Integrated Photography Uses The Best Of Both Sides Of The BrainBy integrated photography, I am referring to the blending, or integration, of traits of the left and right cerebral hemispheres of the brain to allow photographic communication to occur. I also call this meditative photography as it feels very similar to my state of mind while meditating: alert but passive, expectant but patient. It is combining the literal/mechanical operations of the camera with the metaphoric/intuitive flow of creative thought. Using your whole brain provides an integrated approach to better photography. Photography and many of the other arts require this combined dichotomy, this repeatable spontaneity. The reason for all the repetitious physical practice with camera, musical instrument or brush is to make the left brain and the body so familiar with the logical/physical part of the art that conscious thought is no longer required to obtain a good exposure, in-tune note or exact-width brush stroke. With focal length, exposure and focus taking care of themselves, the right brain’s emotion and aesthetic can come to the fore. Without the need for the left brain’s analysis the intuition of the right brain can lead the way. Doing away with inner speech clears the way for inner imagery.
My personal experience is that a photography session can often replace a meditation period while giving me the benefits of both. This is truly integrated photography. In the meditative state my photography is both more concrete and more abstract, more individual yet more universal. This is photographing “in the now”, making images that are wholly “in the moment.” These are the images that speak from the heart and the soul and that truly communicate with viewers. This is the “wow” factor. I think that everyone can benefit in many ways by practicing some form of meditation. The regular practice of any meditation technique brings inner clarity, emotional confidence and many other mental and physical improvements. These improvements naturally infuse all aspects of life, including photography. Life is not just logic or paradox – it is both at the same time. Meditation allows us to accept this fact and take advantage of it in our photography. So sit down and plan your next photo assignment, then shoot the images spontaneously. Practice all of your camera controls until you can operate any function blindfolded, then never think about them again. Study the visual language of metaphor and symbol, then intuitively allow your photos to speak in that language. Vive la difference!
Return from Integrated Photography to Inner Photography
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