Inspiration | The Inner Path of Photography

July 29, 2009

Impermanence and the photographer’s experience

“Mr. Cunningham often spoke and wrote movingly about the nature of dance and would laugh about its maddening impermanence. “You have to love dancing to stick to it,” he once wrote. “It gives you nothing back, no manuscripts to store away, no paintings to show on walls and maybe hang in museums, no poems to be printed and sold, nothing but that single fleeting moment when you feel alive.”

(Quote from NY Times, Alistair Macaulay, “Merce Cunningham, Dance Visionary, Dies,” July 27, 2009)
(Bolding added by Heidi)

Yes, this is how I feel in the middle of shooting photographs, when all comes together, no mind, no planning, just being…me and the camera and all around me as one…and that is why I feel alive after a photo shoot, whether it be commercial, personal work, or casual family and friends.
Wouldn’t our lives be much better also if we could transfer this experience to each moment of our day…

Those who practice Buddhism are already aware of this approach to life…but one doesn’t have to be a Buddhist in order to live in this manner. The act of taking photographs is a spiritual practice in itself, as one connects with inner resonance and truth, and expresses it in the outer finished photograph.

The essence of shooting is an immersion in the joy of impermanence….where nothing else matters but now…and now…and now…timelessness and total feeling alive at the same moment.

July 28, 2009

Inspiration from Merce Cunningham, choreographer (a quote for you)

“…Some people think it is unhuman and mechanistic to toss pennies in creating a dance instead of chewing the nails or beating the head against a wall or thumbing through old notebooks for ideas…”

“But…I am in touch with a natural resource far greater than my own personal inventiveness could ever be, much more universally human than the particular habits of my own practice.”

(Merce Cunningham quote, italics and bolding supplied by Heidi)
(Reference obituary, “He Took a Great Leap”, Sarah Kaufman, Washington Post, 7.28.2009

Merce Cunningham died on Sunday at 90 years old. He followed his truth and created new ways of artistic expression that were magical, mystical, inspirational, and uplifting. Mr. Cunningham speaks beautifully to the inner experience of creating and living. I’m inspired by his style of creating from the “natural resource” rather than working from the belief that our agonizing and thinking hard is what makes the magic happen.

As you photograph and as you create your life may you, like Mr. Cunningham, also work and live from that natural resource of Spirit, inner knowing, and connection with universal humankind.

July 12, 2009

Everyone needs music…

Everyone needs good music to accompany them as they print photos, edit, or decide who to send their newest photos to. I miss my darkroom…that was one of the finest times, working in near blackness, breath held with anticipation then joy as I watch images magically appear in the chemistry, the sound of my favorite tunes enveloping me.

So now that I’m working more with digital, it’s been a challenge to recreate that magical feeling of total immersement in the creative space. Working late at night seems to help for me….all is quiet, lights are low, darkness surrounds, and my speakers resonate with soul. The tactile, sensuous part of feeling the paper, smelling the chemistry, hearing the rush of the water in the wash tray is missing…but the satisfaction of discovering wonderful images I didn’t know I had shot, or (hoped that I had) still hits me deliciously, uplifts my inner being and gives me that addictive rush.

My spirit soars. All is right with the world.

So….here are my latest favorite radio streaming sites that get me “in the zone”….

What are yours?

MVY radio, Martha’s Vineyard and the World

WFUV 90.7 FM, Public Radio from Fordham University in New York City

Progressive Radio for Long Island – WEHM 96.9 FM

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June 3, 2009

My New Book: “I Dream of Galveston”

I’m proud to announce my new book of photographs based on Galveston beaches and their mystery and magic. Click on the cover picture below for a description and to see sample photos. You can also order books to be shipped directly to you through the book link. Of course, if you want a more personalized, signed copy, I’ll be happy to take your order myself.

Here’s what’s been written about my book:

“For true beach lovers, the magic of the ocean never ends. In this little book about the Galveston beach, Heidi Straube has captured the peacefulness, fragile beauty, and silent gracefulness of children and adults at the beach. The stillness of her photos, many shot in the fog, remind us of the places we can go to within, no matter what our outside circumstances.

Galveston and its beaches were severely damaged during Hurricane Ike in October of 2008. Ms. Straube has captured the beauty and innocence that has always been a part of Galveston’s beaches and its visitors, and provides hope for the future.

“Aaaaah”….Heidi’s photographer group sighed upon first seeing her pictures.

Experience the memories and magic yourself in this lovely tribute to Galveston.”

Enjoy!