In July of 2009, I wrote a blog post called "Being in the Zone", in which I relayed my thoughts in relation to something that Richard Annable, an amazing wedding photographer from Australia had said in an episode of the Shutters Inc. podcast. In the podcast the question was posed...
Thank you for visiting!
Martin Bailey has been releasing weekly podcasts and blog posts since 2005! Almost all of the 760+ posts here contain a full text article with photographs and illustations, and take at least one day, sometimes three to four days to produce.
You are welcome to listen to the Podcast with the audio player and follow along with the images discussed below.
If you value what we do, please consider a Patreon contribution of $3 or more to unlock the full text of more than 760 posts and gain access to the exclusive MBP Community. There are also higher tiers with various benefits, some including one-to-one Mentorship.
| Please visit our Patreon site for full details, and take your photography to a whole new level! | Become a Patron! |
| Existing Patrons please login to access posts and benefits. Thanks for being awesome! |
Image Gallery
Big Tree and Fresh Leaves
Print Therapy
Unlock with Patreon
5 Comments
Anthony Sinagoga
Posted at 02:46h, 03 DecemberHi MB,
Just love the podcast, it’s very inspirational and helpful and I fantasize about starting my own podcast.
Something immediately came to mind as you were speaking about being in the zone while laminating your prints, but not being in the zone while sitting at the computer. I believe there is something to the physical act that contributes to being in the zone. I found it myself very clearly. When I’m physically moving I can easily get in the zone, when I’m sitting stationary it rarely happens. The act of moving your body is very much connected here. Maybe that’s why you can enter the zone while out photographing, you are physically participating in the process. I have experimented with light painting and I feel a different connection to those images because I am more directly part of the process. In this case, moving the little flashlight during the exposure.
Let me know what you think. Excellent podcast!
Anthony Sinagoga
Martin Bailey
Posted at 11:45h, 04 DecemberHi Anthony,
Thanks for the kind words. Don’t just fantasize about doing your own podcast, it’s not that hard. It takes dedication to continue doing it every week, but technically it’s not so difficult, so you should try! 🙂
That’s an interesting observation about getting in the zone while moving. I’m sure it’s different for everyone. I personally end up there even if I’m photographing from a totally stationary position, so I’m not sure I’m the same.
There actually has been a study done on this. Marisa posted some great information here: https://martinbaileyphotography.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=4486#p33527
Cheers,
Martin.
Ken Witt
Posted at 06:13h, 08 DecemberHello;
I am new and intermittent listener as time and work permit. I appreciate your views and insights. Thanks for putting in the time it takes to share with the rest of us. This week’s topic of being in the zone relates to a concept trumpeted by Sir Ken Robinson. He has spoken at TED a couple of times (http://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_bring_on_the_revolution.html) and produced a book called The Element. The Element talks about finding your personal zone where you personally thrive. Sir Ken believes that everyone has an ‘element’ and that the discovery of whatever that is for you is where you will become who you want to be. “The Element” is a good read/listen. I believe you have found your ‘element’ in photography. Congrats, and keep it up.
— Ken Witt