Living in the Moment: Nick Sethi’s Total Solar Eclipse

In an age where digital cameras are at our fingertips, we often find ourselves documenting every moment rather than experiencing it. But for photographer Nick Sethi, capturing images is about creating connections with the world and preserving memories that transcend mere visual records.

Embracing Mindfulness Through Photography

Sethi’s philosophy centers around using photography as a tool for mindfulness—a way to be fully present in the moment. By engaging deeply with his surroundings, he not only captures images but also retains sensory and emotional memories associated with those moments.

A Photographic Journey During the Solar Eclipse

In April, Sethi embarked on an ambitious project: documenting a 24-hour period around New York City’s solar eclipse. Starting at midnight in his Chinatown studio, he photographed scenes from his personal life and neighborhood, each image capturing subtle changes in light and atmosphere.

• He focused on everyday moments rather than the grand spectacle of the eclipse itself, choosing to document the ordinary yet profound instances leading up to and following the event.
• This approach allowed him to create a series of photographs that evoke a deeper connection to the day’s unique atmosphere.

Photographing Beyond the Eclipse: A Collaborative Effort

The eclipse also served as inspiration for a photo shoot featuring designs by Chris Peters and model Bella Newman. The collection emphasized spirituality and presence, themes that resonate with Sethi’s work. Capturing moments of tranquility amid cosmic events, these photos exude an ethereal quality, inviting viewers to pause and reflect.

One striking image features Newman holding a tiny eggshell found on Sethi’s deck—an ordinary object imbued with personal significance through the act of photography. This subtle symbol speaks to themes of infinity and continuity.

The Power of Physical Media: Total Solar Eclipse

Sethi’s commitment to tangible artistry culminates in his book, Total Solar Eclipse. He values the physical presence of photographs bound within a book—each image framed by its context on the page. The book not only captures the essence of that day but also invites readers into Sethi’s contemplative experience.

Unveiling the Layers: Photography as Storytelling

The story behind one photo, where Newman cradles an eggshell hidden in her lap beneath a golden trench coat, exemplifies Sethi’s approach. He captures secrets and stories that might otherwise go unnoticed, embedding them within his work for viewers to discover.

Discovering the Book

Total Solar Eclipse is available at Dashwood Books, offering readers a chance to immerse themselves in a world where photography becomes both a lens and a diary of life’s ephemeral beauty.

Conclusion: Capturing Life’s Small Moments

Nick Sethi’s work during the solar eclipse serves as a reminder of the power of living in the moment. Through his photographs, he invites us to slow down, observe, and appreciate the subtleties that make life rich and meaningful. In an era focused on capturing content for digital consumption, Sethi’s mindful approach is both refreshing and inspiring.