Ordinary Magic: Introduction to Macro Photography
Class - Photography | Registration opens 5/13/2025 9:00 AM EDT
"I really believe there are things that nobody would see if I did not photograph them." - Diane Arbus
During this class we are combining two topics in one transformative photographic experience: Mindfulness and Macro Photography. Get ready to go slow, see deeply and experience a shift in how you perceive the phenomenal world. Participants will explore the art of creating extremely close-up images, magnifying small subjects to reveal their intricate details and textures. This is also a great class if you have been wanting to go off Auto mode and learn to use aperture priority to have more creative control over your depth of field (how much is in focus).
This class is great for photographers, artists at heart, or the curious wanting to explore the symbiotic relationship between contemplative practice and photography. You can use whatever camera that is available to you, including your cell phone.
Timothy Auman
I am an ordained lay Buddhist, certified mindfulness teacher, and former university chaplain dedicated to the application of Taoist and Zen thought to the issues of everyday life. As a visual artist, my approach to photography focuses on learning (or perhaps we could say re-learning) how to see. My work is influenced by the Miksang (the Tibetan word for “good eye”) movement, having studied with John McQuade and Miriam Hall for many years. In contemplative photography, we focus on taking the time to actually see, to become aware of and present with what is actually happening in the phenomenal world, and then create an equivalent image with our camera. The main difference between Miksang Contemplative Photography and other forms of photography is that Miksang is based on clear perception before an overlay of thoughts, interpretations, preferences, story lines, likes and dislikes, what we think might make a good image and so forth arise. Meditation, dharma teachings and contemplation are woven into all I teach. If you want to know more about contemplative photography, please sign up for a class.