Buddhism and Photography - How do they Interact?

Buddhism and photography – at first glance this article might seem to be about taking photographs of Buddhist statues, monks and monasteries. But let’s try to go a little further and focus on Buddhist teachings and see if and how you can take photographs inspired by them. You’ll also learn how Buddhism can help you take better photographs.

I have read many articles on the relationship between Buddhism and photography and many Buddhist books. Both commentaries and basic texts. To this, I have added my experience with Buddhism and photography. From this sum of information and experience, I have compiled this text. I hope you find it useful.

Seeing things as they really are

As Buddhists, we try to see things as they really are. Without judging good or bad. Without being limited by our past experiences. People often admire photographs of beautiful naked women, beautiful cars or majestic landscapes. We subconsciously evaluate all of these based on our past experiences or our innate instincts. Accordingly, we like or dislike the photos.

If there is a dying man or a disabled person in an equally beautiful photograph instead of a beautiful young woman, far fewer people will like the photograph. But it is precisely when the subject in the photograph does not evoke the emotions we have acquired through experience that we can discover the true essential beauty of the photograph. Beauty in the composition, the colours, the shapes, the lines. Look, for example, at the golden ratio and the golden spiral that emerges from it. It is beautiful in itself because it represents one of the fundamental shapes of the universe.

Follow your thoughts when taking photographs. What do you find interesting about the subject? What feelings does it evoke in you? You need to be aware of this and then try to transfer it to the photograph.

Can Buddhism help to improve photographic skills?

Although it may not be obvious at first glance, Buddhism and photography have a lot in common. Both are concerned with the art of seeing and observing the world around us with clarity and mindfulness. For both, it is important to see the beauty in all things, because what is not beautiful at first glance is also part of life. In many cultures, such as Japan, Tibet and India, Buddhism is deeply connected to art. In modern times, this connection has been and continues to be used by many photographers.

People on the Charles Bridge in Prague - Fine Art Photography Print — The blurred movement of the pedestrians through the use of a long exposure time shows volatility, fragility and constant change. “Charles Bridge in Prague” by Martin Vorel.

One of the main points of contact between Buddhism and photography is the concept of mindfulness. Mindfulness is a central tenet of Buddhist practice and is also very important in photography. A photographer must be fully present at the moment and aware of his or her surroundings in order to capture the perfect shot. Similarly, Buddhist practice emphasises being fully present and aware of one’s thoughts and surroundings.

Another point of contact between Buddhism and photography is the concept of impermanence. Buddhism teaches that everything in the world is constantly changing and that nothing is permanent. Similarly, photography is a way of capturing a moment that is fleeting and will never be repeated in exactly the same way. For example, if you take a picture of a cloud, no one will ever see the same cloud again. By capturing these moments, photography can help remind us of the impermanence of life and the importance of being present at the moment.

8 Ways Buddhism can enhance your photography

The essence of Buddhist meditation is to focus on one thing, such as the breath. If the photographer cultivates this skill, it will help him to concentrate and focus his mind on what he is photographing, on the composition and perhaps on the feelings the resulting photograph is intended to evoke.
Meditation can stimulate creativity and relax the mind. It can also improve your ability to think outside established thought patterns and come up with new ideas.
Buddhist meditation heightens perception. This can help photographers to observe, perceive and find new ways of taking photographs and interesting subjects.
In addition, Buddhist teachings on impermanence can help photographers realise the impermanence of life and the importance of capturing moments as they occur.
Photographers often work with people, and meditation can help photographers improve their ability to communicate with people, be attentive to their needs and anticipate their reactions.
Photographers often spend many hours waiting for the right moment to take a picture. Meditation can help you develop greater patience, which will allow you to take better photographs.
Some photographic disciplines can be very stressful, such as wedding photography. A short daily meditation has been shown to reduce stress levels and help photographers stay calm and focused in difficult situations.
Understanding natural processes and respecting nature are important in Buddhism. And it should be important for any good photographer. Through meditation, you will be able to see the beauty in everyday life.

My favourite saying, “Let’s live as if every day were the first”, can also be applied to photography. Try to look at the things around you as if you were seeing them for the first time. You will be fascinated by just about everything. Now all you have to do is transfer that feeling of wonder to photography so that the viewer can feel it too.

How to take Buddhist-inspired photographs?

Not everything from Buddhist teachings can be easily associated with Buddhism. We will now look at those aspects of Buddhism that I think can be expressed in photography. I certainly can’t cover everything, so I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below this article.

Dependent origination

The Buddhist principle of the interdependence of all things (Pali: paticca-samuppada, Sanskrit: pratitya-samutpada) describes how all things and phenomena are conditioned by their causes and conditions.

The principle behind this concept is ‘if this happens, then that happens, and if this doesn’t happen, then that doesn’t happen’. The concept of dependent arising simply describes how suffering arises and that its primary cause is ignorance. But how can this be expressed in photography?

To simplify, we could try to show both cause and effect in a single image. In both a negative and a positive sense. A photograph of dead plants with a chemical plant in the background or a dead animal on the side of the road could be seen as negative. Both show that something bad (the desire for material wealth symbolised by pollution) has caused something else bad (the death of plants or animals). A positive example might be a photograph of a soldier caring for a wounded enemy without the hatred we would expect.

Abstract long exposure photograph of wooden stakes on a beach in the Baltic Sea — Abstract photographs often make us think about what is actually in the photograph and show ordinary things from a different angle. “Baltic Sea in Poland II.” by M. Vorel

Impermanence – Constant change

The Buddhist principle of impermanence and change, known as anicca (in Pāli) or anitya (in Sanskrit), is a core principle of Buddhism and one of the fundamental characteristics of the world around us. That nothing lasts forever applies to living beings, inanimate nature, and feelings of happiness and sorrow, as well as to the universe as a whole.

There are several ways to project the concept of impermanence in photography. I will try to outline some of them, although I think you can think of better ones:

Nature photography: dry plants, wrinkled fruit or dead animals can also be symbols of impermanence.
Portraits of people: a time-lapse photograph of a person at different ages, a beautiful young girl contrasted with an old woman, or an old man holding a photograph of himself in his youth.
Four seasons: a photograph of the same place at different times of the year, or a leaf falling from a tree.

Black & White Photography Prints — Impermanence depicted through the evocative photography of dead flowers. “Impermanence II.” by M. Vorel.

Dukkha – Life is suffering

The term dukkha, which translates as suffering, distress, dissatisfaction or frustration, is one of the three fundamental qualities of all existence according to Buddhism, along with impermanence (anicca) and the principle of no-self (anatta). The Buddha taught that birth is suffering, ageing is suffering, dying is suffering, separation from the pleasant is suffering, and union with the unpleasant is suffering. Again, this is a more complex subject, but this will suffice as a basis.

From the description of the term dukkha, it is clear what subjects we can photograph when inspired by Buddhist suffering. I don’t want to encourage you to take pictures of dying and sick people, for example:

Bones in nature as a symbol of death and dying.
A photograph of a crying baby who has just been born.
A couple parting to symbolise separation from a loved one.

Anatta – Non-self

Anatta, translated as “non-self”, is an absolutely fundamental principle of Buddhism. If we were to pick one thing that distinguishes Buddhism from other religions, especially Hinduism, it would be the concept of non-self. Anatta simply means that there is no unchanging individual essence in any phenomena, there is no eternal soul, everything is just the sum of other components, and the ego is illusory.

Creating photographs inspired by the principle of not-self is certainly a great challenge and not easy. It could be, for example, abstract photographs of nature and people. Or perhaps phenomena that show how fragile the sense of independent existence of anything can be. A soap bubble, a drop of falling water, an ocean wave, clouds in the sky – at one moment self-contained, named things that a moment later merge into a larger whole or turn into something else.

An abstract wildlife photo - Great Egret — The concept of non-self is fundamental to Buddhism. In this photograph I have tried to capture it in the form of an abstract photograph of a white heron. “Birdwatching Art” by M. Vorel

Sīla – Morality, Unconditional Love and Compassion

Sīla, or Buddhist ethics and morality, is another of the basic building blocks of Buddhism. It is part of the trinity of sīla, samādhi and paññā – ethics, meditation and wisdom – and is an essential part of both Theravāda and Mahayana Buddhism.

Compassion and love are also part of sīla. According to the teachings of the 14th Dalai Lama, unconditional compassion and love are the cornerstones of Tibetan Buddhism and the main way we can achieve happiness and peace not only for ourselves but also for others. Compassion is not just about knowing that other people are suffering, but actively trying to improve their situation. It is also about showing compassion and love to other beings without expecting any reward or benefit for ourselves.

For example, we can show Buddhist morality and compassion in a photograph as follows:

A photograph showing the loving embrace of a mother and her child as a representation of unconditional love.
A photograph of people helping others, such as in humanitarian crises, can express the principle of compassion and the desire to help others.
A photograph of a man feeding pigeons in a park.

Prajñā – Wisdom

Prajñā or paññā means wisdom or understanding and, along with morality and meditation, forms the basis of Buddhist teaching.

Prajñā means understanding the true nature of things. This understanding includes the realisation that all things are impermanent and interdependent, and that there is no permanent and independent essence of beings or things.

Prajñā is also associated with accepting things as they are, without attachment or rejection. In this way, prajñā enables us to overcome the suffering and dissatisfaction associated with our attachment to certain things, beings and ideas.

Buddhist wisdom can also be expressed through photography. You can focus on the expression of wisdom itself (a portrait of an old person with a wise gaze, a portrait of an animal symbolising the natural wisdom of nature) or on what we should understand by wisdom (impermanence, constant change or the interconnectedness of all phenomena).

The Path – The 4th Noble Truth

The Way (magga in Pali), is the fourth of the Four Noble Truths and symbolises the essence of Buddhist teaching. According to Buddhism, one must follow the Noble Eightfold Path in order to attain enlightenment. The Eightfold Path is part of the Fourth Noble Truth and consists of the following points: right view, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right awareness and right concentration.

Each of these points involves a variety of techniques that cannot be covered in this article. For the sake of simplicity, we will only focus on the meaning of the path itself. Photographs can also be used to illustrate this journey, and again I believe you will come up with more creative ways of taking pictures than I have.

For example, to express this Buddhist path in a photograph, one can take a picture of a person walking along the path, the path itself, or perhaps a person meditating or studying.

Zen and the art of photography

Zen Buddhism and photography also have a lot in common. In particular, they both emphasise the importance of being present in the moment and of observing the world around us clearly and mindfully. Zen Buddhism is an offshoot of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasises mindfulness meditation and insight and has had a profound influence on the world of art and aesthetics. The principles of Zen Buddhism have been incorporated into many art forms, including calligraphy, poetry and, of course, photography.

Photography can also be seen as an expression of the Zen Buddhist concept of mindfulness. As you know, photography is about observing the world around us with a clear and open mind, being fully aware of the present moment and capturing the beauty and essence of the world and the changes that take place in it. In this sense, photography can be seen as a form of meditation, as it requires the same kind of focus, concentration and awareness that are essential to Zen Buddhist practice.

The Zen concept of Wabi-sabi

One of the key principles of Zen Buddhism that are reflected in art is the concept of wabi-sabi. Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic concept that emphasises the beauty of imperfection, impermanence and simplicity. It is an appreciation of things that are modest, humble and imperfect, and reflects the mutability and impermanence of all things. In photography, this principle is reflected in the use of simple, unadorned compositions and the appreciation of the beauty of everyday objects and moments.

The Zen concept of Mu-shin

Another principle of Zen Buddhism that is reflected in the art of photography is the concept of mu-shin or ‘no-mind’. This is a state of mind in which one is fully present at the moment, without judgement or prejudice, and open to the flow of experience. This state of mind is essential to the art of photography because it allows the photographer to see the world with new eyes and capture moments that would otherwise go unnoticed.

The Zen concept of Shoshin

The Zen concept of Shoshin is the practice of ‘beginner’s mind’, which means approaching a situation without preconceptions, assumptions and judgements. When applied to photography, Shoshin can benefit the photographer by opening up new possibilities for creativity and new perspectives. By cultivating a beginner’s mind, photographers can let go of expectations and let their intuition guide them.

Here are some examples of how Shoshin can manifest itself in photography:

When a photographer approaches a familiar subject with a beginner’s mind, he or she can see it in a new light and capture unique perspectives.
Shoshin also encourages experimentation and exploration. By trying new techniques or using different equipment, a photographer can push his or her limits and create something unique.
An important aspect of Shoshin is mindfulness. By being present and fully immersed in the moment, the photographer can capture the essence of the subject.
By approaching a subject without expectations or preconceptions, a photographer can be open to new possibilities and create without limitations.
Shoshin encourages acceptance of the imperfection and beauty of the natural world. By accepting the flaws and imperfections in photographs, a photographer can create images that are authentic and true to life.

The Zen concept of Satori

Now I don’t mean Satori in the sense of enlightenment achieved through years of Buddhist practice. Rather, I am interested in the ‘form’ of Satori as a flash of sudden awareness or enlightenment. I think of it as the deep awareness we experience when we read a book, watch a thought-provoking film, or are told something wise. In short, a feeling where we say to ourselves “Oh, this is really important in life” or “Oh, this is how the world works” and so on. I think it would be great, and that’s what I’m trying to do with my photographs if the viewer could experience something like Satori – a flash of sudden awareness – when looking at my pictures.

A man sitting on the wall - Black and White — This minimalist photograph of a thoughtful man sitting quietly on high walls is another example of how Buddhism and photography can be combined. “Sad Lonely Man” by M. Vorel

Meditation and photography

Buddhist meditation can have many benefits for the artistic photographer, both physically and mentally.

One of the main benefits of Buddhist meditation is that it helps to improve focus and concentration. By practising mindfulness and being aware of the present moment, photographers can learn to focus their attention and be more present when taking photographs. The benefits can also be purely practical, for example, meditation can help you hold the camera for long exposures.

Through meditation, photographers can learn to work better with their own creativity and intuition. By cultivating openness and detachment, they can approach their work with a more playful and experimental mindset, which can lead to more innovative and expressive photographs.

Finally, meditation has been shown to have a number of positive effects on physical health, such as lowering blood pressure, improving immune function and reducing inflammation. These benefits can help to improve a photographer’s overall physical well-being, which can lead to better stamina and resilience for non-photography.

Dark Winter Landscape Photography — Calmness and meditation are also expressed in this photograph, which is inspired by the Zen concept of wabi-sabi. “Dark Winter Landscape” by M. Vorel

Famous photographers influenced by Buddhism

Buddhism has influenced several famous photographers, including František Drtikol, a Czech photographer and pioneer of modernist photography in Europe in the early 20th century.
Drtikol’s photographs were strongly influenced by his interest in Buddhism, which he began to study in the 1910s.

Another photographer influenced by Buddhism was Minor White, an American photographer who was a major figure in 20th-century photography. White was a student of Zen Buddhism and saw photography as a spiritual practice. He believed that the camera could be used to reveal the hidden beauty of the world, and his work often reflected his interest in Zen Buddhism.

Other photographers influenced to some extent by Buddhism include Alfred Stieglitz and Henri Cartier-Bresson, a French photographer and co-founder of the Magnum photo agency. His favourite book was Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel, which I also highly recommend.

Recommended books

Zen in the Art of Archery (by Eugen Herrigel)

Henri Cartier-Bresson, considered one of the greatest street photographers of all time, often recommended this book to those who wanted to improve their photography. Although not directly related to photography, he considered it one of the best books on the subject and often spoke about it at Magnum events. The book in question is about Kyudo, the Japanese art of archery, which has much in common with the practice and improvement of photography.

https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Art-Archery-Eugen-Herrigel/dp/0375705090

Buddha Mind in Contemporary Art (by Jacquelynn Baas, Mary Jane Jacob and collective)

Buddha Mind in Contemporary Art explores the growing presence of Buddhist perspectives in modern culture, particularly in the arts. The book features essays by a range of authors and interviews with influential artists who recognise the potential of focused meditation in their creative process. The contributors address essential questions about the relationship between art and life, and show how Buddhism has influenced contemporary art.

https://www.amazon.com/Buddha-Mind-Contemporary-Jacquelynn-Baas/dp/0520243463

The Practice of Contemplative Photography: Seeing the World with Fresh Eyes (by Andy Karr, Michael Wood)

Learn to connect with the visual richness of your everyday experience through this book. It emphasizes that photography is more than just a mechanical process and requires learning to see. By improving your observation skills, you will become more receptive to the natural inspiration around you. The book is packed with practical exercises, photographic assignments, and techniques for working with texture, light, and color. Its training system draws on Buddhist mindfulness practices and the teachings of master photographers like Alfred Stieglitz, Edward Weston, and Henri Cartier-Bresson.

https://www.amazon.com/Practice-Contemplative-Photography-Seeing-World/dp/1590307798

Zen Camera: Creative Awakening with a Daily Practice in Photography (by David Ulrich)

Zen Camera is a unique photography practice that uses your creativity and any camera you have, even the one on your mobile phone. Drawing on Zen principles and forty years of teaching photography, David Ulrich presents six profound lessons to enhance self-expression. Zen Camera encourages you to create a visual journal called your Daily Record, allowing photography to become a path to self-discovery. With 83 photographs, this book offers insights into the nature of seeing, art and personal growth, helping you to create meaningful and beautiful photographs that reflect your individuality. Through mindful interaction with technology, you can unlock your innate power of attention, see creatively, and live authentically.

https://www.amazon.com/Zen-Camera-Creative-Awakening-Photography/dp/0399580336

The Mindful Photographer: Awake in the World with a Camera (by David Ulrich)

In The Mindful Photographer, David Ulrich offers 55 short essays on photography, mindfulness, personal growth and creativity. The book is for anyone interested in improving their photographic skills and personal expression. It will help you awaken your creative spirit, find joy and fulfilment with the camera, and cultivate mindful seeing. The book contains exercises, working practices and quotes from famous photographers. It can be read in sequence or by topic. You will learn to deepen your engagement with the world and discover your creative potential through photography.

https://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Photographer-Awake-World-Camera/dp/1681988410

Red Pepper - Minimalist photography art print — Photographs of ordinary things in an abstract way, showing the impersonality and emptiness of all phenomena. “Red Pepper” by M. Vorel

Q&A

What is the concept of mindfulness and how is it important in Buddhism and photography?

Mindfulness is a central practice of Buddhism that emphasises being fully present and aware of one’s thoughts and surroundings. In photography, mindfulness is important because it allows the photographer to focus and concentrate on what he or she is photographing, the composition, and the feelings the resulting photograph is intended to evoke.

How can meditation enhance a photographer’s creativity?

Meditation can enhance creativity by relaxing the mind and improving the ability to think outside of established thought patterns and generate new ideas. By cultivating the ability to focus on one thing, such as the breath, a photographer can concentrate and focus the mind on creating the perfect photograph.

What is the connection between impermanence and Buddhism in relation to photography?

Buddhism teaches that everything in the world is constantly changing and that nothing is permanent. Similarly, photography is a way of capturing a moment that is fleeting and will never be repeated in exactly the same way. It can help remind us of the impermanence of life and the importance of being present in the moment.

How can meditation help photographers work with people?

Meditation can help photographers improve their ability to communicate with people, to be attentive to their needs and to anticipate their reactions.

What is the importance of respecting nature in Buddhism and photography?

Understanding natural processes and respecting nature is important in Buddhism and should be important for any good photographer. Through meditation, the photographer will be able to see the beauty in everyday life and bring that sense of wonder into the photograph for the viewer to feel.

What is the principle of the interdependence of all things and how can it be expressed in photography?

It simply describes how all things and phenomena are conditioned by their causes and conditions. To express this concept in a photograph, you can try to show both cause and effect in one image.

What is the principle of impermanence and change and how can it be expressed in photography?

The Buddhist principle of impermanence and change describes that nothing lasts forever and everything is constantly changing, including living beings and inanimate nature. It can be expressed in photography through photographs of nature (dry plants, dead animals), portraits of people at different ages, or photographs of the same place in different seasons.

What is the Buddhist concept of dukkha and what are some examples of photographic subjects inspired by it?

The concept of dukkha, or suffering, is one of the three fundamental characteristics of all existence according to Buddhism. To create photographs inspired by it, you can take a picture of bones in nature or a crying baby.

What is the Buddhist principle of non-self and how can it be expressed in photography?

There is no immutable individual essence, no eternal soul, everything is just the sum of other components. This concept can be expressed in photography through abstract photographs, a drop of water falling, ocean waves or clouds in the sky.

What is the connection between Zen Buddhism and photography?

The principles of Zen Buddhism have been incorporated into various art forms, including photography. Photography can be seen as a form of meditation that requires focus, concentration and awareness, which are essential to Zen Buddhist practice.

What principles of Zen Buddhism can be applied to photography?

These can include the concept of wabi-sabi, which celebrates the beauty of imperfection; the concept of mu-shin, a state of mind where one is fully present in the moment; the practice of shoshin, the beginner’s mind; or satori, in the sense of sudden awareness or enlightenment.

What are the benefits of Buddhist meditation for photographers?

Meditation can help improve a photographer’s focus and concentration and cultivate openness and detachment, leading to more playful and experimental thinking. Meditation has positive effects on physical health, which can improve a photographer’s overall physical well-being, stamina and resilience.

What famous photographers have been influenced by Buddhism?

They include František Drtikol, Minor White, Alfred Stieglitz and Henri Cartier-Bresson.

Are there any books on Buddhism and photography?

Some recommended books include “Zen in the Art of Archery”, “Buddha Mind in Contemporary Art”, “The Practice of Contemplative Photography”: Seeing the World with Fresh Eyes”, “Zen Camera: Creative Awakening with a Daily Practice in Photography” or “The Mindful Photographer: Awake in the world with a camera”.

Can photography be a form of meditation?

Photography can be a form of meditation because it requires concentration on the present moment and full focus on one thing. By immersing themselves in photography, photographers can achieve a state of flow and mindfulness that is similar to meditation.

How can the simplicity of Zen be applied to photography?

Zen art emphasises the beauty and power of simple, unadorned things. In photography, simplicity can be applied by focusing on the essential elements of a scene and removing any extraneous details or distractions to create a powerful and minimalist image.

Sources:

Buddhism’s Influence on the Art of Photography

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