What is Mindful Photography I hear you ask? Well, maybe if we take a step back and look at what Mindfulness is first, that might help.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Mindfulness is a quality that every human being already possesses, it’s not something you have to conjure up, you just have to learn how to access it.

DEFINITION SOURCE – www.mindful.org

Mindfulness helps re-connect our body, mind and feelings, leading to improved health & happiness. It has been shown to significantly reducing stress & anxiety, as well as improving brain function. When we practice being more present, this helps to increase our awareness of the well-being of others, which in turn gives us a much greater insight about ourselves.

Mindfulness

It’s not woo-woo or weird – it takes many different forms and we probably all do it some degree at times. The beauty about Mindfulness is that anyone can do it. You don’t need to change who you are or need to spend lots of money to learn about it.  Mindfulness just takes practice and when you devote time to it, this new way of life can help us in many areas of our life.

Mindful Photography

Mindful Photography is an opportunity to slow down and allow photography to flow from within.  Your camera essentially becomes an extension of your mind.  Don’t overthink before you take the shot or worry if it will be good enough.  Let your subconscious take over, breathe and just be …

Think of your smartphone or camera as an anchor. It secures you in the present moment, provides a connection with NOW and calms you when the tide is continually ebbing and flowing

It can be your safe haven – allowing you to just be.  To absorb the energy of your surrounds and be grateful for all the things we can experience in life.

When we further combine mindful photography with spending time outdoors in nature, the benefits are multiplied even more.  Time spent outdoors in nature has been scientifically proven to boost many areas of health.  These include a reduced risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular disease.

How does Mindful Photography work?

Mindful Photography can be interpreted in many ways.  You may simply just go for it and snap random scenes, without any thought for composition & light.  This might be challenging for some, particularly if you are a bit of a control freak like me!  It’s about feeling free and enjoying the journey with your smartphone or camera.  Experimenting with angles and trying new creative ideas.  Trust the process and don’t get too hung up on the end result.   Go with flow!

Or alternatively you might want to take your time when capturing your images.  Putting into practice some of the techniques and tips that you will learn on this course. Just the physical act of using your hands and imagination, concentrating solely on the job in hand is also being mindful.  It takes your focus away from worries or stresses in life at present. Either way, I promise it is the best form of free therapy you will ever invest in.

Mindful Photography Workshops

If you would like to learn more about Mindful Photography, I run regular workshops for groups or offer training on a 1-2-1 Basis. As part of group workshops, we take part in classroom-based learning plus visit outdoor locations to experiment with smartphone photography techniques and meditation.

During recent workshops with Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network and the WRDA, we visited Glenarm, Beaghmore Stone Circles, Garvagh Forest and Ballyronan Marina. The participants learned all about mindfulness, how to meditate and energy work. We discussed the importance of having a good self-concept and how daily affirmations can have a positive impact in our lives.

Want to book a Mindful Photography Session?

If you are interested in booking in for a 1-2-1 Mindful Photography Session with me or book a Mindful Photography Course for your organisation, you can get in touch via the Contact Me page or by phone on 07525 900885