If I get to travel for 5 nights that is a big trip for me! I might cover two destinations within those five days! But still I believe there is a chance for going slow for everyone.
I am usually in a terrible hurry when I click pictures, I don’t know why. I always feel I am in someone or other’s way and I should take my shot quickly and get out of the way. Phew I said it. This when I would have been invited to attend that event! So for me the first step towards slowing down would be get rid of the feeling that I am in the way!
For me slowing down would also mean chimping, as that too takes some time and more importantly ‘thought’ on what I see on the screen.
For me slowing down would mean researching my destination a little more. That would mean I would know what type of pictures to be on a look out for. But as of now evening packing happens so last minute! Researching has just not been on my list anywhere.
But I think for me the biggest change would be to get rid of that feeling of being in someone’s way! That way I would stand peacefully and take those extra seconds to click my pictures. That is how small a start I wish to make.
Hmm.. A somewhat similar feeling I too used to get in my school/college days. A feeling of obstructing someone or being looked at from behind I guess that is why I always felt happy being a back bencher. I mean, from. Back I could watch everyone but no one could do the same to me without turning their head. As soon as they use to turn back I used to get switch into a indifferent mode, pretending as if everything was just normal.
Suman so you were a back bencher? Well so was I!
Interesting point… slowing down might just be the trick to experience and shoot a lot of interesting things.
I have to give it a try Chaitali!
Wonderful shots! I love the golden ocean… No, no! I love the swing… Ummm… I am confused which one is the best. But, these photographs very much calm and slow down the thought traffic in mind…
The concept of slowing down itself is thrilling… I am imagining slowing down at Himalayas! In reality most of us can afford it to nearby parks only… But, still, what’s wrong in dreaming 🙂
I agree Sindhu that the concept of slowing down is in itself thrilling!
When I compare how many photographs in a day or week I clicked few years back and how many I click now; I find the number of photographs clicked in a day or week automatically is less now-a-days and better also. Time – the teacher.
Good to know that Tushar.
I like walking for the same reason and, I don’t mind slowing down. 🙂
I loved that swing…. 😀
I too loved that swing 😀 But as usual I only clicked a picture!
awesome pics as always , especially second one.
Thank you Mahesh.
Nowadays life has become a mad rush. Slowing down, I think, is a brilliant way to regain harmony & peace. 🙂
I too feel so Ravish, and not just for photography.
perhaps we need to slow down in everything,
I agree with you!
Great pics Mridula and well explained too.
Thank you Indrani.
Wonderful thoughts! Shows your empathy!
We are patient enough to wait when others take shots. They should also behave the same for us 🙂
Love the golden pic!
Anita I agree. With me though the problem is that the feeling of being in the way is entirely created by me 😀
Never thought photography can be so spiritual.. Glad I read this 🙂
Roohi I didn’t think of it in terms of spirituality but thanks for putting it that way.
every part of life can be felt deeply by slowing down,,, nice concept nd amazing clicks
http://gouravdoomra.blogspot.in/
Ha Ha Ha ! I am happy to discover this similarity with a celebrity like you. 🙂