Experience KOMOREBI: Mindful Photography Tips

“I learned to open my mind to new things, I got great motivation to look and observe the everyday objects and sights and surroundings I feel totally at ease and very supported”

It’s been so invigorating running the October groups, we’ve delivered at, Scampston Hall, Age UK, York Mind, Our City Hub and the York Army Museum. Our free Facebook based Mindful Photography Project is now beyond 200 members and attracting more and more people who want to slow down and take notice of their surroundings.

Before we share what we’ve been doing have you ever appreciated the beauty of komorebi?

This time of year is an absolute favourite for Mindful Photographers, the sunlight is low and if we’re lucky we can capture those magical images where the sunlight shines through the leaves in the most inviting way. The Japanese call this KOMOREBI a word for which there is no real English synonym which surely makes it even more enchanting?

We’ve just finished delivering on our (Community Mental Health Transformation Fund) Ryedale project. We delivered 16 mindful photography sessions across Ryedale working with partners at Next Steps in Norton, Kirbymoorside, Age UK, Eating Disorder Support Organisation Kick Rexi Out, the Anchorage (NHS) Whitby and the Women’s Institute.

The feedback and outcomes were astounding

“Photography has opened up a new world! And gets me into a happy place”

Session at Scampston Hall image by Mindful Photography UK

“Have I have learnt something today?? …something!!! Photo…and single take…slow down and LOOK!”

The Kick Rexi Out mascots enjoying some nature therapy

“I so needed today, thank you”

“ A lovely calming group activity, at the end of the session I am in good spirits. I got encouraged to be more active, a friendly group which I felt part of.”

“Having a new group of people to talk with and share things with helps my mood”

We’ve started back working with York Mind again and completed two sessions. We used our first two sessions to build confidence and get used to the format of a Mindful Photography UK session… we do a lot of walking! We loved exploring the York Bid Ghosts and opening our minds to creativity and curiosity.

“York Bid” Ghosts Museum Gardens image by Mindful Photography UK

We start back with York Mind for another four sessions up to Christmas on 20 November 10am to 12 midday if you’d like a place you must register first with activities@yorkmind.org.uk

We have opened up the bookings for the Rowntree Heritage and Photography Walk which starts on 30 November 2023 10am please email for further details and we will make sure you are enrolled correctly at

Rebecca@MindfulPhotography.org.uk

We have lots more to share with you but meanwhile we’ll leave you with a short video made by one the participants on the Easingwold Saturday sessions if you’d like a “pay as you feel” place please contact Rebecca@MindfulPhotography.org.uk for a place (there are some 1:1 classes available to people who are feeling nervous to attend a group setting straight away)