Photographers strive to create the perfect image. That might mean going on location and searching for the ideal vantage point in radiant light. It might mean taking hundreds of images at an event for the one that uniquely captures the telling moment. Or, for some photographers, it is setting up a well-composed still life. All of this implies “working” for our results.

But what of the opposite approach? Can we let images come to us?

The other day I kicked back in my zero-gravity lounge chair. It was warm and sunny, a slight breeze caressed my cheek, roses bloomed on our patio and I could hear the gentle music of the wind chime harmonizing with the buzzing of bees.

I started looking without analyzing, without framing, just looking. Soon I was seeing visual dances. I reached down for my camera and, without stirring from my zero-gravity chair, let images come to me.  One was on the patio roof above me, another on the wall beside me, and a third on the tiles at the base of my chair.  All of these images were done within the space of a few minutes and with just a normal lens, which is what I happened to have on my camera.

I am known for my street photography that often portrays whimsical moments. So these “zero gravity” images are a fresh visualization for me. They are contemplative images that came to me because I was in the moment and was open to receiving them.

Yes, we often need to work to make strong photographs. And sometimes maybe we just need to play. Or just be.

posted by Ted Nodwell