(Online) Heaven and Earth: Contemplative Landscape Photography

“Traditionally it is said that when human beings live in harmony with the principles of heaven and earth, then the four seasons and the elements of the world will also work together harmoniously. Then there is no fear and humans begin to join in, as they deserve, in living in the world. They have heaven above and earth below and they appreciate the trees and greenery and so on. They begin to appreciate all of this.”

    – Chogyam Trungpa; Shambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior

This contemplative photography course explores landscapes from an Eastern contemplative art orientation rather than the traditional Western scenic approach. The contemplative landscape way gives emphasis to visual forms, space, and a sensibility of stillness, rather than the conventional landscape formats of dramatic effect.

The course includes resource teachings from contemplative aesthetics, Daoism, the Shambhala principles, Chinese Landscape Paintings, and deep ecology. It also includes consideration of Western contemplative landscape photographers such as Edward Weston and Ansel Adams.

Who Should Attend

This course is open to anyone who is interested in exploring the principles of Contemplative Landscapes and messages they express.

You should be prepared to travel through the country side looking and finding Contemplative Landscapes. This is different than capturing Nature, and could take some time — which is why the sessions are spaced two weeks apart.

You will also need a digital camera with a “long lens – at least 180.”

Enrolment is limited to 15.

This slideshow shows samples of John McQuade’s Contemplative Landscape work.

What to Expect

The program is structured through teachings, assignments and assignment reviews.

You will be given specific exploration assignments that we will collectively share and review.
Meditation instruction and practice will be offered, but it is not a required feature of the program.

Schedule:

Sundays: July 14 | July 28 | August 11 | August 25 | September 8 | September 22 

Time: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 pm Eastern | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Atlantic

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Cost

All prices are in $CAD. Please consider paying by e-transfer, cheque, or cash. Saving transaction fees helps us keep the Centre going.

Suggested Tuition: CA$165

Generosity Policy applies. You will the have the option of pay what you can and applying a discount on the Registration Page should you need financial assistance. The remainder of our costs are covered by donations, creating a generosity circle.

References

Contemplative Art and Liberation, by John McQuade
https://www.dralaimage.com/post/contemplative-art-and-liberation-how-it-works-1

John McQuade’s Website: www.dralaimage.com
Contact John: dralaimage@gmail.com