The phrase 'sehenden auges' means 'with one's eyes open'. Actually, it has rather negative connotations in German as it implies that you do things although you (should) know that whatever you are about to do will be of no good and very risky or dangerous. However, I want to turn the phrase into something positive by sticking to its literal meaning. 'With my eyes open' is how I take my pictures. It allows me to see, to notice, to perceive things in a given moment that other people may overlook or simply deem uninteresting, not worthy of being captured as an image.

My photography is a form of contemplative photography in the tradition of Miksang Photography. 'Miksang' is a Tibetan word which translates as 'good eye' or 'purified eye'. For more information see the official website of the Miksang Institute (www.miksang.com/). I have taken classes with Hiltrud Enders, a certified Miksang teacher in Germany (miksang-fotografie.de/ and www.flickr.com/photos/hil_enders).

I do not 'compose' my pictures, and I don't 'shoot' a photo, I just try to capture my perceptions. Post-processing is limited: it only serves to make the picture get as close as possible to what I had seen with my own eyes.

If you look at my pictures and say: "Ah, yes, sure, that's what stopped her!" then I'm happy because I've done everything right. Share your ideas in the comments section!

All images © Stefanie Pohle (all rights reserved).

This means you are kindly requested not to use, copy, distribute, publish, reproduce, alter or transfer my images in any form or by any media without my written permission.

If you would like to use an image in a digital context or print one, I'd be honoured - just send me a message through flickr mail and we'll figure it out! :-)