Introduction
Photography requires that we focus and pay attention. It teaches us to notice details we might otherwise miss. Mindfulness can shift or heighten our attention, and when we use our cameras mindfully, we become more aware of the everyday beauty, goodness, and kindness around us. Photography is a life practice that cultivates qualities within us that can increase our happiness and well-being. As we practice noticing the beautiful, the good, and the kind with our cameras, we begin to notice it in our lives as well.
Objective #1
To become more mindful and aware of the subtle details and hidden beauty in the world around us, cultivating a sense of awe.
Objective #2
To become more appreciative and grateful for the goodness and kindness in the world around us.
Prompts
Up Close and Personal
Put your phone in portrait mode. Then, take a series of up-close photos of something you might not ordinarily notice such as tree bark or the intricacies of a spider web.
In Search of Awe
Take a good look at the photos you have shot. Sometimes the beauty we have seen can be awe inspiring. Do you have a photo that captures something awesome?
Beauty Expedition
Take the time to stop and look for beauty in the world. Snap a photo of whatever you see as beautiful. Don’t overthink it. Be intuitive.
Goodness Expedition
Take the time to stop and look for goodness in the world. Snap a photo of whatever you see as good. Don’t overthink it. Be intuitive.
Kindness + Gratitude Expedition
Take the time to stop and look for kindness in the world. Snap a photo of whatever you feel grateful for. Don’t overthink it. Be intuitive.
Pro Tips
Explore with your phone or camera’s optical zoom
feature. Toggle between wide and close-up angels
to create the photo you want. If you are able, use
your additional lenses (fisheye, wide angle, and
macro) to notice a new perspective of your
surrounding environment.
Reflection Questions
- How difficult was it to switch off and immerse yourself in the present? Did anything distract you? How might you make this easier for yourself in the future?
- Did taking these photos have any effect on your mood or how you see your surroundings?
