logo photography by valentina - maternity and newborn photographer london

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
6 comments
Add a comment...

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

Follow Me

Moments like this are the gems in a session. They don’t always come.

But when they do, I’m ready.

No AI image could give you this. Maybe a fake photo, but without the lived experience, it’s just another pretty picture.

Dad saw the smile happen. Mum was watching them both. It was real, and it lasted only a few seconds.

The print is what lets you relive it forever

Not just a digital file, something tangible, after something real.

What’s a moment you wish you had a print of?

#newbornphotoshoot #londonnewbornphotographer #printyourmemories #londonmums

59 7
Open post by by_valentina with ID 17857943382676945
Moments like this are the gems in a session. They don’t always come. But when they do, I’m ready. No AI image could give you this. Maybe a fake photo, but without the lived experience, it’s just another pretty picture. Dad saw the smile happen. Mum was watching them both. It was real, and it lasted only a few seconds. The print is what lets you relive it forever Not just a digital file, something tangible, after something real. What’s a moment you wish you had a print of? #newbornphotoshoot #londonnewbornphotographer #printyourmemories #londonmums

I’m definitely not a poet. I’ve never called myself a writer.
I’m a photographer.

But these lines came out of me almost on their own during the breastfeeding project. As if they’d been waiting for a page.

This is the third and last part.
Thank you for reading it with me. I hope you enjoyed it.

If you missed the other 2 parts check the previous reels.

#breastfeedingjourney #breastfeedingmum #BreastfeedingUnfiltered #londonmums

19 4
Open post by by_valentina with ID 18112022893939295
I’m definitely not a poet. I’ve never called myself a writer. I’m a photographer. But these lines came out of me almost on their own during the breastfeeding project. As if they’d been waiting for a page. This is the third and last part. Thank you for reading it with me. I hope you enjoyed it. If you missed the other 2 parts check the previous reels. #breastfeedingjourney #breastfeedingmum #BreastfeedingUnfiltered #londonmums

Part two of the poem I wrote while working on Milk Tales. If you missed part one, it’s on my page, or click on the reel.

It’s a raging storm,
and the calm sea at dusk.
It’s the sun that tempts you,
the rain that breaks you.

It’s burning fire
that stirs what words can’t say.
It’s a path of discovery,
lit in your own way.

A journey that strips you bare,
but clothes you in new grace.
Each drop of milk
a vow you won’t erase.

Third and last one coming soon. Don’t miss it.

Which line stayed with you? #breastfeeding #breastfeedingjourney #poemsofinsta

9 0
Open post by by_valentina with ID 18110959058489624
Part two of the poem I wrote while working on Milk Tales. If you missed part one, it’s on my page, or click on the reel. It’s a raging storm,
and the calm sea at dusk.
It’s the sun that tempts you,
the rain that breaks you. 
It’s burning fire
that stirs what words can’t say.
It’s a path of discovery,
lit in your own way. 
A journey that strips you bare,
but clothes you in new grace.
Each drop of milk
a vow you won’t erase. Third and last one coming soon. Don’t miss it. Which line stayed with you? #breastfeeding #breastfeedingjourney #poemsofinsta

While I was working on my breastfeeding personal project a few years ago, a poem slowly grew in me, written in Italian.

This is the translated version, which became part of Milk Tales, a book of photography and stories from 25 mothers, including my own.

I never shared the poem publicly, until now.
Part one of three. Follow for more.

7 2
Open post by by_valentina with ID 18081190163244619
While I was working on my breastfeeding personal project a few years ago, a poem slowly grew in me, written in Italian. This is the translated version, which became part of Milk Tales, a book of photography and stories from 25 mothers, including my own. I never shared the poem publicly, until now. Part one of three. Follow for more.

Nobody tells you that the last weeks of pregnancy are also the last weeks of being just you.

You’re not quite a mother, yet. But you’re not quite yourself anymore either.

Somewhere in between, carrying a whole person you haven’t met.

This is the photo of the woman you were, right before.

Before the sleepless nights. Before you start disappearing, just a little, into someone else’s story for a while.

If you’re in it right now, I’d love to capture it for you.

17 0
Open post by by_valentina with ID 18093867152027124
Nobody tells you that the last weeks of pregnancy are also the last weeks of being just you. You’re not quite a mother, yet. But you’re not quite yourself anymore either. Somewhere in between, carrying a whole person you haven’t met. This is the photo of the woman you were, right before. Before the sleepless nights. Before you start disappearing, just a little, into someone else’s story for a while. If you’re in it right now, I’d love to capture it for you.
facebook icon
pinterest logo

VALE@PHOTOGRAPHYBYVALENTINA.COM

07577 978246

LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

Based in Richmond, I work with families across London to capture life’s most meaningful milestones through portrait photography.