A Mindful Weekend with my Camera

Coastal mindfulness shoot

On Friday 17th April, I joined my good friend, Nigel Thomas, and four other like‑minded souls for a coastal photoshoot with a difference. Nigel’s photography — whether he’s working alone or with friends — is rooted in mindfulness. Not the hurried, checklist version of photography, but a slowing down, a being with nature, a quiet “being in the moment”. His focus is always on presence: the sights, the sounds, the silence that sits inside each moment if you give it space.

That was the intention for the day, and it shaped everything we did. Instead of chasing images, we allowed the coast to guide us. The tide, the shifting light, the breeze brushing across the sand — all of it became part of the experience. It wasn’t about taking photographs; it was about receiving them.

Slow at Dunraven Bay

Woodland Wonders

Two days later, on Sunday 19th, I felt drawn to continue that sense of quiet attention. So I took myself out early to a local bluebell wood, with the gentle intention of giving myself a mindful hour or so. Dougie, our dog, came along. He’s not the quickest companion, but that’s exactly why he’s perfect for this kind of outing — his natural pace slows me down and keeps me grounded.

Walking along the lane towards the woods, I matched my breathing to our pace. Slow, steady, unhurried. I wanted to really notice the smallest details: the way the light touched the hedgerow, the smell of damp earth, the faintest brush of a breeze on my face. As I reached the woodland path, I paused in stillness for a minute or so, simply letting myself be held by the quiet wonder of the place.

Sea of Blue

As I stepped forward, I wasn’t just looking for bluebells. I wanted to be aware of how the low sunlight played across the woodland — the trees, the leaves, the flowers themselves. The intoxicating scent of the bluebells drifted through the air. Light and shadow stretched along the path like a gentle invitation. It was some time before I even raised my camera.

Natures Beauty

My first photograph was a low‑down shot — as low as my knees would allow — watching where the light fell so it might illuminate the bells of the bluebells. I continued my slow sojourn through the woods, capturing not only the bluebells but the simple beauty of weeds, a dandelion, a buttercup. Small things, easily overlooked, but full of quiet charm when you give them time.

Majestic Beeches

Then I reached the beeches — tall, majestic, and made even more so by the sunlight dancing through their branches, lighting their strong, thick trunks. Old autumn leaves crunched beneath my feet, a soft balance to the chorus of birdsong. I was in the zone, fully present, fully connected.

Majestic Beeches

Homeward Bound

Dougie and I made our way back along a different path. He was tiring now, and as we reached the main lane, he lay down and patiently waited for me — usually it’s the other way around. I always feel at home in the woods; they are my “special places”, where I feel at ease with myself, wrapped in the gentle embrace of the trees.

Come on Mum!

As we stepped out of the lane towards the car, I carried with me a feeling of complete and utter calmness — a deep ease, a great quietness. I looked across the landscape and thought to myself, it doesn’t get better than this.

Spring Landscape