Photographic Haiku

A single word reshaped the way MH Rubin saw his photography: haiku. What began as a casual comparison evolved into a deeper exploration, one that revealed unexpected links between poetry and image-making. As Rubin studied the haiku form more closely, he discovered striking parallels between its structure and the visual language of photography. What emerged was a thoughtful approach that blends the principles of haiku with the often indescribable art of seeing. The result is both inspiring and teachable, a way of making images that feels as intuitive as it is expressive.

This six-session online workshop reimagines how you think about composition and storytelling, using haiku as a framework and drawing on examples from photographic masters such as Adams, Tice, Callahan, Kertész, Erwitt, Weston, and others. But it goes further. You explore creative insights from Zen arts such as ikebana (flower arranging), enso (calligraphy), kintsugi (ceramic repair), and bonsai (miniature trees). Like haiku, these practices reflect values of balance, imperfection, simplicity, and a deep appreciation for the fleeting nature of things. Together, they offer a refreshing lens for photography, even shedding new light on Cartier-Bresson’s idea of “The Decisive Moment.”

“Haiku photography” isn’t placid or pictorial; it’s dynamic and demanding. It moves you beyond still-life or street photography into a new way of understanding visual form. It’s approachable at any skill level. As a beginner, you find a more intuitive entry point into composition than rigid rules like the rule of thirds. As an experienced photographer, you discover new ways to experiment and grow. You need no special gear or tricks. It’s not a new invention; it reflects what many photographers have done for decades, now simply described in poetic terms. A visual poetry of the ordinary.

This workshop doesn’t teach meditative photography or lean on Zen philosophy. Instead, you apply practical lessons from these time-honored arts to make stronger, more satisfying images, whatever your subject.