
Course Quote
In 1242- the Zen master Dogan observed : each day is valuable ...do not compare it to a dragon’s bright pearl .
A dragon’s pearl may be found .
But this day out of a hundred years cannot be retrieved once it is lost .
Photography is awareness of the present moment
Our awareness is constructed by thinking , wanting , expecting .
Not looking for anything in particular
Acceptance of what comes
The photo finds us
The experience is the thing
Beginners mind
Welcoming what the world brings every day - beauty , earth , sun , light , cloud , rain .
Qualities of Mindfulness
Light , clear , easy, energetic , rather then heavy
Reflective like a like that reflects sky and landscape
Accepting without criticism or judgment
Non conceptual awareness ( not categorising or Labelling )
Pre verbal awareness ( no words necessary )
Present time here and now
Awareness of flow of life and everything changes
No egotistic awareness not mine but simply is ( a flower )
Mindfulness is being open and detecting something new rather then the power of concentration
It’s both big picture and selecting what to focus on
It’s not exclusive like concentration but inclusive
Find purpose for your photography, create more thoughtful and artistic photographs using your camera or phone with this interesting enjoyable course. I am a Photography Teacher, Coach and Artist.
I can only say he was an amazing, approachable teacher with tons of ideas and input that reached far beyond the college degree. Thank you Mike!
-C.Nir WWF Hamburg
Mike’s workshops and classes were essential in bridging the gap between art photography and commercial photography during my time at IADT. He is a fountain of knowledge and very approachable. His classes and hugely insightful 1-to-1 technical sessions have more of a collaborative feeling rather than the traditional instructor/student dynamic.
- Mike Ivers Assistant Producer for BBC TV & Media
Mike helped me a lot through my BA Photography course at IADT, he gave me valuable tips about the studio lighting when working with fashion models and product photography as well. He mentored me while working in the studio and always made sure I had a good understanding of how to work with the lights to achieve the best results. I could always refer to Mike for additional help when I needed it, he is very open and friendly and gave reassurance. Mike also gave me very good advices on commercial photography and product photography, which I have been using ever since
-V.Cavaleiro Photographer
Mike is a fantastic teacher. From the very beginning he puts his students at ease. Learning about them and what they need from the course. He is a wealth of knowledge and holds nothing back. Mike has such great insight and eagerness to pass on everything he has learnt since picking up a camera at a young age. I have seen Mike teaching very simple lighting techniques using just natural light through to complicated multi-light setups with gels, bounce and everything in-between. If you get a chance to learn from him I would not let it slip by, he is a master of his craft! I consider myself very fortunate to have learnt from Mike in college and also to have gone on to assist him commercially for years.
K.Tunney Photographer