Mindful Photography
“It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… they are made with the eye, heart and head.”
Why Mindful Photography for connection and community?
In an era of remote work, teams or groups spread across time zones and limited opportunity to connect on an individual level, mindful photography offers a time for unique self expression, inward reflection, gratitude and connection to others. Finding meaning and purpose through photographic exercises can lead to increased sense of self, and connection to joy and happiness.
Positive Impacts
Engaging in a series of mindful photography explorations has benefits for participants beyond the sessions themselves. Emerging research suggests that by experiencing mindful photography sessions there can be lasting impacts including:
Increased self knowledge, awareness of environment, and self-efficacy
Allows individuals to express emotions, fostering community building
Focussing on personal strengths, wellbeing, and happiness have proven to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by encouraging reflection on positive moments
Increased life satisfaction when engaging in mindful photography activities over several sessions
Accessibility
Mindful photography is not about creating high quality images. No experience is needed and the activities can be completed with simple equipment and created from everyday experiences, no need to travel.
Personal cellphone camera or point and click digital camera
IN PERSON - Disposable cameras using analog film
Activities can be undertaken just about anywhere including; at home, office, urban, rural or nature based locations
Photos are shared privately via Padlet allowing participants to share their photos and self reflection with each exercise
IN PERSON - Between sessions photos are printed to allow participants to share in real life and have the images as a physical form of their experience
What’s your focus
Photography has a whole world out there to view and experience. Alison offers flexibility to meet your needs. You can select a theme or create a bespoke intention for each of your sessions with Alison.
Here are some themes you may consider for your session(s):
Awe
Gratitude
Joy
Inward reflection
Growth
Expansion
Into the unknown
Connection
A day in the life
Roles and responsibilities
Finding freedom
The Future
Who is mindful photography for?
The accessible nature of mindful photography means that sessions work in almost any context. Alison is able to adapt activity themes and progression based on your organization's needs and intended outcomes.
Employee wellbeing programs
Workplaces looking for team building and connection
Professional development for teachers
Not for profit service users/groups, volunteers and workers
Government organizations
Community groups
Groups with shared life experiences
Individuals or small groups
Choose which level of engagement the meets your needs…Gather, Converge, Unite & Unparalleled, optional add on of Calming Yoga
Gather
| 60-120 mins session
Bringing together your group this introduction to mindful photography and the therapeutic nature of slowing down and observing your surroundings Gather is the first step in creating connection.
Through this session, participant groups are asked to share an existing image and then participate in 1 or 2 mindful photography activities live during the session.
$90-150 CAD per participant (online) + travel costs & consumables (in-person)
Converge
| 2-3 x 60-90 minute sessions
Starting to cultivate a deeper connection in your group, this program includes introductory exercises. There is time between each session where participants will be given themes to explore and create images around. By having multiple sessions you will be creating more space for reflection, discussion, and connection.
Through these sessions, participant groups are asked to share an existing image and then participate in up to 5 mindful photography activities through the series.
$150-300 CAD per participant (online) | + travel costs & consumables (in-person)
Unite
| 4-6 x 60 to 90 minute sessions
Through the Unite series of sessions, Alison will work with you to build bespoke sessions focussing on your intended outcomes for your group. This will start with an introductory session, progressing chosen themes building deeper reflection and connection for your group.
Through these sessions, participant groups are asked to share an existing image and then participate in up to 8 mindful photography activities through the series.
$350-500 CAD per participant (online) | + travel cost & consumables (in-person)
Unparalleled
Looking for a unique experience for your group? Let’s chat and find out more about how Alison can support your goals for a mindful photography experience with your organization.
Calming Yoga
| 30-120 min session add on
Adding mindful movement to your experience is also an option. Alison is a 200hr yoga trained teacher by Eddie Modestini & Kelly Craig in the lineage and influence of Yoga on the Inside. This is a supported and aligned practice that promotes slowing down, inward focus and holding postures for 3-10 minutes. No yoga equipment required, Alison is able to teach sessions using office furniture, or if online at home blankets, towels, pillows, books etc..
$15-45 per participant
More about Alison
From an early age photography has held intrigue and joy for Alison. Studying photography at school, and college, she went on to complete a BA(hons) in Photography at Staffordshire University (UK) developing work influenced by the practices of Jo Spence and Rosy Martin. These photographers were using photography as narrative and using re-enactment photography on themes of societal roles, health diagnoses, and reflection on early life.
Continuing a personal photographic practice since graduation, Alison returned to the theme of photography as a healing modality in 2016 seeking out further learning through a university module in Therapeutic Photography in 2017. Later completing a Postgraduate Certificate program in Therapeutic Photography from Robert Gordon University (UK) under the tutelage of Dr. Neil Gibson achieving a distinction in her studies. Since then Alison has been developing in-person and online offerings for participants to experience the benefits of mindful photography, with local parks (Regional District of the Central Okanagan, Allen Brooks Nature Centre), Lake Country Art Gallery, Hidden Truths Project, Therapist Assistant Students, and groups of independent individuals. In addition to bringing an extensive photography experience, Alison is also a yoga teacher and brings the tenets of this daily practice, mindfulness and movement to sessions.
Alison is an exhibiting multimedia artist, creating multifaceted art works that bring together collaboration with other artists, environmental issues through photography, video, sound and augmented reality.
Workshops and Events
Find out what is upcoming for workshops and events. If you would like me to host an event for your organization please contact me so we can start the collaboration process.