Early Morning Harbor

I found myself awake early with some pink hitting the clouds outside my window. I decided it the perfect morning to rush to the Rockport Harbor once more to try to capture it. It was an incredibly peaceful morning with very few people around. I was able to settle in and capture the clouds and reflections. The sun popped out from behind for just a minute to light up the trees here on the right.

Quiet Afternoon in Vinal Haven, Maine

It is so wonderful that what draws our eye can tell us so much about ourselves. Today, drawn to windows and doors. It feels like opportunity. Using one of Paul's techniques I asked myself as I wandered the city streets, "are you with me Sanford"? It worked quite well.

Universal Magic

Today reality took a side turn down a surreal alley way. We met, spoke with, but mostly listened to Paul Caponigro; what an incredible honor it was. I've never met a man of this depth before today. Paul is an 83 year young master photographer who spoke in stories and seemed to touch each and every one of us in a manner in which we needed. It was like he was a gift to us leading us and giving us each personal advice as he spoke generally. Every statement out of his mouth was thought provoking. I left there, as did the others, in a quiet awe as if we had just left a monastery or church after receiving profound wisdom. Speaking to several of my classmates later, who all had the exact same experience I did, I told them I didn't want to let go of the magic, they understood exactly what I meant. Words can't quite describe this afternoon's experience and I don't need them to, but I'd like to be able to write about it well enough so that when life gets in the way, I can return to this and remember the gift I had today and reclaim that gift again and again.

Before out visit we spent a couple hours with a model at Owl's Head State Park. It was very difficult to capture much though since there were several people all trying to capture her at once. Hannah was a wonderful model. I feel very lucky to have had this opportunity.

Here's Hannah:

Sophia

We were given a chance to photograph Sofia in the nude today during portrait time. No instruction just an, "if you'd like to" kind of opportunity. I was pretty happy with these.

Portraits of classmates

Our assignment was to get close enough to our subject to feel their energy and then to shoot close up so that we could maintain a connection. These were a few I liked...

Early Morning Outing

Today's first class started a bit rocky for me as the roaring in my ear turned to nausea and dizziness. I skipped the first assignment and went back to bed a bit. More drops in my ear and I was better to go on the second assignment to Rockport Harbor. Our assignment was to connect with our object.  But not my best I didn't get anything I really like. These two were taken at Camden Harbor earlier that morning.

Three Intentful Corrections

 Before beginning any practice we need to pay attention to:

Body- grounded into earth- knees slightly bent, erect spine long and tall putting space between vertebrate, shoulders just resting on top, tuck tail in as if you have a 20 foot long tail and you are placing in on the ground behind you.

 

Mind- at rest- clear the weeds (excessive thoughts) and let quiet stillness sit as you tend the garden of your mind.

Breath- slow purposeful breathing- paying attention to how the air enters and leaves your body. Watch it and guide it as it moves through you