Street Photography, Mindfulness, and Flow

[@foreigndaruma9825]

One thing I've come to learn about mindfulness, especially when you're cultivating the habit, is that it helps immensely to be intentional. Be clear to yourself about what you are doing at the outset, since we are forgetful creatures. This is particularly true when it comes to being in the moment(which is what necessitates a mindfulness practice to begin with). Intentionality also helps with all those little preparations that you mentioned, like the phone, music etc. It's the equivalent of setting out the cushion on the floor, closing the door and telling anyone in the house not to disturb you because you'll be meditating. Really enjoyed this episode, especially with the different types of scenery, from busy to calm, and the lingering sakura in the background. Shooting it all in long, continuous takes really helps me stay in the moment and makes the video feel genuine.

[@EYExplore]

I like the idea of bring intentional in one's actions. I think you are spot on! Thank you for enjoying our video and I really appreciate the feedback! :)

[@airruner]

Best video ever on this channel 🙏 Thank you for it.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@davidvongries]

Love what you said about mindfulness & how too many settings can totally throw you off when you are in the moment. That‘s what I realized when switching from Sony to the older Fujufilm cameras (XE-1 & XE-2) recently. They just give you much less options which - at least for me - is a great thing. I don‘t need to think about what focus mode is the right one for the scene because I literally only have 1 available. That made a huge difference for me and allows me to focus more on the process of photography itself.

[@EYExplore]

Very true! Although my cameras have many modes, I just pick one that works for me and stick with, never changing it. Same goes metering. In the end any mode will get you the results as long you know how to work with it, so it's more important to get used to a way of doing things than learning all the ways of doing things. :)

[@davidvongries]

@@EYExplore I totally agree! Unfortunately, with my ZV-E10 at least, I never got to that point of comfort. Also because it lacks certain photography features such as a min. shutter speed setting for instance. But as you said, once you got it all set, you don't have to think about it any more. You can just zone in and shoot away.

[@joeltunnah]

8:53 dog in baby stroller. You weren’t being mindful.😂✌🏻

[@EYExplore]

True, though that is a super common sight in Tokyo. :)

[@RimasMiknev]

Thank you, Lukasz.

[@EYExplore]

Thanks for watching!! :)

[@yakamo]

Fantastic video, i feel street photography is very meditative. So nice to see Yanaka again, one of my fav places to visit. Thank you!!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you for enjoying this one! :)

[@matthewriley3778]

Always a great end to the weekend with another long video!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much for enjoying what we do! :)

[@FaithfulFrets]

I enjoy these videos where you pair photography with philosophy. I have found mindfulness while walking to be very relaxing and try to do it often

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! Glad to hear that. I like discussing these things and connecting to them real world activities, like photography in this case. :)

[@GrainyWorld]

Ty, this was enjoyable as always.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you for watching! :)

[@SamirMishra6174]

Very good insight, thanks for another great video.

[@EYExplore]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@robbieallcock]

Love your work & vids guys keep it up! 👍

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@gainde1137]

The smartphone is imho the best mindfulness camera as it delivers good quality on almost fully automatic.

[@EYExplore]

I suppose that make sense. I find this easily achievable with a normal camera. I find the touch interface on a phone to be imprecise and annoying to use. But anyway, it's a matter of personal preference. :)

[@pratyushdhoundiyal8837]

Loved the walk and the topics of discussion. I dream of walking the same streets with my ricohGR some day :)

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much! I hope you can soon! :)

[@MarkPuke13]

love it lukaz!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! :)

[@allen.9]

always a good day when you upload :)

[@EYExplore]

Thank you for always enjoying what we do! :)

[@-grey]

I enjoy these big ideas chats and how they bleed into the experience of photography. Personally, I subscribe to Camus' philosophy of Absurdism, which I believe facilitates mindfulness by putting focus on accepting without meaning. It's a freeing state of mind, I'd like to compare it to how an animal experiences life. Things are more immediate, satisfying or otherwise they can be still appreciated without an existential awareness of time colouring them with concerns. We imagine the birds happy, kind of thing. The excitement and appreciation of meaningless moments closes my mind to blockers. I like to relate it to how naturally I don't worry about washing the dishes when I'm enjoying a great meal.

[@EYExplore]

I like Camus! Read of few of his books, my favorite being The Plague, but also The Stranger. Accepting without meaning is a great take on these matters. That seems to align with what said about not judging and just observing. About the meal, I totally agree, but then also enjoying washing the dishes and not yearning for the next meal. All 'nows' are valuable if we accept them without judgement. :)

[@-grey]

​@@EYExplore Nice! True, true. If only I knew how to express this with photography.😂 At least my wife will be excited to hear that my goal is to enjoy washing dishes more. I swear I always come away from here feeling stupid, but in the best, most inspiring way possible. I guess it's time to grow again. ✌️

[@EYExplore]

@@-grey I feel stupid at least once every day, haha. That feeling accompanies learning. :)

[@tubingphd]

Great video :) Thank you

[@EYExplore]

Thank you for watching!! :)

[@MrSimonj1970]

It's amazing how we are hypnotised by thoughts without realising it. Learning to quiet the mind is a lifelong challenge, but so very rewarding. For anyone interested in learning more - read The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle for a good introduction, or Awake - It's Your Turn by Dr Angelo Dilullo, which is a remarkably clear, western guide to kensho, as it's known in the Zen tradition. A more real reality is available to anyone, you don't have to meditate in a cave for 50 years. Cartier-Bresson was very interested in Zen...it's very relevant to photography, and life in general.

[@EYExplore]

Hypnotized by thoughts, that is a great way to put it! Great book recommendations! :)

[@MrSimonj1970]

@@EYExplore Angelo has a great YT channel called Simply Always Awake too. There's a lot of interesting sense exercises/techniques in his approach - becoming more aware of your peripheral vision and sounds etc...very interesting stuff!

[@AlanHoey86]

Great insightful thoughts and video as always. 👏

[@EYExplore]

Thank you very much!! :)

[@philipmurton3272]

I could relate to what you were describing so you got the point across nicely I guess! Also helped me pass 20mins in a HK quarantine hotel, so for that, I'm extra thankful :)

[@EYExplore]

Glad to help out! :)

[@iDipTest]

Enjoying your surrounding and the moment as you're out taking photography, this is how i was explaining to some of my friends my state of mind when i take photography. So that's interesting to see how it link to your way too and you're naming it "Mindfulness" This is alike to feel the rhythm of a place and the ambiance of it, then letting yourself guided by it, roaming around and letting your eyes wandering to anything who can catch your attention. Thanks for the discovering of this street full of life, it somehow reminded me the Tsukiji outer market, but i can't say why.

[@EYExplore]

I think your explanation to your friends is good and totally inline with the concepts I talked about in the video. And yeah, this area similar to Tsukiji. They are both quite retro and have been around for many decades. :)

[@marclabro]

nice street photo tuto ! do you prefer this Z 40 F/1.2 to Z 35mm F/1.8 I am using ? Most of your photos in different tutos are at F/8 so background is very present. Looking your exifs, shutter speed would be quite high to use F/2 or F/4. Don't you use 4-5 stops fix ND filters sometimes ?

[@EYExplore]

This is a 40mm f/2, not 1.2. And yeah, I totally prefer it because it's much smaller and cheaper and I just have an affinity for 40mm. I don't have a particular desire to shoot at f/2. I use it when needed, so putting a filter on to 'force' f/2 in bright light is not needed. Actually, the camera goes to 1/8000 so I probably could have done f/2 on this day without much issues. My new camera goes to 1/32000 so it's even less of a problem. But I just use an aperture that gives me good DOF. :)

[@ofthewayministries]

This is great! I love the discussion on mindfulness. Could you clarify a little more what you meant when you said, "don't make any judgments about what you see"? I heard something similar about not immediately coming to conclusions about whether or not you like it, not immediately forming an opinion or reaction, but to simply let it sit and think about what it was that grabbed your attention about it and then let it move into a place of significance/importance (if it goes there). Then try to bring that element out in the photograph (is possible). Is this similar to what you're referring to, or are you thinking of something else/more as well? Thanks always for your guidance, wisdom, inspiration, and encouragement.

[@EYExplore]

Thanks!! What I meant by that was not having expectations or preconceptions. This means that when you go out and observe/shoot, anything you come across can be interesting. You accept it as it is, and then if you feel somehow compelled, you photograph in whatever way feels right in the moment. Your interpretation of this statement is congruent with own. Basically, have an open mind! :)

[@SamuelHeinrich]

Hi Lukasz! Another great video that goes beyond textbook photography. I've started to watch your videos not as soon as they would come out, but when I feel like I'm ready for something like another philosophy session (in a good way!). On the case of listening to music, I think it also has its uses. Not that I have anything to back up the following statement: but I would guess that if I were to walk down the same street on different days, but while listening to different genres of music, that you can achieve different feels for each image. It perhaps influences the style, for worse perhaps, but also for better! Though it would make a lot of sense to have a fixed playlist so you don't go fiddling around on your phone. Might I also know where your ideas tend to come from? Do you have like one place where you learn everything? Or are these all just things you've learned throughout your life? Thanks!

[@EYExplore]

Thanks!! Glad you enjoy them in this way. Yes, I think music has it's place. There were times where I listened to music while out shooting, and exactly as you say, it colored the mood a certain way. It does prevent you from hearing the sounds of the street, which are a natural part of the moment. Music is something you bring with you, so you are in a sense coloring the moment yourself. This is not wrong in any sense, I just wanted to draw that line between non-judgmental mindful attention and a personal, subjective approach. Of course, true objectivity is impossible anyway. :) As for where the ideas come from, it's stuff I've learned and read over the years which has simmered and brewed in my mind. I don't remember where and when I first heard about mindfulness as a form of meditation, but I've long been a fan of Zen and thinkers like Alan Watts. He's a good source of lots of ideas. But in the end, I try to synthesizes my own way of thinking and seeing, so I deliberately don't just read something and then presented back to you guys in a KZbin video. Not saying I'm 100% original, just that I want to share only things I've deeply internalized.

[@SamuelHeinrich]

@@EYExplore Agreed! I suppose I'll mix things up every now and then bouncing between music and the real ambience to see what works best for me. Also thanks for the recommendation! Seems to be worth checking out :DD Thank you again for your videos, you're a great inspiration to many!

[@EYExplore]

@@SamuelHeinrich Always a pleasure! :)

[@rameshravihar6980]

Appreciatw your work. Do you think it matters using a crop sensor camera for a professional type of street photography ?

[@EYExplore]

i think a crop sensor is fine these days. Some crop cameras perform amazingly! :)

[@rameshravihar6980]

@@EYExplore thank you so much .

[@paulm8157]

Pensive post, concepts having broad applicability. 👍Flow kinda like “Time flies when you’re having fun”. Mindfulness useful when dieting - enjoy the grub instead of just snarfing it down. Good advice about distractions, but takes time and practice for camera/settings to become second nature. Especially for street photography, wouldn’t mindfulness include anticipation of a “developing” composition? Good images in this post - food vendor at 10:37 a fav for geometry and human. Gelato in Japan - who knew? Learned new term - “Zoneyness”😁. BTW, scenes appear to depict a wide array of housing types in a small area. Are building codes/“residential zoning” regs that liberal?

[@EYExplore]

True on all counts. Mindfulness certainly also means aware of composition. The same attention to reality is useful when checking the frame, looking around the edge, the corners, ensure the geometry and of course timing are all sound. Glad you like that shot, I quite liked it as well! As for zoning laws, they are very flexible in Japan and I believe they are a foundation for why this city is so fun and pleasant to live in despite its immense size. Here is a great video on the topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZfQY6t5gLR2hM0

[@tonyhayes9827]

Sounds stoopid but I am a veterinary surgeon by trade and this video actually helped me concentrate on the day itself rather than the many distractions going on around it.

[@EYExplore]

Not stupid! Mindfulness applies to all moments in life. We can and should always be mindful no matter we are doing. :)

[@tonyhayes9827]

@@EYExplore Now I'm at the end of the day. You're right. It allows a lot of things. Concentrate on the job at hand.......you do a better job.......the job is more peaceful.........the job ends up being more satisfying...........you feel more fulfilled in your effort in your sense of being responsible to the task at hand..........you feel more connected with life... yeah I know but I feel I could go on. It seems so simple and yet there's something about it. Thanks.

[@EYExplore]

@@tonyhayes9827 It is, but it's hard to maintain, so keep at it! When I used to be an English teacher sometimes the days would drag and I would daydream about other things. I found those days most stressful, while the days where I was able to remain in the moment and always of conscious of what I was doing in the present, those days were the more enjoyable.

[@TMM6900]

Just curious. Would you pick 40/2 over 50/1.8? I sometime felt i need to step back a bit while taking pictures of my friends on the street. But i dont wanna buy another lens because I'm cheap 😂

[@EYExplore]

I've never used the Nikon 50 1.8, but I did have the Viltrox 50 1.8 for a while. To me, it really boils down to 40mm vs 40mm FOV. I find 40mm to be much, much more usable and versatile for the things that I usually shoot. The 40mm is also cheaper than the 50mm. :)

[@marclabro]

I have a problem of viewfinder luminosity which brigtens too much the scene so my raw are slightly under exposed. I was surprised it is worse if d-lighting is active !!! I agree we can compensate lot of things in LRC but it is a pity. especially if you ingest first in photomechanic and scrap underexposed images... same problem but worse with on-camera flash it always brightens the scene. I need to switch flash off to see the effect of shutter speed on background. which camera settings avoids that ? reducing brihtness of viewfinder could help for first topic but not for on-camera flash.

[@EYExplore]

I don't trust the viewfinder and just use the histogram if I need to get a 100% accurate exposure. I also shoot on the Neutral Picture Style. As for flash, I always use manual settings in the camera but set the flash to TTL. :)

[@alhOOO2O]

I could feel the tension throughout the video of you wanting to talk about mindfulness and being 'in flow'....but that even talking about it meant you weren't there! I would be a fan of Axel just filming you as you went about your process, with no speaking to camera or voiceover, and just the photos you liked up on the screen with settings as you do already!

[@EYExplore]

Haha yeah, it's always a bit ironic to me when making these videos, but it's okay! And you are the second person to suggest that. We are going to try it next time we get together to shoot the next batch of videos! :)

[@SketchTurnerZero]

I am from Russia and I really want to say thank you. In this hard times your videos and street photography helps me very well

[@valentinursu1747]

Sorry but you don't get to complain about hard times and gather simphaty. Streets must be pretty dull in Russia these days but, unlike your neighbors to the west, at least you still have your streets... and your lives. You might not support your dictator but as long as you pay your taxes in silence you can't complain of hard times. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing"

[@EYExplore]

I'm glad to hear that. :)

[@nettmanoz]

i found only a webbrowser version of your sponsor. it's fine for me and try it out. thanks for the tip.

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, for now it is, but they are planning an app at some point. :)

[@CatholicforGod]

EYExplore….what is your PortraitMode ID?

[@EYExplore]

This is it: portraitmode.io/profile/lkazphoto/

[@komixsantos]

I think you forgot to add the sponsor’s website or link? In the description? 😅😬

[@allen.9]

i just looked them up and made an account. it's actually a super cool concept for street photographers, just a little glitchy since i'm sure the website is very new.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you pointing that out. Added! :)

[@EYExplore]

Yeah, they're still working on it and it seems to be a small team. Its one reason I was happy to be sponsored by them since they are little people, like us, haha. :)

[@allen.9]

@@EYExplore I'm pretty excited for people to start using the website since I've been using reddit and Instagram for street photography. (also I changed my name since I made it a long time ago.)

[@EYExplore]

@@allen.9 Yeah, I hope it takes off! :)

[@tanyatokyo]

Great topic! I absolutely love getting into the flow while doing street photography, it’s almost like an addiction. Losing the sense of self and becoming a mere spectator of the world, I sometimes wish I could go full ghost mode to observe more intimate moments. Which sounds a bit creepy lol

[@EYExplore]

Totally agree. I like the idea of 'ghost mode'. Akin to Emerson's Transparent Eyeball: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transparent_eyeball

[@tanyatokyo]

@@EYExplore ooh interesting, I didn't know about this concept / theory

[@TheHawaiianc]

Lukas you know you an axle should just walk around with out talking you know like virtual japan or rambalac walking videos but axle just filming you taking pics or filming around.. just an idea.

[@EYExplore]

This is a great idea and we will try it out next time we get together to shoot. :)

[@outtathyme5679]

Having available rest room facilities is very important. I’m serious

[@EYExplore]

Haha, this is true!! Nothing worse than trying to hold it while also trying to hold the camera steady and patiently wait the right moment for a street photo.

[@davidwoods80]

No need to apologise for not being in the zone or being mindful when you're making this video... Good God, man, you're walking around a city, continually talking for 20 minutes straight, all while trying to take good photos....for over the 100th time. I'd have run out of brain cells a long time ago.

[@EYExplore]

Haha, yeah, but I wish I could distill the mental states I'm describing and really demonstrate them. But since it's all an internal thing, I can only get it across with words. Honestly, it's a fun little dance we do, Axel and I, shooting, talking, shooting, talking. It's all very meta. :)