Zen Camera: The Book That Kick Started my Approach to Photography
My photography bible is Zen Camera by David Ulrich. It lives permanently on my studio desk as its been instrumental in shaping my approach during this exploratory phase of my journey.
The book begins with a simple yet powerful suggestion: pick up any camera—be it a smartphone, an analogue camera, or whatever you have—and make time daily, if possible, to “photograph everything that ignites any kind of response or reaction, except perhaps indifference.” Ulrich advises paying attention to scenes that captivate you, evoke a strong response, or resonate deeply.
He calls this practice “Your Daily Record.” It’s essentially a photographic sketchbook—a space for all your ideas, captured in your camera roll. Ulrich also recommends reviewing your camera roll daily, looking for themes and noting the images that “jump off the page.”
This advice struck a chord with me, and I enthusiastically embraced it. I began taking photos—often with my mobile phone—of anything that caught my eye. If something made me laugh SNAP. If I saw an interesting shadow SNAP. If someone stood out to me in the street SNAP.
Another invaluable practice from the book is “Daily Looking.” Ulrich describes this as making time each day—20 to 30 minutes—to step away from distractions and simply observe the world. He encourages readers to “look up from your preoccupation, free yourself from distractions, and simply watch. Take in the scene in front of you.”
When I first read these two suggestions, it felt intuitively right. I started making time to observe and photograph scenes from daily life that sparked curiosity, emotion or reaction.
Discovering Patterns in My Work
Initially I gravitated towards capturing scenes that evoked positive emotions but avoided negative ones. With this realisation, I embraced the full range of emotions. For example, I came across a sad scene during the harsh spring of 2024, when bad weather led to the loss of many newborn lambs. Capturing this image felt poignant despite the sorrow it evoked.
Regularly reviewing my “daily record” also helped me uncover connections and develop ideas. One of my current projects, which explores rural landscapes, emerged during this process. By curating my favourite images—sometimes taken weeks or months apart—I noticed they worked well together as a collection. This inspired me to investigate how the modern rural landscapes are being used today.
A Holistic Approach to Photography
In addition to the daily record and daily looking, Zen Camera offers other practices: meditation, cultivating focus through a regular studio practice, and engaging in contemplative exercises to enhance one’s artistic practice. This book has been a constant companion and an invaluable guide, reminding me to stay curious, observe closely, and embrace photography as a daily practice.