What an incredible setting in which to begin my Sabbath Leave! I had expected Iona to be a special place; what I had underestimated was just how mystically beautiful it would be at nearly every turn and how centering the rhythm of morning and evening prayer would feel. I have definitely come to the right place to focus on photography and prayer as opportunities for both abound. I'm blessed to be among a truly international community on this sacred island with fellow pilgrims from Australia, England, Zambia, New Zealand, Holland, Canada, and the U.S. We have been drinking plenty of tea, went on an excursion to the neighboring island of Staffa, had a communal ceileidh last night (think “Scottish square dance”), and today I got to play 9 holes on an authentic Scottish Golf Course (complete with cows and sheep serving as greenskeepers/obstacles).One of the books that I’ve been reading here describes the unique Celtic understanding of perigrinatio or pilgrimage as not only an external journey to a holy place but more importantly, a concurrent journey inward, as well. In the Celtic tradition, pilgrims would set off as hospites mundi (“guests of the world”) with an open heart toward God, people they’d encounter, and the gift of experiences along the way. I am grateful to be on my perigrinatio as a guest of the Iona Community and with your love and prayers. As hard as it was to leave VBS before it was over (I really mean that!), this has proven to be life-giving and holy ground for me, too.
Dear Ron,
ReplyDeleteThe abbey looks very beautiful; could not be more picturesque.
I looked into Douglas Beasley (your Maine teacher). It looks like he like BYW a lot. I don't know if you have Lightroom with you (yet), but you might try converting some of your color images to B&W now, before the workshop.
Seeing color as B&W definitely takes some time and doing.
One of his workshop descriptions says, "We will also pay attention to lighting, composition, depth-of-field and exposure issues. Much practical advice will be given in these areas but more importantly you will practice using this information to make more powerful and meaningful images."
This approach should be very helpful- working with the basics of what a camera can do, with the point of view he calls "Zen" (... an ongoing photographic investigation of a more personal definition of ‘sacred’...
our spiritual connection to the land... etc).
Mixing in the B&W, which simplifies everything and emphasizes tones, texture, light and shadow, should make for a full and challenging workshop.
Finally, I remember the comment of a Nat'l. Geographic photographer who did a book on Russia (13 trips to and from) - "when you are photographing outside, the only thing you have to work with is the light at the time you're shooting", so getting up early for the good light makes all the difference. Same thing for the end of the day. It's amazing how much better some scenes look with early or late light.
Plus, as you know, early light and the Holy Spirit just seem to go together... everything is so still and magical.
Have a great time,
John Whitman