Yoga for Photographers

A point raised in another post about Large Format warrants further discussion,

I believe. I'm interested in reading discussions about experiences in which

yoga instruction was believed to offer benefit to the photographer in terms of

impromements in photographic works.

I'm sure any process which tends to quieten the mind and improve the ability to focus could be useful. Yoga, meditation, psychotherapy, prozac, a 3 month vacation in Hawaii...

 

I'm sure anything that can relieve stress can be benefical, and not only for your photography.

 

I've done Yoga and meditation, but I'd take the 3 month Hawaii vacation given a choice.

Prozac? Are we offering medical advice here?

Yoga is great for my neck pain, and it helps when I have to lug all that heavy gear..... but does it make my images better?.... Hmmm.... not so sure about that! :)

I could imagine that something that allows you to relax and breathe well might help a little in hand holding. When I was much younger, beer worked pretty well, but the technical improvement might have been offset by the decline in content.

<i>"I'm sure any process which tends to quieten the mind and improve the ability to focus could be useful."</i>

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agree, and too bad photo.net is so much about the opposite.

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(too bad i can't add to the discussion in a more constructive manner)

I've never tried Yoga. But, I practice 3 different styles of Kung Fu. I found out in March that I was type 2 diabetic. I found that Martial Arts practice lowers my sugar levels more effectively than any other method. I lift weights and do the push ups and sit ups also. But, I've found that practicing the different forms such as 5 animals form to be the most effective exorcise. Testing afterwards has proven this. As you probably know Diabetics can lose their eyesight because of high sugar levels. Anything that lowers my sugar levels and preserves my eyesight will prolong my ability to be a photographer. I don't know much about Yoga. But, if it didn't have some type of benefits, people wouldn't be doing it. Another thing that offers well documented health benefits is Tai Chi. It is well known to be of benefit to people with Arthritis. The Chinese have known about these benefits for thousands of years. The modern world is just starting to catch on to this. Maybe you should give it a try. You may find benefits that you didn't expect and it certainly couldn't hurt anything.

I've been practicing "Hot Yoga" for 3 yeas now. My entire thought process is clearer. I can better visualize what I am looking to accomplish and stay on track to finish it. My level of patience is higher as well. I am more aware of what is importent and what is fluff....Warren

"My entire thought process is clearer. I can better visualize what I am looking to accomplish and stay on track to finish it."

 

I like hearing that...would like to hear more in that vein.

Some years ago I went fishing in the net and found an article called "The Zen of photojournalism". I lost the link and also the name of the author (if anyone can be of help, I would be very happy). But it covers this topic. I will only quote the first and the last sentences of a 5-page-article.

 

"Your real goal is not to learn photography but to learn how to live your life."

 

"A camera is a hollow tube that allows free-flowing, inward and outward expressions of love between a photographer and a subject."

 

Apart from that I believe in the emotional, mental and physical benefits of Yoga, Qigong, Taiji, Feldenkrais, ...

I practice Qigong and Taiji daily and it changed my life fundamental.

 

Stefan

I would agree with many of the previous comments, that in general, in any form of work, but especially with creative work involving long hours, awkward positions, heavy equipment, and requiring great powers of concentration and quick thinking, yoga is the ideal form of exercise/meditation. It allows the body a gentle stretch, centering, clarity...all important for photography.

 

I find if I miss a day of my yoga/exercise/meditation practice, I lack a bit of the energy and creative juices I normally have. Of course, there are ebbs and flows to this naturally, but having a disciplined form of exercise and stretching which is spiritually connected, helps me to tune in to guidance more easily.