Creativity and a Quiet Mind

I have written of the necessity of a quiet mind for creativity, but the reverse appears to be true too. I hike in the foothills every morning before going to work. Sometimes I can easily relax into quietness and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and other times I just have too much crap going through my mind to stop.

One particular morning was the full of crap type. It’s between seasons and it’s usually too light now when I do my morning hikes to get any decent landscape photos, so this morning there was nothing to focus on.

Realizing my predicament, I tried to focus on my immediate surroundings, and finally started looking down at the small details at my feet. A flower grabbed my eye and I decided to photograph it. Soon this apparently photographically dry and too brightly lit area was full of possibilities. Little items here and there became more compelling and instead of having nothing to focus on and photograph, there were photographic opportunities everywhere.

Macro photographs require a lot of attention because little movements make a huge difference in how things are framed. Then there’s the exposure and depth of field. How much do I want to be sharp in this photo. How much is too much and how little is too little.

When it was time to go to work, I noticed my mind was free of all its distractions and I was in a really good mood. What better way to start the day.

~ by danbaumbach on May 24, 2013.