For Becky Demmen-Sewell’s first column for Folk Features, the Founder of Time To Be photography sets out to define mindful photography and explains how ANYONE can give it a go
I thought long and hard about what my first column for Folk Features should be. And then I realised that I should start with the question that I get a lot.
What is mindful photography?
I think everyone knows what it kind of is. Everyone knows what photography or mindfulness is. They can theorise what mindful photography is – and most are completely right; it is exactly how it sounds. However, the thing that people aren’t sure of, is what it looks like in practice. So that is where I am going to start.
I qualified as a counsellor and when thinking about how to use those skills I wasn’t entirely sure I was 100% in the place to start working as a counsellor. So instead, I looked at how I could combine those skills with my photography skills. That’s when the Working with Mindful Photography course from Look Again came across my algorithm. I share this because the best quote I have found about mindful photography comes from Ruth Davey, the person who founded Look Again,
“Mindful photography is a tool to help us become more consciously aware of and connected to the present moment. Using our vision and imagination, with the lens of a camera or smartphone as an anchor, it is experiencing the process of creating photographs in a non-judgmental way, with curiosity, gratitude and compassion.
Mindful photography enables us to slow down, look, and look again; to see our lives differently; to reframe our experience of life and to take action to create positive change towards ourselves, others and the planet.”
— Ruth Davey, Founder & Co-Director, Look Again
So, what does that mean in practice?
The above definition is excellent, but I understand it can still feel broad. In essence I see it as an invitation to slow down and notice what is around you in a different way to how you normally do.
To share what it can look like, I think the best way would be to use an example. I drove over to Newbourne Springs (I would recommend) and I was intentionally trying to approach this location mindfully. So instead of jumping in, snapping away and taking a million photos, I kept my camera away for a while, walked and found a spot off the path. I sat down amongst some large tree routes, and I took a couple of breaths and did a little focusing meditation. When I opened my eyes, there was this:
A heart! Just in the tree. It made the moment feel really special. If I had just got my camera out and started taking a tonne of photos, I never would have seen this. If I hadn’t followed my curiosity, walked up to that tree and sat down in that exact spot, I wouldn’t have had a chance to see it. And most importantly, if I hadn’t done the meditation, I maybe would have seen it, but I wouldn’t have noticed it.
How can I give it a go?
It is for everyone. Even if you feel a bit daunted by either part of the process – the mindfulness or the photography. The most important thing is nurturing your curiosity about the world around you and then exploring what you notice that you find interesting.
- Maybe you are someone who loves photography who just wants to practice in a different way
- Maybe you know nothing about photography, but you love exploring and learning about mindfulness.
- Maybe you just want to slow down
- Maybe you want to connect to other people
- Maybe something else?
So, I think my first invitation to you is, the next time you are on a break from an activity be that work, cleaning the house, or reading a book etc.
1. Stand up, shut your eyes if you feel comfortable to do so, and take three deep breaths. Really take your time with these breaths.
2. Then open your eyes when you feel ready and standing in that same spot take your time and do a slow 360 spin. Taking time to look up and down too. Notice what you notice. Just log these things in your mind.
3. Once you have done that just take a moment and wait for one of the things you noticed to rise to the top of your attention. Walk towards it, if appropriate pick it up and really look at it. Maybe look at how the light reflects off it or doesn’t. Look at the colour, texture and notice the weight.
4. Take some photos of this object that highlights the things you noticed. This doesn’t have to be a ‘good’ photo – whatever that means to you. It just needs to be what it is.
And that’s it! If you have time later feel free to go back through those photos and see how you feel.
Do you think you would try mindful photography? Becky is leading a seasonal series of Mindful Photography Workshops at Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse on June 27, 2026 (summer workshop) and October 17, 2026 (autumn workshop). Both workshops will run from 10.30am to 12.30pm. For tickets, visit Eventbrite. Also, visit Time To Be.
Featured image of Becky Demmen-Sewell by Motherfolk Photography
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