Photography as an Art of Receiving, Not Capturing
Receiving the Light
What if, instead of seeing photography as a way to “take” or “capture” a moment, we viewed it as an act of receiving? This shift changes everything, inviting us to be present, open, and ready to appreciate the beauty that unfolds in front of us, rather than forcing our expectations on the world.
About The Photograph
Received the Visual Intervention in 2019 – Durham, North Carolina.
Ever thought of photography as an act of receiving? Shifting from “taking” to “receiving” has transformed my approach behind the lens. It’s about being present, allowing the world to reveal its quiet wonders.
A while back, I had a thought that completely changed how I look at photography. Usually, when we talk about photography, we use words like “capture,” “take,” or “make.” These words are full of action and suggest an outward effort to grab or own something from the world around us. But what if we shifted how we see the act of using a camera?
This change in perspective came from thinking about the difference between getting and receiving. So much of life revolves around getting—getting that promotion, getting a new car, getting our way in an argument. It’s all about pushing energy out, making something happen, striving, and doing. But when we’re so focused on getting {pushing}, we often don’t leave room to receive{to receive what is already in front of us}.
Energy flows best where it’s welcomed, not forced. If we’re always charging ahead, we block the channels that could let something fresh and unexpected come in. When we open ourselves to receiving {allowing without judgment}, everything shifts. We create a space where new ideas, moments, and creative inspiration can enter.
Applying this to photography, especially in nature, is where it starts to click. Picture this: you set out to photograph an Oak tree, but you find yourself in a forest filled with towering Pines. If your mind is fixed only on finding that Oak, you could miss the stunning, quiet power of the Pines. The true magic of photography often isn’t in finding exactly what we set out for but in noticing the beauty that naturally appears.
So, what if we saw the camera not as a tool for taking but for receiving? Just like a radio tunes in to pick up signals, a camera receives light. Our role as photographers becomes about aligning the camera to what’s present, making small adjustments to receive the image nature offers us, not bending it to our will.
By treating the camera as a receiver, our approach shifts from capturing to receiving. It creates an opportunity for deeper connection, allowing us to stay present and fully aware of what’s really there, not just what we’re hoping to find.
Next time you bring your camera to your eye, ask yourself: are you trying to take something from the world, or are you there to receive what the world has to show you? This way of seeing isn’t just about photography; it’s about life, too. When we learn to embrace the art of receiving, we open ourselves up to moments of beauty and opportunities that we might otherwise pass by.
Let’s move forward with our cameras as receivers, not conquerors. Let’s welcome the light and life around us, so that photography becomes more than just looking through a lens. It becomes an act of receiving, appreciating, and being in tune with the world—a way to honor the simple beauty that’s always there when we choose to see it.
Creative Notes and Reflections
Insights into my photography and creative choices, revealing the philosophies that shape how I receive and express moments.
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jamie@jamiestarling.com