Center StageCenter Stage - Antelope Canyon Arizona Every landscape photographer strives for that perfect shot, the perfect sunrise or sunset, and, of course, the perfect location that looks like it came right out of a story book. So many times we, as artists/photographers, can be let down if we hope and chase that “perfect scenario.” This is not because it’s not there, but because we don’t see it. We need to let go of what we are conditioned to believe is the “ultimate photo” and let the pieces fall into place naturally. When we open our eyes and see without any preconceived thoughts what we will see is a palette of endless opportunities to guide us to that perfect shot.

When I photograph a place I want to capture the spirit of that place and it can’t be done by just snapping a photograph. For me the camera is nothing more than a tool. For a photograph to be successful and speak to the viewer, it must be an expression of the person who took it. For this to happen when I’m shooting, I need to feel the place I’m in, I need to feel as if I’ve become part of it. When I get to a location I may want to shoot, I first walk around for a bit and take in what I’m seeing and feeling. I’ll sit down and just stare out into the distance for some time, but most of all I let my creativity take over. I never try to force the shot or let my thinking take over. I let it happen naturally, kinda like a musician playing their instrument with total feel and emotion.  Flatiron BuildingFlatiron Building - New York City

As a martial artist and teacher, I always emphasize to my students how important it is to trust your instincts and not let the logical brain take over or question what one may be feeling. I follow that same philosophy when shooting. Knowing the basic rules of photography, proper exposure, and depth-of-field is very important, but knowing how to use these principles, and when to break the rules, so to speak, is what makes a photograph a piece of art.

Understanding how things work, gaining as much knowledge as one can and being prepared is extremely important. Now let go of the logical thinking patterns and let your creative side come through. Trust me. Trust yourself and the possibilities of what will be created will be amazing and endless.  In Japanese
this is called Mushin, the way of no mind.

Blue KauaiBlue Kauai - Kauai