In photography, expertise is often seen as the ultimate goal. We chase technical mastery, perfect compositions, and iconic subjects, believing that more knowledge and skill will always lead to better images. However, what if the pursuit of expertise also creates blind spots? What if familiarity breeds complacency, and our deeply ingrained habits prevent us from seeing new possibilities?

This is where Shoshin—a Zen Buddhist concept meaning “beginner’s mind”—offers a refreshing perspective. It invites us to set aside assumptions, approach our craft with curiosity, and see the world as if for the first time. For photographers, this mindset can be revolutionary, allowing us to discover magic in the mundane and breathe new life into our creative process.

What is Shoshin?

Shoshin, rooted in Zen practice, emphasizes openness, humility, and the willingness to learn without bias. As Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki wrote, “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind, there are few.”

In photography, expertise can sometimes lead to rigid thinking. We fall into predictable patterns, seeking compositions that have worked in the past, adhering to the “rules” of photography, and hesitating to take risks for fear of breaking conventions.

A beginner’s mind, on the other hand, allows for spontaneity. It means embracing uncertainty, letting go of expectations, and being fully present in the moment. Instead of trying to control every aspect of an image, we allow the scene to unfold organically, trusting our intuition rather than relying solely on technique.

How Shoshin Transforms Photography

By adopting a beginner’s mind, we open ourselves to a world of creative possibilities:

• We Notice Details We Once Overlooked: The way sunlight filters through a curtain, the intricate veins of a leaf, the quiet poetry of an empty street.

• We Experiment More Freely: Without the fear of making “mistakes,” we feel free to explore unconventional angles, lighting conditions, and subjects.

• We Rediscover Joy in the Process: Photography becomes less about creating the perfect image and more about the simple act of seeing.

When we step into the world with curiosity, even the most familiar surroundings become rich with photographic potential. Shoshin reminds us that every moment holds the possibility of a new perspective—if only we are open to seeing it.

Exercises to Cultivate Shoshin

Developing a beginner’s mind requires intentional practice. Here are four exercises to help reawaken your curiosity and expand your vision as a photographer.

1. Revisit Familiar Places with Fresh Eyes

Photographers often travel to exotic locations in search of inspiration, yet beauty exists everywhere—even in the places we take for granted. Your backyard, a local park, or your daily commute can become a source of endless discovery if you approach them with a fresh perspective.

• Impose Constraints: Limiting your gear or choosing a single focal length (e.g., a 50mm prime) forces you to reframe your shots creatively.

• Change the Time of Day: Visit a well-known location at an unusual hour—sunrise, twilight, or even late at night. Observe how the shifting light transforms the scene.

• Focus on a Theme: Spend a session capturing only textures, reflections, or a specific color. This forces you to notice elements you might usually ignore.

2. The Mundane as Muse

Extraordinary images don’t always require extraordinary subjects. The everyday world is filled with unnoticed beauty—waiting to be discovered.

• Photograph an Ordinary Object from 10 Different Perspectives: Take something as simple as a spoon, a book, or a pair of shoes, and challenge yourself to find unique angles, shadows, and compositions.

• Use a Macro Lens (or Get Close): Looking at everyday items in extreme detail can reveal hidden textures and patterns, turning the mundane into the extraordinary.

• Find Beauty in Decay: Weathered wood, peeling paint, and rusted metal tell stories of time and transformation. Seek out imperfection as a subject.

3. Embrace Technical Constraints

Limitations often spark the greatest creativity. When we step away from the crutches of modern technology, we are forced to engage more deeply with the fundamentals of photography.

• Shoot in Monochrome: Removing color from the equation shifts your focus to contrast, shape, and composition.

• Use Manual Mode Only: Relearn how to control your camera settings without relying on automatic modes. Experiment with extreme ISO, aperture, and shutter speed settings just to see what happens.

• One Shot, One Frame: Imagine you’re shooting with film—each shot costs money. Be intentional with every frame.

4. Mindful Observation Walks

Great photography starts with great observation. Instead of rushing to capture an image, take time to immerse yourself in your surroundings.

• Walk Without Your Camera First: Spend 10-15 minutes simply observing. Pay attention to how the light moves, the interactions between people, the subtle changes in the environment.

• Sketch with Your Camera: Once you’ve observed, use your camera as a sketchbook. Capture impressions rather than seeking a “perfect” shot.

• Listen to the World Around You: Sometimes, a photograph is inspired by sound—a distant train, the hum of insects, the rhythm of rain. Let your senses guide your compositions.

Conclusion: The Journey of Unlearning

Shoshin isn’t about abandoning skill; it’s about balancing knowledge with openness. A true master remains a perpetual student, always willing to see the world anew.

By practicing a beginner’s mind, we allow ourselves to break free from creative stagnation. We stop obsessing over perfection and instead embrace the unexpected—the fleeting light, the unplanned composition, the quiet magic hiding in plain sight.

Call to Action

This week, challenge yourself to adopt Shoshin in your photography. Choose one of the exercises above and share your experience. Use the hashtag #DharmicLightShoshin to connect with a community of mindful creators who are rediscovering the joy of seeing.

As Marcel Proust wisely said:

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."

Dharmic Light explores the intersection of mindfulness, creativity, and purposeful living. Join us for more practices that illuminate the art of being present.