The Spirituality Of Photography

Photography. What does it mean? The ability to capture moments with the help of technology? Or is it something more...

The art of photography has fascinated people even in the 5th and 4th centuries, when the first photography tests were held by mathematicians like Aristotle by using a pinhole camera.

Then, much later on, starting with the 18th century, with the help of the inventor Nicéphore Niépce, photography has slowly started to become a worldwide phenomenon.

People were fascinated by the magic appearing on a piece of paper, simply by using the power of the light to achieve it.

But is it really that simple? Not really.

Indeed, the first steps into photography were in some ways a simpler process than today, yet still a complex procedure. This process in time has become more or less complicated, depending on the different styles of inventors and researchers dealing with this area.

Today, of course, many believe it's really just about pressing the button and releasing the shutter.

With the development of modern technological gadgets, such as tablets, iPhones, smartphones, and such, most photography does appear indeed; it is rather a simple procedure.

However, it is not. It is much more than that. Photography is a combination of technical knowledge and a personal vision, which is not possessed by all individuals. Quite the contrary.

Due to the terrible misconception that all people can create photos these days, the true artistic and spiritual way of photography has indeed suffered tremendously.

With improper technological knowledge and a lack of vision, literally millions of images have appeared on the market today that can hardly be called photographs.

First of all, proper knowledge of technology is of absolute importance.

One needs to know the proper time setting of the camera, which will determine the quantity of light that enters into the camera and thus the quality of the photograph.

When and how to release the shutter and which setting is optimal for the outside and inside light conditions, including the proper ISO (sensitivity level to light), are not to be taken lightly. Not to mention certain rules of photography, like the rule of thirds, for example, which all lead to an aesthetic and proper framing of the subject in a photograph.

All these are not possible without proper knowledge and vision, which come with talent.

Vision, however, might be cultivated in time, with regular practice, and developed up to a certain point.

If a passionate individual learns the basics of photo technology, combining it with an inside vision, they can create photographic wonders.

Photographic vision allows people to see something that is usually missed in everyday life. This process, however, for most, requires concentration and self-discipline.

However, the concept of photography differs for each individual.

In other words, what drives a soul to capture moments and freeze them in time for eternity?

Some might pursue this activity without much thought into what photography really is.

This could be very dangerous and, unfortunately, weakens significantly not just the quality of the photograph but the vision in itself.

Some might choose to make a living out of photography. Like journalists, nature and art photographers, and various event photographers (wedding, fashion), who mostly love what they do for a living and combine their passion with finances.

But these people also contribute seriously to the world, one way or another.

They spread the news, important information to share, or simply made other people's lives happier.

After all, photography is information. One of the most powerful ones, as a matter of fact.

We all see beauty in different ways. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, they say.

It is indeed.

This is what photography is all about after all.

Sharing information with the world in the most appealing form possible.

The combination of technical knowledge and vision.

Passion is of the utmost importance. Without passion, the quality and the information in a photograph suffer. Considerably.

Therefore, there are many reasons why an individual might indulge himself in the mesmerizing world of photography.

Fame, money, or simply for the beauty of photography alone.

For me, photography is a very spiritual process in itself. It is the path to enlightenment, the forging of the soul within.

However, this very much depends on the type of photography indeed.

A nature photographer, for example, requires quiet time alone to focus properly on the subject; he needs to be in the present moment.

Thus, he already laid down the first steps towards inner enlightenment.

Focusing on a subject in photography is of crucial importance, not just for the quality of the creation but for spirituality as well.

In the present moment, all unnecessary thoughts vanish, and the silence of the soul sets in.

In this state of mind, we can hear our true selves and create masterpieces of photography.

The concept alone of freezing a certain moment makes me shiver.

What an outstanding and magnificent procedure! Being capable of nearly playing with time, we can freeze moments and capture time for eternity.

More than that, we discover the unseen beyond the lenses, which we normally in our daily lives tend to ignore.

Through the lenses, however, we can discover a whole new world.

Because we pay attention. It is truly a magnificent and magical process, both very artistic and spiritual, capable of lifting the soul into the highest of heavens.

Do not take photography lightly. It is much more than just the technological piece of equipment.

It's more like forging your soul into the very moment, the very essence and purpose of human life.

Discovering the unseen world beyond the lenses is one of the most elevating processes in existence.

It is like meditation. It is meditation. In a different way.

Learn to see through the lenses. It will help you quiet your mind and your spirit.

It will teach you to see the unseen. You will discover possibilities that you never thought existed.

You will discover yourself.