SteveTanham – writing, mysticism, photography, poetry, friends

Category: Consciousness

September one of my favourite months, though I’m always sad to see the summer end. September is a kind of ‘transition zone’ between the golden end of the warm months and their colder counterparts that live on the edge of true winter. For us on the southern edge of the Lake District, it’s a time when, on the right clear-skied morning, getting the dog … Read More The soft and clear light of September

February 16, 2025 + #iphonephotography, #Photography,, #Silenti, Consciousness, Mindfulness

Egyptians in the flames

by Steve Tanham

I love photographing fires. Domestic ones, usually. On Guy Fawkes’ Night (5th November), I can indulge this passion outdoors. But that’s a distant memory now. Usually, the results fail to justify the effort… The ‘euphoric’ energy and fulsome nature of the flames fails to come through to the image. But this shot – taken through the glass of the log-burner in our lounge – … Read More Egyptians in the flames

January 9, 2025 + #iphonephotography, #Photography,, Ancient Landscapes, Consciousness, Lake District

An icy walk in Lakeland

by Steve Tanham

Deep winter comes to the Lakes. Our tiny village of Sedgwick is perilous – already lacking in footways, people are strapping spiked soles onto their shoes in order to get around, But the beauty remains … is even enhanced by the glittering danger. And tomorrow is expected to be even colder… -🔷- ©Stephen Tanham 2024 All photos taken and processed on an iPhone 12 … Read More An icy walk in Lakeland

December 22, 2024 + #iphonephotography, #Photography,, #Silenti, Ancient Landscapes, Consciousness, Lake District, Mystical walks

A Lion in Winter

by Steve Tanham

It’s there quite clearly in the trunk. A lion, claws embedded firmly in the old wood to support its descending weight. Head down, eyes fixed on, well, you! Microseconds from reaching the ground, where it will be lord of life and death. I’ve passed here many times, but never seen it before. That’s the joy of winter light. It’s a whole n’other world out … Read More A Lion in Winter

November 10, 2024 + #iphonephotography, #Photography,, #Silenti, Consciousness, Lake District

Beyond the lens…

by Steve Tanham

When the final colours of autumn fade, there comes a time when a photographer’s attention changes to shape… The fractal structures that propelled the fluids of life from Mother Earth to leaf, flower and fruit are revealed in near-monochrome starkness. Other ‘forms’, some man-made, emphasise this distinction and evolution. Their shapes invite a ‘softening’ technique when taking this kind of photograph. This suggests an … Read More Beyond the lens…

October 30, 2024 + #iphonephotography, #Silenti, Consciousness, Lake District, landscapes

Three gifts from the sunset

by Steve Tanham

Mid-afternoon; a phone call from one of the best friends from my college days saying that her journey to our twice a year reunion had gone better than expected and that she would be a hour early. Would we be in or should she park up somewhere and join us, later? Tess the collie was overdue a decent walk. A man in a big … Read More Three gifts from the sunset

October 13, 2024 + #iphonephotography, #Silenti, Ancient Sacred Sites, Consciousness, landscapes

Shimmering temple of the underworld

by Steve Tanham

I remember my opening thought was ‘how am I going to convey the size and beauty of this place with mere photographs!?’ I had never heard of the Gouffre Géant (giant caves) of Cabrespine, though my son had. He’s of the techno-literati who can get detailed information on his iPhone within seconds – all of it relevant to where you are. We were doing … Read More Shimmering temple of the underworld

September 29, 2024 + #iphonephotography, #Silenti, Consciousness, Nature and seasons

Shooting the Fairies

by Steve Tanham

I’ve always had an open mind on the reality of ‘fairies’ – earth elementals to many magical folk, and a very real presence to many in our woodland, and particularly landscapes with streams. We recently had a visit by my son, his wife and family – two young girls who are both intelligent and delightfully open to new expereinces. They live in Queensland, Australia, … Read More Shooting the Fairies

September 22, 2024 + #iphonephotography, #Silenti, Consciousness

Structures of Organised Life

by Steve Tanham

Some structures strike you immediately as a ‘model of life’. It’s not that they are exact, or even comprehensive, but somehow they reflect an important aspect of life. When I took this shot, of the interior of the Bentall Centre in Kingston-on-Thames, it reminded me of a J.C. Escher drawing; several of them, in fact. Escher is famous for his multiple ‘stairways’, many of … Read More Structures of Organised Life

September 8, 2024 + #Silenti, #wantonwhimsy, #WhimsyPhotoEssays, AI Images, Consciousness

Cabin

by Steve Tanham

Playing with some NightCafe Studio AI. A rustic cabin in the woods. A place of peace and self. Poetry and song notes litter the floor, to be swept up next visit. For now, before that soft and golden late summer sun sets over the treeline on the ridge, I want to capture the memory of her soft voice and gentle fingers on my neck … Read More Cabin

July 12, 2024 + #iphonephotography, Consciousness, nature

Gentle focus, gold stars

by Steve Tanham

Their summer is so brief but the beauty says otherwise… ©Stephen Tanham 2024 All photos taken and processed on an iPhone 12 ProMax or created using NightCafe Studio AI. Stephen Tanham is a writer-photographer and mystical teacher. He is the founding Director of the Silent Eye, which offers a monthly Zoom-based gathering of companions, each one on their own, unique journey to deeper states … Read More Gentle focus, gold stars

July 2, 2024 + #iphonephotography, #Silenti, Ancient Landscapes, Consciousness

Bigness…

by Steve Tanham

Some landscapes are just so ‘big’ – in several ways – that you can feel your self being drawn out from your body and into them. There to ‘fly around’, experiencing the curves, the rocks, waters, gradients and breezes that whisper. Some landscapes… ©Stephen Tanham 2024 All photos taken and processed on an iPhone 12 ProMax or created using NightCafe Studio AI. Stephen Tanham is … Read More Bigness…