The Inner Path of Photography

We yearn for the taste of the sacred…and through our cameras discover it, the world, and ourselves.

Tag: Heidi Straube

December 28, 2010

Heidi in Houston – January 2011

“Kitesurfer” c. 2009, Heidi Straube

Hi, just a short note to tell you that I’ll be in Houston
for the month of January…
Teaching, portrait photographing,
counseling, being your favorite muse 🙂
Classes listed below…mark your calendar…
In-person sessions…call or email now for appointments
More details after the New Year

Best Wishes for the New Year to You…

Heidi in Houston, January 2011, Providing:

Find the courage and tangible tools to make the changes you need in career, work, relationships, life direction…

Learn to shoot from your inner, meditative, knowing/feeling space…receive personal coaching for having your photographs reflect what you truly want them to…remove blocks, and enjoy inspiration and support for your work…

In the tradition of Minor White, photographer, and blending the best of photography, meditation, and psychology, return to the magical, mystical joy that drew you to photography in the first place.

Saturday, January 15
9:30 – 12:30 PM    Part 1,  Intro/Basics
1:30 – 4:30 PM      Part 2,  Deepen Your Experience
Call or email to get on registration list. More details next week…
Take Part 1 only or both parts
Let me capture the spirit of your loved ones…
Call 1.713.521.1676 or
email me: hs@heidistraube.com or heidi@straubephoto.com.
Warm wishes,
Heidi
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December 20, 2010

“That’s how the light gets in” – Winter Solstice 2010

 

“Moon, Venus & Jupiter” Taos, New Mexico, c. 2009 Heidi Straube

December 21…Winter Solstice…When the sun shines the least, and the darkness is longest.

I intended to write an article today about darkness vs. light, rebirth and hope, new beginnings and prosperity — many of the themes of the rituals and celebrations associated with the Winter Solstice.

But in the refrain of his song poem, “Anthem” Leonard Cohen captures the essence.

Like any good art, it needs no interpretation or expansion.

Listen…in your heart…it is for you.

“Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in
That’s how the light gets in
That’s how the light gets in”

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December 13, 2010

Life Reflections from Photography: “Brothers”

 

“Brothers,” c. 2010, Heidi Straube

“If you press me to say why I loved him,
I can say no more than because he was he, and I was I.”
– Michel de Montaigne

There’s a grace and gentleness to this photograph that gives me a warm feeling every time I see it.

Two brothers…who did the usual “boy” thing of resisting a bit when we started the family photo shoot…then began to enjoy being the center of attention…and by the end of the afternoon, were fully into a beautiful dance of friendship and love that lit up the space.

An elegant connection…giving each other room, then teasing and physically close…claiming their personal portrait time, then inviting the other to play in front of the camera…And throughout always comfortable, trusting, supportive.

These boys are young men now. May they still enjoy their special relationship of brothers, and may the women in their lives enjoy the same beautiful experience that was my gift at this time.

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December 10, 2010

Life as Science Fiction…

Truro, Massachusetts, September 11, 2010

Sometimes life can seem like a science fiction movie – strange and unfamiliar.

This image was shot during a Joel Meyerowitz weekend workshop, where we were pushed to stretch and work outside of our comfort zones. The location was surreal – an abandoned military base, with all kinds of empty and unusual looking structures.

Given a quick 15 minutes to shoot as the sun went down, this was the last image I grabbed as we were called into class.

I’m surprised to like it.  And I like the fact that I’m surprised, as I look and ask “Who is that person who made this image?” It’s so unlike images I have made before.

Photography gives us an opportunity to be in other worlds – visually, mentally, emotionally. We willingly place ourselves there, and although it can sometimes be uncomfortable, we enjoy the play and challenge of living in the unfamiliar and expressing our experience.

May we learn to do the same thing in life. Sometimes the world is romance; sometimes science fiction. If we find ourselves in the science fiction movie, perhaps we can appreciate its weirdness, its unknown possibilities, and make it a good one.

In the same way that we approach the changing world as creative photographers with curiosity, openness and willingness to be uncomfortable, may we be willing to maintain those qualities in the science fiction times of our lives.

Even when situations and circumstances are not totally in our control, we are still the movie makers.

We work with the tools we are given. We remember love, spirituality, creativity, and other qualities important to us that are the essence and beauty of life.

Romance or science fiction, it’s still our movie.


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