I had the pleasure of attending a session on Contemplative Photography with Mallika Rajkumar during the Mindfulness For Intentional Living Workshop I attended recently. I was fascinated with the concept and in awe of this young woman who is so passionate about what she does.
Today, I’m happy to feature the Hyderabad based, Mallika Rajkumar and her beautiful pictures here and have her tell us something about contemplative photography.

Hi Mallika. Do introduce yourself to my readers.
I am Mallika Rajkumar and I am a portrait photographer. Choosing photography as a profession and working every day in learning this art is so fulfilling. Portrait photography involves an understanding of people, their emotions, body language and being able depict all that in a photograph. I believe powerful portraits happen when a
photographer merges into the environment and is accepted by people he/she is taking pictures of. It is also photographers’ skill to notice them and click at the right moment.
Take a look at some of the portraits I’ve shot:
You specialize in portraits. But what about your workshops?
Apart from portraits I do workshops on basics of photography and contemplative photography. My workshops are designed for people interested in photography and would like to explore their creativity through taking pictures.
Contemplative Photography? Do tell us more about that.
Contemplative photography is practising the art of photography with a focus on ‘seeing’ the beauty and richness of the world more clearly and in new ways.
“Contemplative photography is about seizing the present moment as one would delicately hold a poppy without shedding its petals. It is about non-attachment; one has nothing to lose and nothing to gain, but everything to offer to the eyes of the viewer.”—Matthieu Ricard, photographer and author of Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life’s Most Important Skill
The best part about Contemplative Photography is that one need not be a photographer to practice this. Although, for all photographers, this is something innate. I encourage people to ‘see’ and ‘feel’ things around them in my workshops on Contemplative Photography. It could be any interesting pattern, or color or a human behavior. Once you learn how to see, you will learn how to capture them. And this is where photography bit comes in. Aesthetics of photography is also part of the workshop. Photographs taken need to be a reflection of one’s personality and vision and I help them build it.
How does Contemplative Photography fit in with the concept of Mindfulness?
The objective of Contemplative photography is to pay closer attention to the world around you and to live in the present moment, just what mindfulness is all about!
It is a great pleasure to be doing a workshop with Aarathi Selvan, Psychologist and a Mindfulness Guide. Her mindfulness workshops are designed for people to explore their creative side through art. And including photography makes a perfect amalgamation.
My next contemplative photography workshop is on 23rd May in Hyderabad. Please check this event page for more details:
Portfolio and contact details:
Website : www.mallikarajkumar.com
On Facebook
Email: mallikarajphotography@gmail.com
Telephone : 91 82975 10125
Such lovely portraits, they really catch the essence!
By the way…
You have been Blitzed!
Happy blitz day.
Inderpreet Kaur recently posted..Crossed & Knotted Book Blast
Thank you, Inderpreet!

Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..40 Inspirational Quotes To Keep You Going
Beautiful pictures! I would love to learn how to do this.
Happy Blitz Day, too!!
Me too, Miranda! Thanks for dropping by.

Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Work – A to Z of Self Leadership
Very interesting interview! Mallika\’s photography is stunning and her explanation of contemplative photography is direct and easy to understand. Thank you for sharing her work with us, Corrine! Dropping by as part of the Blitz. 🙂

Barbara In Caneyhead recently posted..How I Like My Music
I’m so glad you liked it, Barbara. Thanks for dropping by. I’m enjoying my Blitz Day! 🙂

Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..40 Inspirational Quotes To Keep You Going
In many ways…photography is much like writing. A well composed snap shot can tell a story all by itself! Thank you for the interview.
Oh…and btw…you’re being BLITZED! Enjoy. 🙂
Yes, DL. Like they say, a picture speaks a thousand words.

And a thousand thank yous for arranging a Blitz here today. Much appreciated. 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Yes – A to Z of Self Leadership
Love the photography! Enjoy your Blitz day!

Dawn Allen recently posted..Join Us at the OWFI Conference
Thanks, Dawn.

Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Why Your Life Sucks
There is a delicate balance to be struck between becoming involved with the photograph one is taking and remaining a detached observer. It’s a study in itself.
Happy Blitz Day!

Keith Channing recently posted..One Word Photo Challenge: Cloudy
You’re so right, Keith.

Thank you.
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Zeal – A to Z of Self Leadership
Such an interesting concept with the contemplative photography; I had not heard of that term before; but Malika’s work is beautiful! Loved the picture with the baby!
Happy Blitz!
betty

Betty recently posted..What a difference 12 hours make
I hadn’t until recently either, Betty! Thank you!

Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..40 Inspirational Quotes To Keep You Going
Great pictures! Enjoy your blitz day!
Thanks, Kelly!

Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Why Your Life Sucks
Beautiful photographs! Thanks so much for sharing!
Lovely post.
BAZINGA!
You’ve been blitzed, Corinne!
Enjoy your day!
Heather

Heather M. Gardner recently posted..You have reached the blog of …
Glad you liked them, Heather! Thank you.

Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Trying To Brighten Up The Garden
I am in awe of people who make art with their camera. I plan to buy a camera this month.My photos will be nature inspired. Wish me luck. LOVE her portraits. Thank you for featuring Mallika.
Happy Blitz Day!! 🙂
Good luck to you, Robyn! I bought a simple point and shoot earlier this year and am having fun with it!

Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..40 Inspirational Quotes To Keep You Going
Her photos are very rich and moving.

Happy Blitz day!
Alex J. Cavanaugh recently posted..Bloody Mary with Chrys Fey! Plus the You Rock Award and Ninja News.
Happy Blitz Day!
Very interesting. Happy Blitz!

M Pepper Langlinais recently posted..Query Confusion
Oh, I love the richness of the colors in those photographs! How lovely 🙂

Happy Blitz Day!
AJ Lauer recently posted..IWSG – May!
Thanks for featuring this wonderful photographer. Happy Blitz Day too. 🙂

Mary Hill recently posted..Hypocrisy Versus Grace
What beautiful photographs.
Happy Blog Blitz Day 🙂
Her photographs are amazing. I love the one of the little baby with the yellow mitts.
Oh, and happy blitz day!

Eileen recently posted..135/365: Gardening Goodies
Hello Corrine, you’ve been Blitzed! Enjoy the fun.
Stephen Tremp
http://www.stephentremp.com
I’ve never heard of this type of photography, but it looks interesting. And the pictures are gorgeous. Happy Blitz Day!

Natalie Aguirre recently posted..SHARON HUSS ROAT GUEST POST AND BETWEEN THE NOTES GIVEAWAY
What beautiful portraits! Happy Blitz Day to you.
What glorious photos! Thanks to you both for sharing!
And Happy Blitz Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Those are lovely photos. I love photography.
HAPPY BLITZ DAY!!!! 😀
What beautiful photographs–full of emotion!
Happy Blog Blitz Day!

Connie Keller recently posted..Things I Learned in the PICU
Those pictures are absolutely stunning. I love them.
You have a good eye for beauty Mallika. Those are awesome.
Hi Corrine.

dolorah recently posted..BATTLE OF THE BANDS: I Hope You Dance
Her photos are stunning. Such vivid colors.
Happy Blitz day!

L. Diane Wolfe recently posted..The Insecure Writer’s Support Group
Those were lovely potraits.
Happy Blitz day Corinne 🙂
Very interesting. I had not heard of contemplative photography but it certainly diss drum to fire in as a compliment to mindfulness.

Corina recently posted..Dad — Jan. 6, 1930 to May 9, 2015
Those are some lovely photos.

Happy Blitz Day!
Robin Rivera recently posted..Six Don’t-Skip Short Story Tips
Very emotionally moving photos!

Happy Blitz Day!
Kimber Leigh Wheaton recently posted..Secret Worlds Anthology
absolutely beautiful, inspiring photos!! happy blitz! 🙂
What a nice interview!
What gorgeous pictures! I love the saturated colors of the flowers – so pretty! Happy Blitz Day!

Julie Dao recently posted..How Solitaire and Organic Chemistry Inspired FOTL
Writing and photography go so well together. It would be fun to take a Contemplative Photography class. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your Blitz today!

Donna Smith recently posted..Eyes See, I See
Excellent photos.

Even I try to capture the moments as they are.
Learnt some important things
Pique Dan recently posted..Let us love before we die
Happy blitz day! 🙂
What a beautiful approach to photography – the emotion definitely shows in her work. Thanks for sharing this!
Absolutely GORGEOUS photos! I usually don’t like photos taken of me (Yeah, I know), but if I lived … oh, /not/ on the other side of the world, I might be looking her up! Wonderful philosophy behind Mallika’s photos.
Thanks for having Mallika on your blog today, Corinne. HAPPY BLITZ DAY! :O)

LuAnn Braley recently posted..Happy Book Birthday Giveaway! “Vote for Remi” by Leanna Lehman
Beautiful photos! Happy Blitz Day!

Sherry Ellis recently posted..The Perfect Paper Airplane
Lovely photos – Happy Blitz Day 🙂

Chippy recently posted..Random Quote #230
Gorgeous photos! Happy Blitz Day!

Conny Kaufmann recently posted..Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Authors I REALLY want to meet
what gorgeous photos!!! Glad

To have found to through the blitz!
Corinne O’Flynn recently posted..Pre-Orders available for UtopYA Con!
Gorgeous photos! I love those purple flowers. Happy Blitz Day!

Gina Ciocca recently posted..Updates, Info, and Annotated ARCs of LAST YEAR’S MISTAKE!
Beautiful photographs!
Happy Blitz Day!
Happy Blitz Day!!! Love the photographs.

Timothy S. Brannan recently posted..Not a bird. Not a plane.
These photos are amazing! Happy Blitz Day!
Such a lovely artist~ How wonderful!
Happy Blitz Day to you-you have a lovely blog~
Cheers!
Absolutely beautiful photographs! 🙂 Such rich details. Happy Blitz Day!

Christine Rains recently posted..Friday Five for May 15, 2015
Striking photos!

Happy Blitz Day. Nice to find your blog.
Theresa Milstein recently posted..Family History
Thanks for the reminder to be mindful of the moment and the world around me.
Happy Blitz Day!
Beautiful photos! I love the attitude of contemplation and mindfulness for photography. 🙂

Happy Blitz Day!
Tyrean Martinson recently posted..IWSG, A to Z Reflection, and Celebrations!
Lovely, lovely photos! Happy Blitz Day to you.

Bish Denham recently posted..Alternatives and Thankful Thursday
Beautiful! Happy Blitz Day!

Marlene Moss recently posted..Book trailer & #giveaway Joshua and the Lightning Road by Donna Galanti #mg #myth #M9BFridayReveals
The photographs are lovely. Thanks for sharing. Happy Blitz day

Susan Gourley recently posted..Blogging Highs, Future Lows
I certainly don’t pay enough attention to the world around me. The flowers on that pictures are brilliant in colour.
What beautiful pictures. You’ve been Blitzed!! I hope you enjoy your blitzing! My alter-ego will be around later to Blitz you again. Just giving you the heads up. 😀 Have a great day! Eva

Eva recently posted..STROKE AWARENESS MONTH
Thanks, Eva. I’m super enjoying the Blitz!

Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..40 Inspirational Quotes To Keep You Going
Thats an amazing backdrop of purple petunas hugging you in the first picture. Happy Blitz Day!

Spacerguy recently posted..Zombie vs Trekkie
Yes, Mallika does look lovely in that picture!

Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Yes – A to Z of Self Leadership
Great photos – love to see photos from other cultures than my own 🙂

Trisha recently posted..I was away, now I’m back
Glad you enjoyed them, Trisha.

Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Work – A to Z of Self Leadership
I warned you that my alter-ego was coming back to BLITZ you again!! **BOP** You’ve been Blitzed again with a virtual snowball! I hope you enjoy the rest of the blitzing. Take care! Eva

Eva recently posted..Express Yourself – ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Thanks, Eva. You did. Appreciate both of you coming by! 🙂

Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Vision – A to Z of Self Leadership
The term is new to me, but those are some wonderful photographs. I especially like the Grandmotherly Love.

Jeff Hargett recently posted..So there’s this “Writing Tip Tuesdays” thing…
It’s something I’ve just discovered too, Jeff. Perhaps you recognized the photographer with her grandmother – a self-portrait of sorts! 🙂

Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Mindfulness For Intentional Living Workshop
This is a lovely post with beautiful pictures. I like to caputure moments in time or memories with my camera; not if it’s it art though. Happy Blitz Day!

Toi Thomas recently posted..Tea and Conversation 20: The Race Thing
Thanks, Toi. Appreciate you dropping by.

Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..40 Inspirational Quotes To Keep You Going
Beautiful photos and an uplifting positive way to view the world. Happy blitz day!!
Nice pictures. Happy Blitz Day!
Those pics are fabulous! Such a great eye…

I know I’m a bit late….
Happy Blog Blitz Day, Corinne! 🙂
Hope you’ve enjoyed the flood of comments.
Michelle Wallace recently posted..The Insecure Writer’s Support Group ~ No#41
Those photos are beautiful 🙂 Sorry I’m late to the party, but belated happy blitz day! xx
Hi Corinne; I’m a day late, but hopefully it still counts! 🙂

HAPPY BLITZ DAY TO YOU!!
These portraits are wonderfully expressive. The photographer obviously has a great eye.
Have a good weekend.
Debbie D. recently posted..HOUSE OF THE RISING SUN – BATTLE OF THE BANDS #BOTB
What a lovely idea! I missed blitz day by a day, but I’m always happy to see the new blogs participating introduces me to. I’ll be back to check yours out another day!

Samantha Bryant recently posted..An Interview with K.Lynn: Author of His Womanly Ways
Stunning photos. The portraits capture the personalities. I enjoyed the interview too. Sorry I am late for blitz day, but glad I didn’t skip it.

Rhonda Albom recently posted..Photos of Lake Tekapo New Zealand – Weekend Travel Inspiration
Truly amazing pictures and happy belated Blitz Day.

Medeia Sharif recently posted..Books Recently Read
I’m late for the BLITZ! (Computer issues, ugh). I consider myself a photographer, although I’m not a professional, and this is something that I really aim to do with my art: show a different side of people or the world to illustrate its beauty or significance. Love that you call it “contemplative” because both artist & viewer are contemplating the work!

Sabina recently posted..The Prompt Box
I’m a little late to the party, but I wanted to make sure I stopped by and wished you a happy blitz day. 🙂
Wow! Those are some beautiful photographs. Thanks for introducing Mallika to us. Good to know about her sessions 🙂

Parul recently posted..An Open Letter to Dear Minister
Such beautiful portraits…souls shine through in all of them.

Carol Cassara recently posted..Introducing…heart, mind, soul
What a great blog. The photos are amazing, and happy blitz day. Sorry to be late coming to the party but better late than never.
Sylvie Grayson\
author of Suspense, spicy romance and attempted murder!
Happy belated blog blitz day!