Using photography for wellbeing
The camera is a tool to view the world, that world can be our local environment, daily life, moments in a day.
Mindful photography practice allows us to literally be in the moment and to develop an awareness of how we look to then see in that moment with greater clarity and connectedness. This approach supports wellbeing, connection, engagement and being in the present.
Upcoming Workshops:
Mindful Photography Taster Session.
Kelsall Community Hub, Cheshire.
Wednesday 24 April 2.30-4pm
Bookings please email: info@kelsallwellbeinghub.org.uk
Mindful Photography and yoga session!
This is a unique session run by Kelly of Wild Apple Yoga and myself. Marbury Park, Comberbach, Northwich. Saturday 18th May 2024 10-12 noon. Bookings now open through Eventbrite
Mindful Photography draws on the established practice of mindfulness and Therapeutic Photography for wellbeing. It can help with self-awareness, relaxing, resilience, self-efficacy, and engaging more fully in our surroundings and everyday life.
Taster sessions give an introduction to using Mindfulness and the observation of photography. These short sessions are self contained.
We will use photography as a way of exploring ourselves and our environment. More Than Looking, is a Mindful Photography project that enables you to focus on the present moment using a camera in a deeper and more observational way. We will also explore existing photographs and images and delve into how we see these and the stories we can start to tell from that.
A longer course usually consists of four sessions run over five weeks. There is a gap before the final week to allow time to develop a small project of your own. Sometimes sessions are run over two half days with one or two weeks between for idea development. Details will be clearly outlined for each course.
It is important to be available for all dates. The first session will introduce the theme and there will be activities and discussions in all sessions. There is a bit of ‘homework’ before the final session to develop more of your own project and then bring everyone together again to review material for an exhibition.
Please note this is not a technical workshop showing you how to use your camera but assumes you can take photos on your device. You do not need to be a ‘good’ photographer, this is for everyone, and no previous experience is needed. You just need an open mind and willingness to share your photos and also listen as others share theirs!
What you need: a camera phone or camera, notebook and pen/pencil. For online workshops you will also need a laptop/iPad etc and access to the internet for online meetings via MS Teams which is a free App.
The workshops will also have some activities to undertake independently between sessions.
The tutor: Lynne Connolly teaches photography at the University of Chester. She has run workshops in creative approaches, book arts and photography in Ireland and England. She has a passion for teaching and wellbeing and brings these together in her approach to the workshops.
For further information please email: L.C@btinternet.com
Visit my FB page for a light hearted connection with mindful photography. More Than Looking is a project I work with to explore seeing the world in a considered and therapeutic way.
