Explore a more intuitive photographic approach
The use of photography as a device to enable mindfulness courses has emerged in recent years. Whilst there is value to this approach, its effectiveness is based on being connected to the emotional experience of photographing and to communicating this via the image making experience, both of which are ‘hard to pin down’ concepts.
We can however take a couple of sizeable insights from this approach. Firstly in finding a natural stage where your mind no longer constantly comments, interrupts and interprets an experience. For example the monotonous rhythm of hiking or a long walk relaxes the mind and focusses ones gaze. This is a valuable tool to have at your disposal. Now you can now simply engage and enjoy the process of seeing things for what they are.
Secondly, developing the ability to observe something as if for the first time, even though you may have looked at it a hundred times before. You’ll notice that when you’ve been away from home for a long period, the walls and decorations seem brighter and more colourful as you come through the door. It’s one reason we travel, to appreciate the value of returning.
In this module we will develop the notion of photography and self development by exploring an intuitive process, through recording and reflection, to develop your self awareness. The key is thinking during reflection rather than during taking the photograph. This can be useful in three ways. To get to know yourself better by keeping a visual diary. If you are new to photography it offers a non-technical way into more thoughtful photography. Thirdly, for professionals working with different sections of the community, it will enable you to be mindful of your surroundings and to develop empathetic skills.
If for example you work as a team leader, teacher, medical or sales professional or come into contact with a variety of different folk in your day to day work, there will be cultural differences between you and many of them. Your own values, attitudes and feelings are important determinants of how you come across as a professional. Ideally you should aim at understanding and learning to use your own attitudes and strengths, as well know your weaknesses and values so you can adapt those for each situation.
We can start with the world we encounter every day. By seeing and noticing the things around us and using the camera to record them, we create a heightened sense of awareness, which leads to a deeper understanding of the environment in ways not evident before.
The idea is to use your phone to record anything that catches your attention for whatever reason. You may firstly be drawn to the conventional photographic tropes; interesting light, a juxtaposition of textures, shapes, colours, or form or objects which is fine. You may also see situations you encounter on the way to and from your workplace, or perhaps on a free day hiking, or walking in a busy park. The key is to record, without thinking about image quality, camera settings and composition. Direct intuitive recording is one key competent of mindfulness courses.
Afterwards you can reflect on what you observed and recorded, and better understand why you chose those subjects and any reoccurring patterns. Assembling these images reveal what draws your attention. Are they things that you would like more of in your life or are you preoccupied with subjects that are dull and joyless. Gradually you’ll notice your chosen environments more, seeing things you never really noticed that were around you every day.
The positive benefits of an intuitive approach will bring about a shift in your perspective, where you value smaller encounters and see wonder in your life. Using your smartphone requires little thought and works well in busy lives. It also takes away some of the technical thinking, although it’s permissible to use your mirrorless or DSLR for this, set to auto.
In most areas of photography it’s often the result which is considered useful (the product) rather than the process. People are results oriented, not process driven. However here, both the process and the product hold equal value.
Once you’ve started the journey you can begin to look at your images individually or as part of a closed Facebook group. After initially registering your email, you’ll be sent a PDF plan with your FB log-in details.
Available from 2021 onwards, we’ll be offering mindful seascape photography retreats close to Essaouira, Morocco exploring the dramatic coastline of dune areas and forest walks. We believe this is an ideal location to explore mindfulness through image-making.
REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE COURSE
START DATE: MAY 1st 2023
Our mindful seascape photography retreats on the coastline near Essaouira are in areas untouched by development and provide extensive opportunities for exploration and reflective practice. Get in touch to find out more.
The use of photography as a device to enable mindfulness courses has emerged in recent years. Whilst there is value to this approach, its effectiveness is based on being connected to the emotional experience of photographing and to communicating this via the image making experience, both of which are ‘hard to pin down’ concepts.
We can however take a couple of sizeable insights from this approach. Firstly in finding a natural stage where your mind no longer constantly comments, interrupts and interprets an experience. For example the monotonous rhythm of hiking or a long walk relaxes the mind and focusses ones gaze. This is a valuable tool to have at your disposal. Now you can now simply engage and enjoy the process of seeing things for what they are.
Secondly, developing the ability to observe something as if for the first time, even though you may have looked at it a hundred times before. You’ll notice that when you’ve been away from home for a long period, the walls and decorations seem brighter and more colourful as you come through the door. It’s one reason we travel, to appreciate the value of returning.
In this module we will develop the notion of photography and self development by exploring an intuitive process, through recording and reflection, to develop your self awareness. The key is thinking during reflection rather than during taking the photograph. This can be useful in three ways. To get to know yourself better by keeping a visual diary. If you are new to photography it offers a non-technical way into more thoughtful photography. Thirdly, for professionals working with different sections of the community, it will enable you to be mindful of your surroundings and to develop empathetic skills.
If for example you work as a team leader, teacher, medical or sales professional or come into contact with a variety of different folk in your day to day work, there will be cultural differences between you and many of them. Your own values, attitudes and feelings are important determinants of how you come across as a professional. Ideally you should aim at understanding and learning to use your own attitudes and strengths, as well know your weaknesses and values so you can adapt those for each situation.
We can start with the world we encounter every day. By seeing and noticing the things around us and using the camera to record them, we create a heightened sense of awareness, which leads to a deeper understanding of the environment in ways not evident before.
The idea is to use your phone to record anything that catches your attention for whatever reason. You may firstly be drawn to the conventional photographic tropes; interesting light, a juxtaposition of textures, shapes, colours, or form or objects which is fine. You may also see situations you encounter on the way to and from your workplace, or perhaps on a free day hiking, or walking in a busy park. The key is to record, without thinking about image quality, camera settings and composition. Direct intuitive recording is one key competent of mindfulness courses.
Afterwards you can reflect on what you observed and recorded, and better understand why you chose those subjects and any reoccurring patterns. Assembling these images reveal what draws your attention. Are they things that you would like more of in your life or are you preoccupied with subjects that are dull and joyless. Gradually you’ll notice your chosen environments more, seeing things you never really noticed that were around you every day.
The positive benefits of an intuitive approach will bring about a shift in your perspective, where you value smaller encounters and see wonder in your life. Using your smartphone requires little thought and works well in busy lives. It also takes away some of the technical thinking, although it’s permissible to use your mirrorless or DSLR for this, set to auto.
In most areas of photography it’s often the result which is considered useful (the product) rather than the process. People are results oriented, not process driven. However here, both the process and the product hold equal value.
Once you’ve started the journey you can begin to look at your images individually or as part of a closed Facebook group. After initially registering your email, you’ll be sent a PDF plan with your FB log-in details.
Available from 2021 onwards, we’ll be offering mindful seascape photography retreats close to Essaouira, Morocco exploring the dramatic coastline of dune areas and forest walks. We believe this is an ideal location to explore mindfulness through image-making.
REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE COURSE
START DATE: May 1st 2021
Our mindful seascape photography retreats on the coastline near Essaouira are in areas untouched by development and provide extensive opportunities for exploration and reflective practice. Get in touch to find out more.