When Life Gets Blurry, I Focus on My Camera

When life gets blurry, I focus on my camera.

Today, I explore some of photography’s unexpected mental health benefits.

In the chaotic whirlwind of modern life, where stress sometimes clouds my mind, finding moments of peace and clarity can feel like an elusive pursuit.

Photography has become a sanctuary for me, a form of mindfulness meditation that anchors me in the present moment and nurtures my mental well-being.

“You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.” ― Ansel Adams

My Goals

Today, I want to share with you some themes around my practice of photography:

Shooting photos is therapeutic
I don’t always worry about quality
I go on photo safaris
I have great photo equipment, but my best camera is the one with me (often my mobile phone).

The author carries a camera and holds a small cat in Indonesia. — Chilling in Indonesia. Photo courtesy of the author.

I will share how I pick up my camera when life gets blurry, literally and figuratively.

Giving my full attention to the moment provides me with mental clarity.

It also enhances my psychological well-being.

Shooting Photos is Therapeutic

I am fascinated by Zen.

My interest began as a young practitioner of Shito-ryu traditional Japanese karate.

Now with family in Japan, I am forward drawn to the concept.

Zen has certainly influenced how I shoot photos.

No, I am not talking about living for years in a monastery.

Instead, shooting photographs is often a mindfulness practice in which I quiet my internal mental noise.

When I am on my game, I connect with the present moment.

The author’s photograph of his wife framed by a large wooden “gate” on the ocean. The sun sets in the background of this zen moment.

What is Zen?

For me, Zen can be a state of mind.

Elements include:

Simplicity
Stillness
Looking inward
Finding beauty in all things
Having a beginner’s mind

When I am in a good photography shooting space, taking the shot is more about my mindset than the subject matter in the camera’s eye.

I Have An Open Mind – When Life Gets Blurry, I Focus on My Camera

As I am in shooting mode, I am not judgmental.

I try to let my ideas flow.

I am not looking for the shot.

A black and white photo of the Museum of Glass tower in Taomca, Washington (USA).

Instead, I try to let my intuition carry the day.

The very act of walking on a photography journey is a part of my Zen process.

First, I keep it simple.

The author’s shot of a person pulling a small dog as the pet peers into a store window (where another dog perches). Upper West Side, New York City.

I have ditched my practice of carrying an SLR camera with two or three lenses, filters, meters, and a flash for fill.

I walk while letting my mind meander.

Present and in the moment.

Practical Tips – When Life Gets Blurry, I Focus on My Camera

Here are some practical approaches to integrating mindfulness and Zen principles into photography:

Have a beginner’s mindset. Approach each photography session with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to let go of preconceptions. Consider mindful observations of your surroundings before you begin to shoot photographs.
Consider simplicity. I try to incorporate simplicity and stillness into many of my photos. Remove any distractions or unnecessary elements from your photograph as you frame it. Note to self: I probably need to do a bit of cropping on top of the first photograph of this essay (I remember that I wanted a square shape)!

Thank you for reading “When Life Gets Blurry, I Focus on My Camera.” Do you practice photography?