The Inner Path of Photography

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

Tag: spiritual photography

“Prayer” (after Matisse)

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“The essential is to live in a state of mind
that is close to prayer.”

(Heidi)

 

Image: “Love as Prayer”
©2016 Heidi Straube, Istanbul, Turkey
First postings of the Istanbul Collection

Photographer’s Note:
I recently watched the film “A Model for Matisse,” an inspiring and loving documentary about the relationship between Henri Matisse and the woman who inspired him to create what Matisse proclaimed the masterpiece of his life’s work — The Chapel of the Rosary in the French Mediterranean village of Vence.

There were some who thought Matisse should stay away from creating his art in the religious world — Pablo Picasso was one. Picasso thought Matisse to be incorrect to build a chapel when he wasn’t a “believer.”

In a passionate letter to Picasso, Matisse wrote that he saw the chapel as a work of art. Sharing his deep feelings about religion, the sacred experience, and the source of his own art, he wrote:

“The essential is to work in a state of mind that is close to prayer.”

How beautiful, this expression of creating from the soul and heart.
And how precious to live our lives from this place.

May your day be filled with the sacred space, inspired from your own way of prayer.

“Sweet Caress”

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Quelle que soit la durée de votre séjour sur cette petite planète,
et quoi qui’l vous advienne
le plus important c’est que vous puissiez – de temps en temps –
sentir la caresse exquise de la vie.

However long your stay on this small planet lasts
and whatever happens during it,
the most important thing is that – from time to time –
you feel life’s sweet caress.

© Heidi Straube, Eastham, MA, Cape Cod, 2016
Quote: © William Boyd, “Sweet Caress” 2015

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My studio…today.

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May your day be full of
wide open spaces

Allowing your  heart to expand
your soul to dream

and your mind to create
your deepest desires.

“Timeless Drive, New Mexico”
© Heidi Straube 2015

Photographer’s Note:

Driving from Houston to New Mexico last week, I asked Google to give me a new route from Amarillo to Taos. The route turned out to be nearly 4 hours of wide open grasslands and desert –  a random truck 2 hours in – one town of 145 people to pass through – no cell connection – total silence except for the wind when I got out of the car to make photographs.

Meditative. Awe inspiring. A little scary if I allowed myself the “I’m all alone out here and what if something (bad) happens?” game.  A perfect way to see where my mind goes when it has nothing to distract.

I enjoyed being in the moment, breathing, allowing the beauty of my surroundings, relaxing into the pleasure of experiencing something new, unknown, unplanned.

The timelessness of forward motion holding the very real experience that, in this very moment, all is perfect.

“Vast Love”

Vast Love, Heidi Straube - Inner Path Photography

Silence.

the wonder of the universe

Infinite possibilities, life desires made real
Freedom to explore, coziness to return

Vast love.

This I wish for you.

 

Image: “Vast Love”
From Winter: Cape Cod, “Capturing God”
© Heidi Straube, Wellfleet, MA, Cape Cod, 2015

Photographer’s Note:

The last day of my stay of nearly two years on Cape Cod, I repeated a favorite morning ritual – A greeting to those at the wonderful PB Boulangerie bistro, purchase of a latte and pain de chocolate, and continued drive down the road to the beach that I love.

It was May, still quiet season; me alone on the bluff, a small boy & his parents quietly walking the beach. A perfect experience to be gifted with, in a  magical place –
A bittersweet farewell, but never a final good-bye.

See more images from Winter: Cape Cod, “Capturing God”

Enjoy the Photo of the Day – Heidi Straube – Inner Path Photography

Currently in Houston, Texas – Photographer – Psychotherapist – Muse