Mindful Photography is a contemplative approach to image-making that invites you to slow down, become present, and see more deeply. Rather than focusing on gear, trends, or outcomes, it emphasizes awareness, perception, and relationship — with place, light, subject, and self.

Read more in my original article: Mindful Photography on PhotoEd Magazine — soon to appear in the Spring issue.

“What's needed are eyes that focus with the soul. What's needed are spirits open to everything. What's needed is the belief that wonder is the glue of the universe and the desire to seek more of it. Be filled with wonder.”
— Richard Wagamese

Wonder is one of the most beneficial emotions for wellbeing, as explored in the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio. When we experience wonder, our minds open, creativity flourishes, and we reconnect with the joy of being alive. Mindful Photography cultivates wonder by helping you notice ordinary magic in your surroundings — sunlight on leaves, shadows moving across a wall, or the rhythm of nature — and rediscover the joy of seeing, as Freeman Patterson so famously emphasized.

Roots in Contemplative Practice

This way of seeing draws from centuries of contemplative traditions. Zen arts in Zen Buddhism cultivate calm, open awareness, teaching that the quality of attention itself is the medium of creation — a soft, attentive gaze that welcomes what is, without judgment.

Miksang, meaning Good Eye, is a practice from Tibetan Dharma Art teachings that trains the mind and eye to synchronize. It encourages you to see the world as it is — fresh, vibrant, and alive — allowing images to emerge naturally from presence rather than thought.

In Mindful Photography, images arise from genuine connection rather than control or expectation. The camera becomes a tool for presence, helping you notice subtle beauty, fleeting emotions, and the quiet intelligence of the moment. It begins not with technical settings, but with stillness — a grounded awareness that opens you to clear perception. This mindful way of seeing helps you slow down, observe with curiosity, and let images arise organically — fostering a deeper connection with both your surroundings and your creative self.

"Mindful photography is not just about what we see, but how we see.
It’s a contemplative way of slowing down enough to experience presence."

As an experienced art teacher and international photography educator, I guide women photographers to explore both photography and creative expression through mindfulness. My approach combines contemplative practice, experiential learning, and hands-on art-making to help participants discover their unique visual voice.

Through Mindful Eye programs you will:

• Rekindle your creative spark and reconnect with the joy of seeing

• Align body, heart, and mind in the act of seeing

• Reconnect with the ordinary magic around you and experience wonder

• Develop a more intuitive, embodied relationship with your camera

• Engage in mindful practices such as meditation, journaling, and reflection to support presence and intention

• Create photographs and artwork that feel personal and alive through hands-on digital/analog photography and art-making workshops. 

• Deepen your approach to visual storytelling and fine art through photography prompts, image reviews, and sequencing guidance

• Grow within a supportive community of creative women

This approach nurtures both the artist and the individual, fostering creative flow, presence, and meaningful connection.

Mindful Eye retreats are immersive, single-venue experiences designed to help you slow down, reconnect with your creative spark, and cultivate mindful observation. They  combine photography, mindfulness, and art-making practices to foster presence, inspiration, and creative flow.

Retreat experiences may include:

• Guided meditations, journaling, reflection, and intention-setting exercises

• Nature immersion (I am a certified Forest Bathing Teacher) to cultivate connection with the land and subjects 

• Yoga and sound baths to support relaxation and focus

• Hands-on art-making workshops e.g. cyanotypes, collage, contemplative drawing, and intuitive painting

• Photography prompts, image reviews, and sequencing guidance to deepen storytelling and fine art practice

• Artist Studio Visits and Guest Talks offering inspiration and insight into the creative process

• Opportunities to connect and create within a supportive community of women photographers....and develop friendships or professional collaborations that last long after the retreat.

These retreats allow you to fully engage with your photography in a contemplative, nurturing environment — noticing the ordinary magic in your surroundings and discovering new ways to express yourself through mindful observation.

Mindful Eye photographic Journeys are multi-location experiences that explore diverse, stimulating landscapes and cultural destinations while maintaining a mindful approach to photography. These journeys are designed for photographers who want variety and adventure while still cultivating presence, intention, and creative insight.

During a journey, you may:

• Practice meditation, journaling, and reflection to maintain awareness and connection

• Receive photography prompts, image reviews, and guidance on sequencing to tell compelling stories

• Engage with a wide range of subjects across multiple locations — landscapes, cultural experiences, wildlife, and more — all through mindful observation

• Learn and apply visual storytelling techniques informed by National Geographic’s photography philosophy — I completed their Photo Storytelling course for educators, and their approach is woven into how I guide participants

Partnering with National Geographic Journeys by G Adventures allows me to bring this philosophy to life in thoughtfully designed, immersive itineraries. With local experts, curated experiences, and the support of a trusted travel provider, you can focus entirely on creative flow, mindful observation, and meaningful storytelling — the heart of the Mindful Eye approach.

Mindful Photography is for women at all levels who want to:

• Rekindle their creative spark

• Create images that feel alive and meaningful

• Slow down and enrich their visual voice

• Approach photography as a practice of awareness and connection

• Travel and connect with other like minded creative women

• Explore inspiring locations and stay in unique and photogenic accommodations, such as monasteries, castles, farm stays, lodges/luxury camps etc.

• Taste incredible local cuisine and linger over stimulating conversations

• Visit local artist studios and galleries

• Learn from a passionate artist educator and incredible guest teachers

• Invest in their artistic passion and take time for themselves to feel inspired again

Start Your Mindful Photography Adventure

Through retreats, workshops, and guided journeys, women photographers discover how photography can become more than documentation— it can be a practice of presence, a way of awareness, and a lifelong creative journey.

Explore my current retreats and journeys and step into your next mindful photography experience HERE

Join the Mindful Eye mailing list HERE to receive inspiration, updates, and early access to new workshops, social events, retreats and journeys.

See you soon...