Comments on: In the zone?

By: Mark

Mark — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 22:15:56 +0000

Iran, great to have your comments here. The three blocks you mention are ones I have recognized myself many, many times.

By: Plata

Plata — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 05:34:53 +0000

“The zone” is actually quite a natural and EASY state of mind to find – with practise. You will find the zone during the times of day you are most alert. Two other requirements : you need to be relaxed, you need to ENJOY the task you want to be in the zone with. Put it another way – the three things between you and the zone are tiredness, boredom and anxiety. All are distractions. Dealing with these 3 issues can sometimes make you realise that you don’t want to do this task (the one you want to be “in the zone” with).

A good example for me is writing music. I can only do it if I’m “in the zone”. BUT, often I am blocked – like a writer’s block. I sit by the keyboard, but nothing is happening. I get distracted. I’m either bored, tired or anxious about something. So it’s not worth pursuing that line of activity til all 3 blocks can be removed. I need motivation, energy and undistracted mind (clear of anxiety) to write music.

One thing is for sure: you make the best of your abilities when “in the zone” – if you can get “in the zone” at will, you will achieve a lot more in life.

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:34:27 +0000

Carl, thanks. Good comments as usual. Whether the zone, or calm state of mind, I think we are referring to the same thing that is really somewhat hard to put into words. I like the bubbles analogy.

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 22:32:52 +0000

Will, mostly Lenswork, Radiant Vista, and EXIF and Beyond podcasts. I don’t get too much into the gear focused ones.

By: Will

Will — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:23:37 +0000

Mark,
I’m always looking for good podcasts, what are some of the ones you listen to?

Will

By: Carl

Carl — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 19:20:53 +0000

Hey Mark,

I love your blog, man. It’s always a great read.

‘the zone’ is, I think, not an accurate term, though a common one. It sort of raises this state to something it’s not. It’s really a simpler state of being without the chatter of the mind; ‘too many mind’, from The Last Samurai. – the irony is we seem to find it so difficult to slide into. The key is to not follow the chatter of the mind – a friend described it like the mind being akin to the surface of water, like a pond, and thoughts and ideas rise to the surface like bubbles. We can’t stop those bubbles from arising, so we shouldn’t try – that becomes self-defeating. Simply let them float to the top and disappear – don’t follow the bubbles.

That’s how I view it, anyway; don’t follow the bubbles.

Cheers

Carl (drowning in bubbles)

By: bernie kasper

bernie kasper — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 15:15:32 +0000

With me it’s all luck !!!

By: Brad

Brad — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:27:45 +0000

Very interesting and thought provoking entry Mark.
This is my first comment to your blog, I seemed to have really connected with the words you had written.
I can relate very well to the whole “in the zone” phenomenon. I’ve noticed at times I can go through a morning or evening photo outing and experience I guess what would be called mini-zones. Times when I discover a subject or special qualities of light is just right that strikes me and gets the excitement built up in my presence of the moment.
In the last 6 months I know of 2 occasions, once for about 3 hours in the morning and once 2-3 hours in the evening that I was completely immersed in the my photography zone. Very cool.

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:19:29 +0000

That’s interesting Richard. I would put forth for some thought that you could be relaxed and still challenge yourself at the same time. But if you are talking you prefer to be under a constraint like “you only have 1 hour to shoot so you can get back and build a brick patio” – then you da’ man.

By: Richard Wong

Richard Wong — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 05:57:15 +0000

Great thoughts Mark. As for myself, I disagree with the relaxation part. I find that I came away with my best work when I am pushing myself to the limits. The other points you make though are definitely on my list too particularly the elemental preparation aspect. If you are physically unable to perform then photography becomes very difficult.

I like Tony Sweet’s philosophy of comparing photography to jazz improv. That speaks to me because I used to play as well. This is why I’ve always gravitated toward nature and travel subjects. More commercial-oriented styles are just too contrived to ever be interesting enough for me to look at or want to shoot myself.