Mindful Photography

I discovered a love for digital photography about 15 years ago and it has become a most brilliant and enjoyable hobby – a great way to capture family moments, to visit some beautiful locations and to while away an afternoon playing with flowers, macro, or trying some street photography.

​It is so easy to take lots of photographs using either a phone or digital camera as there is no cost involved in taking the film to be developed and everything is very immediate.

However, as my photography developed, over time I have used it to practice a sense of “mindfulness”.  So, I try and slow down and consider why I am taking a photograph and ask myself “Will I look at it again or print it out, is it a memory I want to cherish or is it one I would like to share with others?”

So what I do now is now try and concentrate on details; I may go for a walk and look for particular colours or shapes to capture – anything which keeps me ‘in the moment’ rather than trying to photography absolutely everything that catches my eye! In other words a “mindfulness” approach to photography.

Being mindful has slowed me down and has allowed me to be more reflective in the way I take my photographs that removes the rush, the competitiveness and potential critique of images. For me, it’s about the process, the intention, the sheer joy of creating. ​It also taken away the fear of being a ‘beginner’ …. of not being good enough or failing in some way – it is not a competition nor is it being judgemental.

Having explored the benefits of mindfulness in my photography over the past few years, I have found that it has become a way for me to explore creativity and its impact on my mood and mental wellbeing. It lets me experience being present in the moment, with a sense of calm and acceptance that allows me to observe my thoughts, feelings and actions without any preconceptions”.

“In a world full of doing, doing, doing, it’s important to take a moment to just breathe, to just be.”