Ian Brumpton

Photography is communication: you must communicate through your photographs if you want to be a real photographer. Communication is the first thing in photography but sometimes we see images that do not tell us anything. This is because the photographer is conditioned by the memory of that image.

Siddhartha Gautama did not need any introduction. Considered in the Buddhist tradition as “the awakened one” or “enlightened one”, his words and his teachings have transcended the millenniums and are still alive and extraordinarily strong still today.

I do not think of being sacrilegious if I try to bring with this post Zen teachings to apply to street photography. There are also reflections on my activities specifically not only in the profession as a photographer but also as a teacher with the workshops.

1. A Beginner mind

“In the mind of the expert, there are very few possibilities, in the mind of a beginner there are an infinite number of possibilities.”

It is hard to maintain a beginners mind. but we must try to obtain this. All our knowledge is our technical and cultural heritage are part of us and affect our photographic eye. But sometimes it is helpful to empty our minds and our conditionings. If you finally deflate your head and start to take in new ideas and a fresh perspective you will start to notice how your expertise got in your way of taking better street photographs.

2. Patience

“A jug fills up drop by drop”

It’s a sign of our times: we are constantly under pressure. It does not matter whether we are professional photographers or amateurs. We hurry to get results. We must start to living the moment. It’s hard, as your minds are constantly preoccupied. Clear your mind before you go on a shoot and try to limit your goals. Your street photography will improve. Every change, every goal and every little success is not achieved from day to day. It takes commitment, dedication, perseverance and patience.

3. The mind is everything

“What we are is the result of what we think”

The “right” thoughts are what create our existence. Your thoughts determine your actions, your actions determine the course of your life. Positive thinking will contribute positive energy when we do street photography.

4. Share with everyone

“The less you try to impress your listeners with your knowledge, the more they respect you for your expertise.”

This is something that I apply to my workshops as well as to my articles. Your knowledge should not be exhibited but shared through the simplicity to reach as many people as possible. When you speak to them in their language about what they care about and eliminate your own specialized vocabulary, you elevate yourself from subject matter expert to strategic advisor.

5. Silence

“Silence your mind”

Sometimes is necessary silence your mind in the streets.  Cities are noisy but I mean more a visual and mental noise. Sometimes there are too things that demanding your immediate attention: the result is to lose all the interesting moments.Try to silence all the noises and enjoy just being without doing. We often do not see the decisive moment that is in front of us and we often miss the most unique and compelling compositions.

6. Inner Serenity

“Work from the outside in.”

Your inner state shapes your body language: When you’re sad, you droop, when you’re happy, you expand. But the process also works in reverse. Your posture, gestures, and facial expressions create neuro-chemical and hormonal messages that influence how you feel. So here’s some old-fashioned advice. Stand up straight, weight on both feet. Keep your chin up. Chest out, Open up and smile. Those actions make you look and feel good.

7. Speak in pictures

“The collective unconscious speaks in pictures”

Do not forget that you’re a photographer, and express yourself, especially with photography. A picture is valid if it is claimed by itself. Without titles or explanations.

8. Trust

“Why we need trust and why we do not trust”

Believe in your own eye, and the things that attract your attention. It is normal to look at the work of others, study it and get the good things but then we must believe in ourselves and show what we like and attracts our attention.

9. Acceptance

“Act out of mindfulness and not out of fear or other short fused reactions.”

Enjoy every moment and learn to accept yourself and your feelings but also those of others. We must not let ourselves be conditioned on the street by a negative reaction to our photographing. And we must not let ourselves be influenced by some critics received about our photography.

10. Learning, constant

“When you get to the top of the mountain, keep climbing.”

In photography as in all the arts we can never say that we have nothing more to learn. I learn from everyone: for example, consider my workshops an opportunity for growth, is an interchange between me and my students. If we are always open and receptive to the teachings we get from everyone.