Learning to See - A guest post by Ruth Daly

While I'm taking a break for relaxation and recreation, I've invited some of my fellow bloggers to fill in with guest posts. This week's is from blogger/photographer Ruth Daly, who blogs here. Whether or not you carry a camera around, you can apply these insights on slowing down, focusing on details and really learning to see, to your everyday observations of the world around you.

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Contemplative Photography
by Ruth Daly

Spending time with other photographers always helps me improve my skills. Sometimes it's getting to know my camera better or gaining useful tips on composition or shutter speed. Other times, it's suggestions on how to notice the details. For the last few weeks, I've been taking a course on contemplative photography. This isn't about the technical side of photography, although that does come into it, but about developing observation skills and different ways of shooting the same thing. The course is called 'Learning to See' - this is very good for me. Too often, I find myself in a setting with no idea where to start taking pictures because so many interesting things surround me. ​

​Contemplative photography is a bit like meditation; it helps me focus on a theme, and then notice the details. It forces me to slow down. 

​The theme here is all about finding the light.

For the next few I focused on the colour yellow. I soon found myself wishing that I'd gone with something more creative like shadows or patterns, so decided to look for lines as well.

Texture and simplicity.

​ Shining a flashlight on a fuchsia for a different effect.

We were encouraged to take multiple shots of the same flower from different angles and in all stages of its life. Even though I love the vibrant colours of the red petals, there's something wistful and beautiful in the dying flower, captured from above, its petals drying out and beginning to curl.

Since starting the course, I find that I automatically choose a theme when I'm out walking or even just taking pictures in my back yard. ​

And I'm finding the details.

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