RE: [Leica] Lessons Learned

["Dan Honemann" <ddh@home.com>]

Michael,

Thanks for these inspiring thoughts.  Just to clarify something that is
often confusing (regarding the zen/archery quotation): it's important to
recognize that this zen state of "no mind" is actually referring to a
heightened state of attention or awareness--not unconsciousness.  It is
being awake this moment.  What is missing is not attention but the veil of
thought, interpretation, judgment, story.  The absence of these mentations
(where, let's face it, we spend most of our time) are what is meant by the
phrase, "state of no mind."

The "correct" manner is really more of a stance than a technique, in my
experience.  Technique can too easily become known, stale, a learned
pattern--and thus hamper attention and spontaneity, rather than serve it
(not always: it's a subtle shift).

When one takes one's stand in this "state of no mind"--in awareness of what
is actually going on, beyond thought, beyond judgment, beyond
expectation--then there is, automatically, the aliveness of this
moment--complete, whole, and bristling with possibility.  Here there is a
beauty that cannot be contrived.  I believe it is this beauty and this joy
of discovery that we seek when we photograph.

Regards,
Dan

> EXACTLY what I was trying to say the other day. The process is more than
> just looking at the final print. (You put it well.) Someone also compared
> Leica photography and "Zen and the Art of Archery" the other day.
> This too
> is a good comparison (not just because they both originated in Germany.)
> As explained in the book...
> If we perfect our form (style and technique) to the point where we don't
> need to really think about it any more to do things in the
> 'correct' manner
> (state of no mind) the arrow will hit the target flawlessly every time
> (we'll have more keepers per roll.)
>
> Carpe Luminem,
> Michael E. Berube
>