Recently I created a video about how photography is about SO much more than just your camera. And I got so much feedback from people, that I thought we needed to talk about it more…

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the HOW - camera settings, lighting, exposure…but the greatest joy of actually taking photos is being present…creating…capturing our amazing world around us. And your camera is a tool to help you do that.

In this blog post I want to talk through a few ways to make sure you stay present and fully experience the joy of photography. So that you don’t just associate this wonderful artform with the frustration of trying to learn “how” to figure out your camera settings.

First of all…SLOW DOWN!

This is the most important component, if you ask me. Take a breath and think about what you’re seeing, what you’re hearing, and what the light is doing. Take in all the details, colors, light, textures. Be observant of that tiny ladybug wandering across a leaf, or a dog barking in the distance.

It’s meditative - and so calming - to be completely utterly present and aware of all the noises, sights, and even smells that are happening around you.

Not only is this exercise going to be good for your photography…it’s also just good for your health!

Photograph what you see…and feel.

Now that you’ve slowed down and are breathing a bit (hopefully a lot) the next step is to pick up your camera and photograph what you see…and feel. Yes you did read that right. Photograph what you feel.

If you’re feeling calm, then your images might look like these blades of grass with dew balanced on top.

If you’re feeling joy, you might photograph your child or dog playing in the backyard.

And maybe you’re feeling sadness…you can express that through a photograph too. You’re the artist. And by listening to your feelings and observing the world around you, you become more expressive and connected to the photos you create.

How? You start to notice details like sunlight streaming through the leaves, or a dirty mud puddle that’s reflecting something beautiful…that you normally walk by without noticing.

But now that you’re taking time and being present…you SEE all of these treasures that are all around you. Just waiting to be captured in your images.

Look at the photos you’ve created.

So at this point you’ve slowed down and got yourself settled into the present. And created some photos. Now it’s time to go back and look at said photos.

What do they make you think and feel when you see them? Now don’t get all judgey with yourself and start labeling them “good” or “bad”...that is NOT what we’re doing here. You’re just going to react to what you’re seeing.

By doing this exercise at home every day, or every week - slowing down and photographing what you feel - you’ll become a better observer.

Of everything. All the time.

Because meditation - in whatever form - carries over into “real life”. So when I sit on my meditation cushion for 10 minutes…that same skill of calming my mind and sending away unwanted thoughts carries over to when I’m driving in California traffic. NOT getting irritated with the stop…and go (barely)...and stop…and go…pace that can go on for hours. Instead I see this as an opportunity to catch up on my favorite podcast or audio book (or books depending on how far I have to go).

And in the same way as my meditation, this exercise will bring you to a calmer place of being present and really seeing the world around you. With or without your camera.

And as this skill develops…just imagine how your photography skills will as well!

San Francisco, california, sunrise, skyline

Why is all of this important??

This exercise and this discussion is important for a few reasons. First, it helps you cut through all the visual and mental noise. It helps get rid of the stress and negative thoughts like “I don’t know what I’m doing” swirling around when you pick up your camera.

Also it helps you disconnect from the general life anxiety and stress that might be hanging out in there, preventing you from creating. You can think of it as a form of meditation. Just like sitting on the cushion is - but outside with your eyes open.

The best way to incorporate mindfulness or being present (whatever fancy term you want to call it) into your photography is to do it on a regular basis. Schedule something for every morning or every Saturday…but make it a regular kind of date - with yourself. With your creative, mindful self.

Are you ready to give this a try?? Let me know in the comments!

And if you’re ready to be more present but would also like some help with your photography, make sure to grab the Crazy Good Photos Starter Kit. It’s chock full of tips and inspiration to help you move along on your photography journey.