The Art of Contemplative Photography
Writing and Photos by Jacqueline Wallen
In the quiet moments of everyday life, there exists an invitation to see the world more deeply—to move beyond the surface and engage with the essence of what is before us. Contemplative photography is a practice that invites us to do just that. It is not about capturing a perfect image or following technical rules; rather, it is about pausing, being present, and noticing the subtle beauty that often goes unnoticed. Over time, I have come to realize that this practice has not only deepened my appreciation for the world around me but has also contributed to my psychological and spiritual growth, providing a path to mindfulness, inner peace, and greater self-awareness. In this piece, I will share my journey with contemplative photography, describing how it has shaped my spiritual and psychological well-being.
I began the practice of contemplative photography because of the beautiful morning skies I was seeing from my tenth floor, east-facing picture window. There was something deeply spiritual about what I saw. I didn’t use any special photography equipment, just my iPhone camera. I also like to walk through Sligo Creek Park, an urban forest in Silver Spring, Maryland, where I live. I have always loved trees, and I began noticing and photographing trees that drew my attention. I have gradually become more and more attuned to the beauty that surrounds me wherever I am. I often find myself stopping to take a picture whenever I notice something that might be quite commonplace but that strikes me as special.
The term contemplative photography is attributed to the Buddhist teacher Rinpoche Chögyam Trungpa, who used it as a mindfulness practice. Mindfulness is a state of active, open, nonconceptual attention to what is here right now without judgment or distraction. Contemplative photography is not about the camera or even, ultimately, about photography. It is about the photographer’s ability to see things as they are and to find beauty in the ordinary. Thomas Merton is often quoted as saying, “Beauty is simply reality itself.” A Trappist monk who practiced contemplative photography among other contemplative practices, Merton called contemplative photography “Zen photography.” Zen Buddhism encourages an awareness of the present moment, a philosophy that aligns naturally with the principles of contemplative photography.
Miksang is a Tibetan word that translates to “good eye” or “clear seeing.” In contemplative photography it encourages the photographer to be fully present in the moment and develop a deep, mindful connection with what they are capturing. The practice of Miksang emphasizes observing the world with a fresh perspective, free from preconceptions, judgments, or the influence of cultural conditioning. But Miksang also emphasizes the heart connection: how the image resonates with your feelings. When I look at them, my pictures below actually produce a warm feeling in my heart.
Miksang photography finds beauty in items or scenes that almost anyone would consider appealing, but also in things that others might think of as unappealing. For example, in the spring, birds nest at the top of the ramp going down to my parking garage, lay their eggs, and care for their fledglings. They make a lot of noise and “trash” often falls from their nests onto the ramp. Some of it is very charming. For example, here are two pictures of “trash” that fell from nests. Not only did I find this trash beautiful, but I also found that it made me love the birds as artists. And I’ve always appreciated their singing and the chirping of their hatchlings.
Even objects that seem somewhat disgusting can have their own beauty. The picture on the left below is bird poop on the hood of my car. The picture on the right is a piece of moldy cheese that I found at the back of my refrigerator.
Letting go of self, or ego, is probably the most important part of Miksang photography because that is the part of our being that attempts to order our world according to our preconceptions and judgments.
Another element in true seeing is what the Japanese call Yutori. Yutori refers to making enough time and creating enough space to approach something without hurry or stress. It conveys the idea of living with a relaxed, uncrowded mindset, where there's space for contemplation, calm, and thoughtful action.
The term is often applied in various contexts in Japan, from work culture to personal life, suggesting the importance of balance, flexibility, and mindfulness in daily activities. In essence, Yutori is about creating space to breathe, think, and experience life more fully, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed in all one’s activities. “Spaciousness” is an important Buddhist concept that can be understood both metaphorically and experientially. It refers to a state of mind that is free from clinging, limitation, and rigidity. It is a quality of mental and emotional spaciousness that allows for flexibility, clarity, and freedom from attachment.
One last Japanese word that I want to leave you with is Wabi-Sabi. Wabi-Sabi is a Japanese aesthetic and philosophical concept that celebrates imperfection, transience, and the beauty of things that are incomplete or weathered. Rooted in Zen Buddhism, Wabi-Sabi appreciates the natural cycle of growth and decay, finding beauty in simplicity, modesty, and the fleeting nature of life. Contemplative photography is about being present, observing the world mindfully, and capturing the essence of the moment without imposing preconceptions. Wabi-Sabi can deeply influence contemplative photography, especially in its focus on the beauty of imperfection, the transient nature of the moment, and simplicity. These two photographs illustrate Wabi-Sabi.
Remember that the value of contemplative photography lies primarily in the act of seeing, not in the finished photograph. But there is an additional practice that can be applied to the photographs you have taken. This is called Visio Divina. Visio Divina (Latin for "divine seeing") is a contemplative practice that involves using images or visual stimuli to deepen one's spiritual awareness and connection. It is similar to Lectio Divina, which involves reading sacred texts meditatively. In Visio Divina, however, the focus is on visually contemplating an image, artwork, or scene in order to experience a spiritual or transformative encounter. The goal is not simply to look at the image, but to see it deeply, engaging both the mind and heart in a contemplative, reflective way. Applied to contemplative photography, it helps photographers slow down, look mindfully at photographs (whether their own or others’), reflect on their deeper meanings, and respond with intention. This process leads to a richer, more mindful practice of photography, one that connects the external world of images with the internal world of the viewer.
In case you need some motivation enhancement, here are a few ideas to get you going. You don’t need any specialized photographic equipment or adjustable camera settings. The camera in your cell phone or even a child’s fixed-focus camera can be ideal.
Miksang: Select a subject that you feel drawn to whether it is a natural landscape, an everyday object, or a small moment in your environment. The subject should be simple and unassuming, yet capable of conveying beauty in its most natural form. Before you begin photographing, spend a few minutes with your subject. Engage in a brief mindfulness exercise in which you observe the subject closely, focusing on its color, shape, texture, and light. Avoid any preconceived notions about the subject; just experience it as it is. Take several photographs of your chosen subject. The aim is to create images that feel fresh and clear, without unnecessary distractions or excessive editing. Focus on composition, light, and how the subject presents itself. Use natural light when possible and avoid forcing any "artistic" effects. Your goal is to capture the subject in its most essential form. Keep your compositions simple and look for moments where the subject stands out without any clutter or extraneous elements. After taking the photos, review them and notice how each one makes you feel and which one resonates with you the most.
Yutori: Begin by spending 10-15 minutes in a quiet, peaceful setting—this could be outdoors, in your home, or even a small corner of a room. The key is to choose a space where you can feel calm and undistracted. Sit quietly and observe your surroundings. Notice the small details that often go unnoticed: the play of light, the textures, the patterns, the subtle sounds, or the movement of nature. Allow yourself to be fully present in the moment, taking in the scene with all your senses.
After observing the scene, take your camera or smartphone and begin photographing. But before you snap any pictures, pause for a moment and ask yourself: "What stands out to me in this space?" "What does this scene make me feel?" Focus on what draws your attention or brings a sense of calm. Apply Yutori by allowing space in your composition. Leave parts of the frame empty (negative space), focusing on simplicity and balance. Let your photographs have room to breathe, rather than crowding the frame with too many elements.
Take your time. Don’t rush to capture every detail. Instead, focus on a few well- considered images that reflect the stillness and spaciousness of the moment. Remember: the goal is not quantity but quality, allowing your photos to emerge naturally from your awareness and presence.
After taking the photos, take a few minutes to reflect on the experience. How did it feel to slow down and focus on the present moment? What was your emotional response to the scene, and how did it influence your photos? Consider the concept of Yutori in your photos: Do you notice any patterns of spaciousness, quiet, or relaxation in your compositions? How did the practice of slowing down influence the images you created?
Wabi-Sabi: Select subjects that show signs of imperfection, wear, or aging. This could be anything from a weathered piece of furniture, an old building, a cracked pot, a faded flower, or the marks of time on a person or landscape. Look for the beauty that exists in things that may seem ordinary, overlooked, or imperfect to others. Use your camera to capture the raw, unpolished beauty of the subject. Once you have your photos, review them with the Wabi-Sabi philosophy in mind. Choose one or two images that truly resonate with the concept of imperfection and beauty. Review your photographs. What do you notice about the beauty of things that are worn, aged, or flawed?
Jacqueline Wallen is a clinical social worker with a practice of psychotherapy and an Associate Professor Emerita in the Department of Family Science, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park.
