Nature-Inspired Photography is more than just taking photos or snapping pictures outdoors.
First and foremost, it’s a matter of paying attention to your surroundings, yourself, and the ability to be – and remain – open-minded.
I’m talking about “mindfulness.”
That’s what my VHS course is about.
Basic Attitudes
A photo can be planned on a drawing board. But that’s not why we’re here.
We should focus on how we want to interact with ourselves, with others, and with the nature around us. Because that’s what we ultimately express and show in our photos.
Sounds a bit kitschy – but it makes sense.
Mindfulness
Be open-minded. You don’t know what awaits you when you step out the door. And you can hardly influence it.
But you can embrace it.
This applies to your surroundings as much as it does to yourself – and the feeling that arises when you perceive your environment.
What do you smell? What do you hear? What mood are you in? What do you feel when you touch the ground, plants, stones?
This puts you in a position to discover what is beautiful, perfect, and valuable.
Respect
Acknowledge that everything that exists is meant to be exactly as it is – human interventions aside.
You usually don’t know why a plant, an animal, or a mushroom exists in this world and what crucial role it plays.
Not knowing the “purpose” of an existence does not diminish its purpose. It’s not about you.
Treat things as equals, eye to eye.
Humility
Whatever you have in front of you and in front of the lens – it is old. Very, very old.
We humans, meaning modern humans as a specific species of ape, are only 300,000 years old.
But life on Earth is already 3,500,000,000 years old – at least.
Everything around us has undergone millions of years of evolution. It is perfect. We should humbly acknowledge that.
And it applies to you too! You also entered this world at the end of a long journey of evolution.
Feel free to take the moment you want for your subject – you have it.
Agility
Agility is important. Not just in your head.
Of course, you can simply stand there and photograph what comes to your eye level or is already there.
That is absolutely fine – and the reason why nature-inspired photography works for every fitness level and every age.
And of course, you can spend your forest walk lying down and walking on your hands. But that alone won’t get you further.
In any case, it depends on what and how you want to show something. And that usually means you have to move at least a little.
Take the example of children’s photos.
I often see people photographing their children while standing. From top to bottom. These pictures will never convey closeness, connection, or an image of an independent personality.
You need to be at eye level with your subject.
Spiders, beetles, and shells also have eyes, and it changes every picture to get down to eye level.
And if it doesn’t have eyes, it has a blossom, a calyx, a cap… You know what I’m getting at.
And so on
You’ll experience the “rest” in my VHS course “Nature-Inspired Photography” at VHS Castrop-Rauxel.
The course is an excursion lasting approximately 3:45 hours, mostly on paved paths or trails.
Sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing are mandatory.
What you photograph with (or paint, if you wish) is secondary, as long as you can operate it safely. Special equipment is definitely not necessary.
Likewise, no special prior knowledge is required.
The next date is April 18, 2026!
I look forward to seeing you!