During the pandemic, I took daily walks around Margate and found the process of creating abstract compositions by photographing small details in the landscape very therapeutic.
When I was later asked by the Kent Wildlife Trust to come up with an idea for a woodland-based nature photography workshop, I used the same approach to develop a workshop I called Mindfulness Photography.
In the workshop, the camera is used as a tool to help look and focus on the details in nature in order to create abstract compositions. Photography becomes a process for slowing the mind down and noticing the details in the environment rather than just being about creating photos as an end result.
This kind of workshop can be done with any type of camera and for any skill level. It consists of an initial introduction into how to look for patterns and details in the landscape before working through a series of challenges to look for lines, patterns, textures, colours and contrast.
Although it isn’t necessarily about camera technique and how to use the camera, I am on hand to help. By seeing shapes and patterns and visualising how you want to photograph it, you can then discover which aspects of your camera functions you actually need to learn, rather than being baffled by the sheer amount of settings and options.
You don’t need any specific skill level to join this workshop but will need your own camera. But you can use anything from cameraphone to a high-end DSLR/Mirrorless with multiple lenses.
The great thing about this approach is that it can be done in many different environments and at any time of year. It's a bit like going to a yoga class for the creative muscles.
