Mindful Photography

Mindful Photography

What

Mindful photography is a blend of mindfulness and photography. There are many different definitions and forms of mindfulness. Natalie has been trained in the Look Again methodology which is evidence based. Research on the methodology from the University of Gloucestershire can be read here.

The Look Again methodology draws on the teachings of Jon Kabat-Zinn. who teaches mindfulness and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) around the world. His definition is:

“Mindfulness is paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non judgementally.” Jon Kabat-Zinn, 1994:

Another influential figure in mindfulness, Dr Tamara Russell, King’s College London, defines mindfulness in her book #What is Mindfulness? as:

“Mindfulness is awareness +3: Your ordinary awareness skills enhanced by being:

Fully directed to the present moment
Non-reactive (curious but calm)
Non- judgemental (compassionate)”

The Look Again approach to mindful photography developed by Ruth Davey FRSA, draws on these concepts along with a wide range of other research, practical and lived experience. The Look Again definition is:

“Mindful photography is a tool that uses our sight and the lens of a camera or smartphone as an anchor to help us become more consciously aware of and connected to the present moment. It is experiencing the process of creating photographs in a non- judgmental way, with gratitude and compassion towards ourselves, others and the world around us. It enables us to slow down, look, look again and see our lives differently.” Ruth Davey (2020)

How

Mindful photography uses photography as a way of cultivating mindful awareness and working creatively and collaboratively with five inter-related capacities.

Attention
Self-regulation
Connection
Insight and perspective
Resilience and flourishing

Along with the Key Attitudes of Mindfulness used in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction;

Non -Judging
Patience
Trust
Non-striving
Allowing and letting be
Brefriending

Activities are structured around these principles and often run in nature, to access further mental health benefits. Creative group conversations and sharing and encouraged. Participants complete the program with tools they can use in their daily lives to help cultivate healthy mindful awareness at any time.

Who

Mindful photography is appropriate for anyone at any age, but particularly those who may need to reduce stress and improve mental health and wellbeing. Programs are run in groups of up to 20 people face to face or online.

Next Steps

If you are an organisation looking to run Mindful Photography for your community or services users, please contact us to book a discovery call.

If you are an individual interested in participating in a program, please join our mailing list to keep up to date with upcoming face to face and online programs.

You can also visit our Case Studies page to see real life examples of our programs.