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Embracing Mindfulness and Photography: Lessons from My Morning Walk


This morning, I decided to break away from my usual walking routine and take a mindful walk.

Table of Contents hide
1 Discovering New Perspectives in Photography
2 Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Activities

I live near the Richmond Lock so I went along the beautiful and peaceful path along the river. Armed with just my phone (not my trusty professional camera), I embraced the opportunity to be fully present and appreciate the beauty of the world around me.

Mindfulness and photography: lessons from my morning walk

As I strolled beneath the gentle morning sun, I made a conscious effort to pay attention to my surroundings. It’s amazing how much we miss when we’re caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. The familiar path I walked suddenly seemed different, filled with new details waiting to be discovered.

One thing that struck me was the play of light and shadow dancing among the trees. The branches created intriguing patterns on the ground, and I couldn’t resist capturing these moments with my phone camera. It’s incredible how a simple shift in perspective can transform something ordinary into something extraordinary.

Discovering New Perspectives in Photography

I’ve never been particularly drawn to landscape photography, I’m a portrait photographer after all, but today was different. I found myself appreciating the shapes and contours of objects, seeing them in terms of light, shadow, and shades of colour. The landscape took on a new life as I explored this fresh perspective.

collage of 4 photos capturing the sky throughout the trees.

While snapping photos, I began visualizing most of them in black and white. I imagined the contrast, depth, and impact that monochrome could bring. It’s fascinating how changing the way we see things can open up a world of possibilities.

As I continued my walk, I realized that mindfulness isn’t just about meditation or deep breathing exercises (though those are wonderful too!). It’s about being fully engaged with the present moment, whether you’re taking photos or simply observing the world around you.

By the end of my walk, I felt invigorated and inspired. The photos on my phone served as reminders of the beauty that surrounds us every day, waiting to be noticed and appreciated. I’m excited to explore more of this mindful photography, capturing moments of presence and discovery in my everyday life.

Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Activities

If you’ve ever felt stuck in a rut or disconnected from the world around you, I encourage you to try incorporating mindfulness into your daily activities. Whether it’s a morning walk, cooking a meal, or even washing the dishes, approach it with curiosity and openness. You might be surprised by what you discover!

Incorporating mindfulness and photography into our lives doesn’t require fancy equipment or extensive training. All it takes is a willingness to slow down, pay attention, and embrace the beauty of the present moment. So, grab your phone or camera, step outside, and start capturing the world with fresh eyes. Have a look here at the photos I took on my walk.

Related article: How Photography Can Bring Mindfulness to Your Life

Related article: The Power of Digital Minimalism: Why Less Screen Time Means More Life

black and white photo of boats shot through trees
2 people canoeing in the river
path signs: mindfulness and photography
leaves shadows on the street
texture and shapes in nature: mindfulness and photography
footbridge and its architectural shadows
details in the light and shadows
bridge stairs in the light and shadow

Curious about the black-and-white photography in this post? I deliberately chose this style to capture a unique mood and perspective. Black and white photography often emphasizes contrasts, textures, and shapes, evoking a timeless or nostalgic feeling.

How does it make you see everyday scenes differently compared to colour photos? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Posted in Personal, photography
4 comments
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  • Fransic verso

    I agree with you about mindfulness isn’t just about meditation or deep breathing exercises. Very informative post!  ReplyCancel

    • Valentina

      Thanks for reading. Yes everyone needs to find the mindful things that resonate with them the mostReplyCancel

  • Giovanni Casetti

    I’ve noticed the mindfulness and the quest for beauty. For me both, together, feed our soul and mind. Good post!ReplyCancel

Follow Me

“Colour is descriptive. Black and white is interpretive.” — Elliott Erwitt

Sometimes, the quietest images speak the loudest.

Stripped back. Soft. Honest.

#blackandwhitephotography #maternityphotography #pregnancyphotos #londonmaternityphotographer #minimalportrait #timelessphotos #pregnancyphotography

12 0
Open post by by_valentina with ID 18371179591130221
“Colour is descriptive. Black and white is interpretive.” — Elliott Erwitt Sometimes, the quietest images speak the loudest. 
Stripped back. Soft. Honest. #blackandwhitephotography #maternityphotography #pregnancyphotos #londonmaternityphotographer #minimalportrait #timelessphotos #pregnancyphotography

Why do we close our eyes when we cry, when we kiss, when we dream?

Because the most beautiful things in life aren’t always visible.
They’re felt. Held. Remembered by the heart.

But sometimes, a photograph can bring them back,not just the image, but the feeling.
Of who you were in that moment.
What you were carrying.
What you were becoming.

That’s what I love most about this work.
Not just capturing how you looked, but how it felt to be her.

If you’re ready to remember your moment, not just see it, I’ll be here.

When you’re ready to feel, I’ll be here.

#ReflectionsBeyondTheFrame #londonpregnancyphotographer #londonpregnancyphotos#PhotographyWithHeart #MotherhoodUnfiltered #MaternityPhotography #photographyforthesoul #londonmaternityphotographer

11 0
Open post by by_valentina with ID 18062805235921848
Why do we close our eyes when we cry, when we kiss, when we dream? Because the most beautiful things in life aren’t always visible. They’re felt. Held. Remembered by the heart. But sometimes, a photograph can bring them back,not just the image, but the feeling. Of who you were in that moment. What you were carrying. What you were becoming. That’s what I love most about this work. Not just capturing how you looked, but how it felt to be her. If you’re ready to remember your moment, not just see it, I’ll be here. 
When you’re ready to feel, I’ll be here. #ReflectionsBeyondTheFrame #londonpregnancyphotographer #londonpregnancyphotos#PhotographyWithHeart #MotherhoodUnfiltered #MaternityPhotography #photographyforthesoul #londonmaternityphotographer

Pregnancy is a strange, sacred in-between.

You’re not who you were.

Not yet who you’ll become.

And this space - the one where your body stretches to hold more than just a baby, but also new versions of you - deserves to be remembered.

Because this won’t last.

Not the exact shape.

Not the closeness.

Not the stillness before everything changes.

This is a moment that won’t return.

But it can still be held.

And that’s what I love most about what I do.

#MaternityPhotography #PregnancyJourney #HonestMotherhood #ReflectionsBeyondTheFrame #LondonMaternityPhotographer #MotherhoodUnfiltered #pregnancyjourney #pregnancyshoot #MomentsThatMatter #becomingamother

28 9
Open post by by_valentina with ID 18091748536620983
Pregnancy is a strange, sacred in-between. 
You’re not who you were. 
Not yet who you’ll become. And this space - the one where your body stretches to hold more than just a baby, but also new versions of you - deserves to be remembered. Because this won’t last. 
Not the exact shape. 
Not the closeness. 
Not the stillness before everything changes. This is a moment that won’t return. 
But it can still be held. 
And that’s what I love most about what I do. #MaternityPhotography #PregnancyJourney #HonestMotherhood #ReflectionsBeyondTheFrame #LondonMaternityPhotographer #MotherhoodUnfiltered #pregnancyjourney #pregnancyshoot #MomentsThatMatter #becomingamother

At 44, I’ve finally realised…

The more I see myself, the more I want to

When I took these self-portraits, it felt like peeling back a layer.

Not to become someone else, but to finally meet the version of me that’s been waiting.

The creative blur, the movement, the softness… it all made space.

To explore.
To play.
To let go.

And in that letting go, I found something I didn’t expect: joy, curiosity. Maybe even tenderness.

We dread photos sometimes, maybe because we’re not used to really looking.

A mirror shows you a flipped reflection.
But a photograph?

It shows you how the world sees you.

And sometimes, you realise… you like her.

If this speaks to you, save it, share it, or just sit with it for a moment.

Let it be your invitation to see yourself, too.

#londonphotographer #londonportraitphotographer
#ReflectionsBeyondTheFrame #EmpoweredThroughPhotography #LettingGo #PhotographyAsHealing #SelfPortraitSeries #VisualJournaling #ThisIs44

51 9
Open post by by_valentina with ID 17949283745987535
At 44, I’ve finally realised… 
The more I see myself, the more I want to When I took these self-portraits, it felt like peeling back a layer. 
Not to become someone else, but to finally meet the version of me that’s been waiting. The creative blur, the movement, the softness… it all made space. 
To explore. To play. To let go. 
And in that letting go, I found something I didn’t expect: joy, curiosity. Maybe even tenderness. We dread photos sometimes, maybe because we’re not used to really looking. 
A mirror shows you a flipped reflection.
But a photograph? 
It shows you how the world sees you. 
And sometimes, you realise… you like her. If this speaks to you, save it, share it, or just sit with it for a moment. 
Let it be your invitation to see yourself, too. #londonphotographer #londonportraitphotographer #ReflectionsBeyondTheFrame #EmpoweredThroughPhotography #LettingGo #PhotographyAsHealing #SelfPortraitSeries #VisualJournaling #ThisIs44

It’s not magic, it’s practice, rhythm, and a little bit of baby whispering.

After 14+ years photographing newborns, there are a few go-to soothing tricks I use at every session to help babies feel calm, safe, and sleepy.

Here are some of my favourites:

Swaddling for that womb-like comfort.

Gentle side holding or tummy time to ease any tension.

The classic “shhhh”, because sound really matters (apps help too!)

Rocking or soft movement (bonus if you hum)

Sucking for comfort and calm (dummy or feeding)

Ooohh want a bonus one?
A slow stroke on the baby’s forehead. Works like a charm.

Every baby is different, but these almost always help settle the mood.

Tag a parent who’s in the newborn phase (and could use a little calm today).

#londonnewbornphotographer #londonnewbornshoot #NewbornTips #BabySoothing #ParentingSupport #NewParentHack #LifeWithABaby #SoothingTechniques #FourthTrimester

19 0
Open post by by_valentina with ID 18148461622344833
It’s not magic, it’s practice, rhythm, and a little bit of baby whispering. After 14+ years photographing newborns, there are a few go-to soothing tricks I use at every session to help babies feel calm, safe, and sleepy. Here are some of my favourites: Swaddling for that womb-like comfort. 
Gentle side holding or tummy time to ease any tension. 
The classic “shhhh”, because sound really matters (apps help too!) 
Rocking or soft movement (bonus if you hum) 
Sucking for comfort and calm (dummy or feeding) Ooohh want a bonus one?
A slow stroke on the baby’s forehead. Works like a charm. Every baby is different, but these almost always help settle the mood. Tag a parent who’s in the newborn phase (and could use a little calm today). #londonnewbornphotographer #londonnewbornshoot #NewbornTips #BabySoothing #ParentingSupport #NewParentHack #LifeWithABaby #SoothingTechniques #FourthTrimester

She didn’t come to this session unsure.

She already knew me—she’d trusted me with her maternity and newborn sessions. But this time was different.

This time was for her.

She came knowing who she is and ready to celebrate it.

In her 40s, she’s found more confidence, more clarity, and a deeper appreciation for what matters most.

She spoke of embracing self-love, shedding insecurities, and living with humour and presence.

“I decided to do something for me… I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it this much.”

And that’s what this experience is really about.
Not becoming someone else, but returning to yourself.

Playful. Strong. Present. Real.

This is what it looks like to take up space.

To honour your story.

To say: “This is me. And I’m proud of her.”

What would a session just for you look like? What would it feel like to step in front of the lens, just as you are?

If you’ve been thinking about it…this is your sign to say yes to yourself. ✨

Empowering women, London portrait photographer for women, women over 40, confidence through photography, celebrate yourself, photography as healing #ResetWithReelsChallenge3

25 10
Open post by by_valentina with ID 18043519922235701
She didn’t come to this session unsure. She already knew me—she’d trusted me with her maternity and newborn sessions. But this time was different. This time was for her. She came knowing who she is and ready to celebrate it. In her 40s, she’s found more confidence, more clarity, and a deeper appreciation for what matters most. 
She spoke of embracing self-love, shedding insecurities, and living with humour and presence. “I decided to do something for me… I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it this much.” And that’s what this experience is really about.
Not becoming someone else, but returning to yourself. 
Playful. Strong. Present. Real. This is what it looks like to take up space. 
To honour your story. 
To say: “This is me. And I’m proud of her.” What would a session just for you look like? What would it feel like to step in front of the lens, just as you are? If you’ve been thinking about it…this is your sign to say yes to yourself. ✨ Empowering women, London portrait photographer for women, women over 40, confidence through photography, celebrate yourself, photography as healing #ResetWithReelsChallenge3

VALE@PHOTOGRAPHYBYVALENTINA.COM

07577 978246

LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

BASED NEAR RICHMOND - TWICKENHAM