Category: Inspiration

National Geographic nature photographer Jim Brandenberg shot a series of images, one for each day of spring in his native Minnesota.  You can see the slide show here. It goes by very quickly so you might want to keep your mouse poised over the pause button in the lower left corner.

This is a recent posting on Proof which National Geographic describes as:

Proof is National Geographic’s online photography journal. We showcase the voices of National Geographic photographers and editors to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the visual storytelling process. Proof also features work from emerging photographers, books, galleries, and portfolios across the web. We aim to present an ongoing conversation about photography, art, journalism, and the people who create it.

This video shows the photography of Vincent Munier. Using a combination of stills and videos and an almost monochromatic palette, it presents his brilliant minimalist images of arctic wildlife and landscape.

Check out this video for Levon Biss’ spectacular  and very labour intensive macro photographs of insects. For more information see the web site. Follow the “EXPLORE” link and zoom all the way in on any of the images to see the minute details.

Some incredible photos of birds here.

Amy Lo recommended the landscape and nature photographs of Marc Muench. There’s a slide show on his home page but I encourage you to take a look at his blog where he features images and gives details about the image (location, camera, …).

Suzanne Powell sent along these examples of her Miksang Photography:

Click on a thumbnail to enlarge, to see title and metadata.

Thanks again Suzanne for an eye opening presentation.

Fraser Campbell found this collection of photos to inspire you. Use the controls in the bottom left corner to control the slideshow or just click on each image to advance to the next image.

Thanks for sharing Fraser.

At the April 1^st meeting Suzanne Warren Powell will talk to us about Miksang Contemplative Photography:

Miksang is a Tibetan word meaning “good eye.” It represents a form of contemplative photography based on Dharma Art teachings, in which the eye is in synchronization with the contemplative mind. The result of this particular perception of the world, combined with photography, produces a peculiar and open way of seeing the world. Miksang pictures tend to bring the observer back into the original contemplation state of the author of the picture. The pictures can bring one back to a purer perception of reality that is often neglected. Miksang involves nothing fancy, no special setup; only a visual capture, in the proper state of mind, of everyday’s reality. (wikipedia)

Suzanne has degrees in the Arts and Education and been teaching Fine Art and mentoring in Creativity since 1985.

Her love of nature and a Zen approach to life and creativity has led Suzanne into the arts and culture of the Far East. She practices Miksang photography, a form of meditative Tibetan Dharma art and writes Haiku poetry. Suzanne lives on a large rural property, which features trails through meadows, woods and wetlands. This untamed landscape renews her artistic vision every day.