Part 1: Searching for Light (and Shadow)
Can Photography help us in our spiritual journey?
And how can we integrate it on our discipline along with the Christian meditation as taught by our Community, the World Community for Christian Meditation - WCCM?
In this first part I would like to share with you some reflections on contemplative photography and the various connections with Christian meditation as rediscovered and taught by Father John Main.
Let's have a look to the introductory video:
Video 1_1: Introduction to Searching for Light (and Shadow)
Psalm 36, 9:
For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.
Video 1_2: Searching for Light (and Shadow) - Etymologies
Now we are going to discuss the etymologies of the crucial words for us: Photography, Light and Contemplation.
Did you know that the word used in languages like Latin, Greek, Spanish, French and Italian for God has a strong connection with the Light?
Video 1_3: Searching for Light (and Shadow) - Landscape Photography and Ansel Adams (1902-1984)
Landscape Photography is probably one of the most difficult genres of photography, but it can be perfect to start an itinerary towards contemplative photography.
Video 1_4: Searching for Light (and Shadow) - Thomas Merton (1915-1968) and Landscape Photography
Thomas Merton was an American Trappist monk, one of the greatest contemplatives of the last century, and in the last years of his life he developed a great interest in photography.
The book that’s accompanying us in this journey is his “New Seeds of Contemplation”, 1962.
The sweep and serenity of a landscape,
fields and hills,
are enough to keep a contemplative
riding the quiet interior tide of his peace and his desire
for hours at a time.
New Seeds of Contemplation, p. 242-243
Video 1_5: Searching for Light (and Shadow) - Pre Production and the Exercise of the Sky
Once a great photographer was asked which was the best camera to use.
The answer was: “The one that you have in your hands when you need it!”
So, let's focus now on the first of the three phases on which we can divide the process of taking a picture.
And don't miss the exercise suggested at the end of this video for us to undertake for this coming week!
Bibliography.
Beholding Paradise: The Photographs of Thomas Merton
by Thomas Merton, Paul M. Pearson
Paulist, Mahwah; 2015
Follow the Ecstasy: The Hermitage Years of Thomas Merton
by John Howard Griffin
Wings Press, San Antonio, Tex.; 2010
The Practice of Contemplative Photography: Seeing the World with Fresh Eyes
by Andy Karr, Michael Wood
Shambhala, Boston; 2011
Zen Camera: Creative Awakening With a Daily Practice in Photography
by David Ulrich
Watson-Guptill, New York; 2018
Christian Meditation. The Gethsemani Talks
by John Main
Medio Media Pub., Tucson, AZ; 2001
New Seeds of Contemplation
by Thomas Merton
New Directions, New York; 2007
First edition: 1962
Meditazione e fotografia. Vedendo e ascoltando passare l'attimo
by Diego Mormorio
Contrasto, Roma; 2008
Fotografia creativa. Corso con esercizi per svegliare l'artista che dorme dentro di te
by Franco Fontana
Mondadori, Milano; 2017
This is a project for the World Community for the Christian Meditation - WCCM
Teacher Leader Programme - Cohort II - 2021-2022
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