Walk With Me in My Yard

Photographer Tomasz Trzebiatowski posted a delightful video showing a “quiet moment” in the woods. He walked for ten minutes, took twenty photos, then assembled his experience on YouTube. 

Lately I've been spending most days on the computer. I accomplish necessary tasks but certainly not the physical movement, observation skills, deep-breathing, and head-clearing that Tomasz' walking meditation offers. It felt gratifying for me as a photographer to see what moves him to capture an image. What I noticed while watching his video is that his peace became my peace. Immediately afterward, I set my alarm for 10 minutes - not sure why I wimped out with time - and stepped outside into my yard.

I looked around at what surrounds me every day but that I don’t necessarily observe. Halfway into the exercise my cheeks were beginning to ache. I’d been smiling the whole time! For a moment I stood still, eyes closed, feeling immeasurable gratitude - for my

health, my home, my passion for photography and, for that matter, Tomasz and other artists who generously share their vision. If you wish, you can check into his worthwhile photography community at Frames Magazine.

Back at my computer, I downloaded ten photos, then processed them in black and white

as Tomasz did. Black and white has always been my preference in most cases. By emphasizing form and texture, those images often have more visual and emotional impact. This wasn't about seeing my yard as much as embracing detail and form.

These ten photos are simple and honest. I hope you enjoy them. Might you try this exercise? If you do I'd love to hear about it.