What is Mindful Photography?

Mindful photography is the practice of capturing a photograph whilst being aware of the present moment and focused on the subject without distraction. It involves paying full attention to the details of the subject you are capturing and the photographic process itself. It requires the photographer to be present and focus on the composition, the surrounding environment, the lighting and the emotion of the subject.  It is also known as therapeutic or contemplative photography. 

Mindfulness and photography are an ideal partnership. Mindful photography combines creativity with being fully present and aware. It is a way to for us reconnect to with ourselves, to help improve our clarity of mind and overall health.

The practice of mindful photography is a beautiful gift to yourself. It is a time-out where you can relax and unwind. A chance to view your world with fresh eyes and be creative. By being mindful when we capture photographs, we can create more meaningful imagery, improve our photographic skills and connect with our surroundings.

Who is Mindful Photography for?

The practice of mindful photography is for anyone who wants to improve their mental health, those who wish to slow down when life is too busy, anyone wanting to see the world with fresh eyes and those who want to develop their creativity and explore photography. 

Mindful photography can be beneficial for a variety of people:

  • If you have experienced mental health difficulties

  • If you suffer with anxiety and/or depression

  • anyone who wants to improve their wellbeing

  • those who want to increase their self-esteem and confidence

  • anyone who wants to clarify their vision and focus

  • to boost motivation and productivity

  • those who want to improve and enhance their photography skills

hydrangea flower head in winter

How Mindful Photography Benefits Me...

Having spent many years embracing a fast paced lifestyle in the city photographing events and weddings I experienced a yearning for a more meaningful, rural existence after a family trauma and a health scare. It began with a move to the beautiful Welsh countryside. Once settled I was able to begin reconnecting with nature through my lens. Although I was still busy in my work, I found that time spent walking in the fields or in the woods with my camera was a way to quieten my mind, focus my thoughts and relieve my anxiety. Over the last few years I have spent time developing my photographic skills in macro and intentional camera movement (ICM) photography through mindful practice. Creating imagery of the natural world, working mostly with plants and trees found in my local landscape of West Wales.

My mindful photography journey has been a natural evolution over time. I have benefited from the professional and personal growth it has provided. I now find myself in a place where I seek solace and contentment in photographing nature. There is as much pleasure in being able to stop, breathe, tune in to my senses and connect with my subject before I even release the shutter. This brings me a deeper meaning and clarity to the images I capture, gives me more enjoyment in my post production work, and allows me greater enjoyment of the photographic prints I produce. Mindful photography has brought me to the place I want to be.

a photo of a girl on a mindful photography walk

If you would like to learn more about mindful photography I offer one to one online sessions or you can join me on a workshop. Please contact me for further information.