Author & Photographer, After The Rain. Pop culture editor, Story Of Books. Co-founder / Creative director, Studio GLUE and imprint Story Of Books.
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A special series on mindful photography by Zarina Holmes
What’s Mindful Photography?
Mindful photography isn’t new. Since the early invention of the camera, photographers have directed their gazes on contemplative subjects like landscapes and nature. People like to look at objects and sceneries that provide them with a sense of calm.
In an ordinary photography exercise, the emphasis is placed on the end results. It doesn’t matter how the photographer achieves the shots as long as they produce compelling images.
Mindful photography considers not only the outcomes, but the intention and the journey taken by the photographer. The exercise invites the photographer to focus on the here-and-now, slow down and pay attention to the details in the environment.
The way we consume and enjoy images today have shifted from distilling special moments to feeding the attention economy’s machine. The freedom brought by social media to share our life experiences comes with a shadow that casts anxiety issues, information overload and disappearing personal boundaries.
As an example, I had to write this note while travelling on the London Underground. It was the only time I could have a break, away from the computer screen to compose my thoughts coherently.
It’s hard to focus on my inner voice while having to navigate multiple devices for hours and absorbing so much information at the same time. I had to physically distance myself from the digital space to be able to hold a healthy inner monologue.
It turns out that I’m not alone in this. According to a recent survey on the UK public by King’s College’s Policy Institute and Centre of Attention Studies, 47% felt that deep thinking had become a thing of the past. Research has shown that technology can interfere with our ability to concentrate. 67% correctly believe that switching attention between social media and devices harms their ability to complete simple tasks.
“According to a recent survey on the UK public by King’s College’s Policy Institute and Centre of Attention Studies, 47% felt that deep thinking had become a thing of the past.”
The most important thing about mindful photography is to experience joy in creating beautiful images and allow us the luxury of appreciating one thing at a time. Once we realise how powerful we can be as creators, we could then look at the potentials in the world around us.
The workshop “Still Life Photography with Seasonal Flowers and Upcycled Containers” aims to explore the power of objects and discarded materials, while taking your flower photography skill to the next level.
“Still Life Photography with Seasonal Flowers and Upcycled Containers” workshop is taking place at Missionworks Hammersmith on 20th May 2023 in London. Book here.
After The Rain 