I Need Some Zen

HappyBudda_1644, originally uploaded by carolsLittleWorld.

About this point in my life, I need a little ZEN. What do I mean by that? Well, when everything’s crazy, a little ZEN goes a long way.

The alarm in my house is going off at odd times. I’ve got mountains of laundry and unpacked boxes to sort out. I’ve got places to go and people to meet. Yeah, all of that, but I also need a little ZEN. A quiet moment with some green tea and a break.

Did you ever feel that way?

Photographers can photograph ZEN quite easily. You know these images. They are the quiet images, the solace, the minimal images. They are the images that give us comfort. Sort of the macaroni and cheese of the image world, these images never really go out of style. Somebody, somewhere always seems to need some kind of ZEN…Michael Kenna…you know what I’m talking about here. Images of Buddha. Images of peaceful places. Quiet, empty spaces for those times when you’ve had enough dealings with society.

As a photographer, you should try to shoot some ZEN. Leave some space in an image every once in a while. Shoot spiritual things. Shoot calming, soothing things. Look for metaphors. Help make people relax. I’m starting to think that each and every photographer would do well with a ZEN series, even if it’s only a small series featuring a few images. The world can be an ugly place and needs more ZEN to balance things out.

Right about now, I’d take a picture of my bed if I could. Have you ever felt that way? Heck, I know, from time to time, I do.

ZEN. It’s so under-rated these days. I think you should try it. I know I’m going to try it myself.

Until next time…