Restorative justice pioneer Howard Zehr is also an accomplished photographer. He begins his latest book with a confession “I have written this book in part to encourage myself to slow down, to heighten my imagination, to renew myself while I gain a new view of the creation and the creator.” With this book, Zehr makes a gift to anyone who would like to couple photography with seeing and thinking more deeply. In each chapter he offers a Purpose, a Problem, and an Activity with a camera in order to “practice mindfulness.” You’ll not need a fancy camera, but if you have one it won’t hurt. Zehr’s chapter-by-chapter exercises are aimed at heightening visual awareness and imagination all while doing good and working for justice.
Reviews:
I just love this book. Howard Zehr lays out the practice and path of contemplative photography in a short 75 pages (for only $4.95, too!) in a straightforward, entertaining, and logical way. As a contemplative photographer and a teacher of contemplative photography in the Miksang Buddhist tradition, I am indebted to the author for this wonderful offering. Contemplative photography is about seeing, about joining with the world, about dropping our agendas and simply learning to relax and appreciate the arising moment. It is not, as Zehr points out, about taking a shot, creating an image, or manufacturing a photograph.
Howard Zehr presents photography as an opportunity to “stimulate our imaginations, to develop our intuitive and aesthetic sensibilities, to gain new insights. It is an invitation to stop and look and be refreshed.” With simple descriptions of the process and straightforward exercises, he clearly outlines the path of contemplative photography. (Amazon reviewer, 2012)
What a lovely book! I plan to start my day with readings from this special book because it makes me smile and helps me “see.” But don’t be fooled by this Little Book — its depth is staggering. (Amazon reviewer, 2021)
What a delightful book! I read it quickly and then decided to read it meditatively, one chapter at a time, trying to apply its wisdom to my own photography and my own spiritual life. Zehr captures the essence of photography as relationship, using few words, lots of excellent illustrations, and a distinctive concept. You will see the world differently after you read it. (Amazon reviewer, 2015)
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.