Immersive Photography: Exploring Realms Beyond Cognition and Physicality

Abstract

This study presents a practice-led, artistic research project that asks the question: What considerations must be taken into account when photographing land to convey an immersive, embodied, and spiritually-attuned connection between the self and what is captured? The study posits that embodiment extends beyond cognitive and physical realms, engaging with a ‘living essence’ that can be broadly interpreted as spiritual knowledge. When a photographer interacts with the land on this deeper level, the process transforms into a communion between the ‘essence of the living self’ and the ‘essence of the living earth,’ creating a profound connection. The study employs heuristic inquiry to facilitate a dialectical approach to problem-solving, where practical experience leads to new insights with tangible relevance. The research process is documented in a reflective field journal, incorporating images, poetic writing, technical data, and critical analysis. This multifaceted approach allows for a reflection on the state of immersion experienced by the photographer and the resulting outcomes. By examining the process of ‘Immersive Photography,’ this research contributes to current discussions on how photographers engage with the land. It proposes and critically evaluates this concept as both a methodological and conceptual framework, offering new perspectives on the relationship between the photographer, the land, and the spiritual dimensions of this interaction. This study aims to contribute to the dialogue surrounding the artistic practice of photography, especially in the context of embodied engagement with the environment.