What is Contemplative Photography?
Contemplative photography is a method for seeing and photographing the world in fresh ways, to reveal richness and beauty that is normally hidden from view. Instead of emphasizing subject matter or the technical aspects of photography, the contemplative approach teaches you to see clearly, and make images based on fresh perceptions.
The great photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson wrote, “To take photographs means... putting one’s head, one’s eye and one’s heart on the same axis.” The Practice of Contemplative Photography presents methods of training that make this approach accessible to anyone. This site provides a brief introduction to these methods, and a chance to share your images from the assignments with other people interested in this approach.
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The Book
“This is not your usual ‘how to be a better photographer’ book. It takes you into deeper water. It requires investigation and commitment to areas new to you. Among other things, you will think about perception in new ways. If you read this book with care, and without skepticism, it will radically expand your thinking, seeing, and photography.”
—Jay Maisel, photographer
and author of Light on America




This is just such a pleasing image. It has all sorts of visual space and nice forms. It might be improved by cropping the tan strip at the bottom, but that's a small detail.