Why it pays to PAUSE

Whatever style of portraiture you favour, a more mindful and considered approach can often be really helpful. Portrait photographer, author and mindfulness coach Kim Fuller has used techniques and insight from Buddhist meditation to enhance his portrait work and has developed the PAUSE method, as follows. For more, bit.ly/mpbkimfuller

PAUSE. Slow down, and take some deep breaths. Be present in the here and now. This could be when you are connecting with a subject or when you are looking for something to shoot. Be AWARE of how you are feeling and your state of mind. This helps you notice what you bring to your shoot. Anger, joy or high expectations can cloud your experience and take you out of the present moment.

UNDERSTAND what are you projecting onto the object of your attention. Is it your desires, ideas, conditioning, and previous experiences around the subject, and what you deem worthy of photographing? Or can you see with a clear mind and take time to notice the possibility of an interesting shot?

SHIFT your perspective. Try different lenses, angles, the height you shoot from and how far or close you are to the subject. Notice what you leave out of the frame and what you include that makes the image more impactful or dynamic. This shifting awakens you to greater possibilities for your photos as well as your relationships with people and objects. Release EXPECTATIONS and EXPLORE new ways to see. Go back to pausing and slowing down, letting go of what or how you want to shoot, so you can find the beauty that exists all around you, including in people’s faces for portraiture.