COURTESY PHILIPPE GROSS Growing up in Fribourg, Switzerland, photographer Philippe Gross is as familiar today as ever with the landmarks of his youth. He chose a setting he liked, and according to Gross, waited for "something to happen." Both the child and the woman appeared simultaneously, and Gross captured the juxtaposition between youth and aging.

Taoist photography is of the moment

If Zen masters practice their philosophy through the art of calligraphy and flower arrangement, why can't a photographer exercise his Taoist sensibilities through his camera?

The answer is, he can. Philippe Gross, a research psychologist who had his first experience behind the lens at age 8, empties his mind of mental chatter while observing the world with camera in hand. It's all about staying present, he says.

"Life is full of precious fleeting moments and sometimes, when I am attuned to my surroundings, I am able to catch some of them with my camera," he says.

COURTESY PHILIPPE GROSS A leisurely moment at Venice Beach, Calif.

Gross, the author of "The Tao of Photography: Seeing Beyond Seeing," says his approach to photography keeps him receptive to the richness in the world.

"With this show, I hope to convey my sense of awe about life and that the images will inspire others to pay more attention to their surroundings as well."

Canon Photo Gallery, located at 210 Ward Ave., suite 200, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. Call 522-5930.

COURTESY PHILIPPE GROSS The somber "Passage," was taken at the Miho Museum in Kyoto, Japan, on a now-discontinued 25 ASA camera and tripod.

COURTESY PHILIPPE GROSS Young lovers in the City of Light share a moment in a cafe, oblivious to the people interacting around them.

COURTESY PHILIPPE GROSS A sleepy resident is the subject of a photo shot on the Greek island of Naxos.