Way-way off the beaten path looking for cherry blossoms

When I took my annual trip around Japan to view cherry blossoms, I noticed everywhere was in full bloom two and half weeks early; this spring’s bloom was the earliest on record. Most years at must see locations such as Matsumoto Castle, I run into other photographers, sometimes even friends who live in the region, but this spring I did not meet up with anyone, and I went way-way off the beaten path, to experience the perfect cherry blossoms in mankai. My route took me through the Japanese Alps, from the Pacific Ocean side of Japan to the Sea of Japan side and back to the Pacific Ocean side of Japan. I chased the light in pursuit of the perfect cherry blossoms, which I came across on a daily basis. To be completely honest, I was concerned, as I had never experienced such an early bloom. I even consulted one of my Zen Buddhist mentors. He simply told me not to worry because I was a Zen Buddhist. “Chill,” he said, “Just think of all the ancient cherry blossoms in the highlands you have never gotten to view.” He went on to say, “You’re going to have a great adventure, especially because you always use the Beginner’s Mindset.” Having the beginner’s mindset means approaching the same location or theme and photographing, as if I am laying eyes on the subject for the first time. A camera, for me, is simply an extension of my perception and perspective by the lighting. I am a visual artist. As an amateur historian, while researching Japanese Zen Buddhist philosophies and history, I came upon D.T. Suzuki’s teachings and the beginner’s mindset; his philosophy regenerated my perspective back to the moment when I first picked up a camera. Mentors guided me from an early age to respect my environment, my surroundings and to treat all sentient and spiritual beings as my family. Without a beginner’s mindset, an adventure chasing the light will only show people with preconceived notions the fallacy of their perceptions and opinions. Of course my mentor was right. I trusted in my experience and spotted and photographed perfect cherry blossoms. My favorite spring adventures are chasing the light and the cherry blossoms.