“Taking time to stop moving and be still” Maria, 2024
Autumn brings a special kind of magic that touches the soul. As the leaves change colour and the air turns crisp, this season invites everyone to slow down and appreciate the beauty around them. Experiencing autumn through mindful photography can help capture these moments and remind people of the simple joys of life.
Scarborough; image taken by Lisa Hope 2024
What do the changing seasons mean to you? We are running a project all year round, exploring the seasons. We are using mindful photography to slow down and appreciate the little things we might not normally notice. This project is funded by Forensic Response; a not-for-profit community interest company promoting the preservation of biodiversity, animal welfare and protection of the environment.
Light dancing through the trees; image taken by Maria 2024
This autumn, we offered the initial project to our online community of Mindful Photographers and participants from our in-person therapeutic photography workshops in North Yorkshire. In our sessions we explored our thoughts and feelings around the changing of seasons; we talked about the the scents we could smell through the autumn air. We imagined the smell of wood smoke from cozy fireplaces and the aroma of spicy pumpkin lattes. By focusing on these sensory experiences, mindful photography encourages everyone to appreciate the little things that often go unnoticed.
One participant talked about their experience of being involved in this project; “this course was the light and hope in what had been a very dark place for me, the Mindful Photography UK sessions were one of the best things to help me heal!”
York in Autumn; image by Rebecca 2024
Dragonfly; image taken by Jackie Walton 2024
Another participant; Jackie said, “I spent several minutes with this dragonfly and I gradually moved closer. I spoke softly and its eyes moved as if it was listening. I loved that it was resting and soaking up energy from the sun. It felt so special that it trusted me”.
We were overjoyed with the images and quotes we received back when we asked, how does nature improve your quality of life? Our participants said;
“It gives me a positive mind and calmness. A natural stress buster in this hustle bustle world”.
“Being in nature has helped my mental health and anxiety. It’s also helped my complex PTSD as I find nature and photography very grounding”
My View; image taken by Jonathan 2024
Jonathan said “Recovering from a major operation, this bench offers a view that gives me comfort”.
Letting Go; image taken by Nazifa Nazar 2024
During autumn, nature shows us how important it is to embrace change. Trees shed their leaves, allowing them to gather energy for the winter. This transformation serves as a reminder that letting go can be a positive step. For example, watching the leaves fall, can inspire us to release worries and stress, making space for new beginnings. This simple act of noticing can lead to a deeper understanding of personal growth.
Nazifa said, “it gives us a sense of positivity and serenity through nature’s seasonal colours and its changes, which shows us how beautiful it is to let things go and restart again with a new beginning.
Immature slime mould; image taken by Bethany Dakin 2024
Beth said, “this is an image of an immature slime mould, possibly Stemonitis or Stemonitopsis, as advised by Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust. I enjoy looking for fungi and related species in Autumn and was excited to find something I had never seen before”.
We asked our groups, how would you describe the benefits of being in nature to someone who is feeling socially isolated at this time?
“It brings me joy and feels magical”
“It soothes, inspires and recharges me”
“It helps calm my busy mind and encourages me to pay closer attention to my surroundings which, in turn, leads to finding interesting things! It inspires curiosity – researching and learning about my nature finds improves my wellbeing as I love nature and I love learning!”
“The sheer amount of beauty and variety lifts my spirits”
Silence; Image taken by Nazifa Nazar 2024
Autumn is also a time for reflection. As the days become shorter, there is an opportunity to pause and think about the past months. This season invites our group to absorb the richness of their experiences, learning from both successes and challenges. Mindful photography can capture these reflections, allowing people to document their journey and growth. A photograph of a path covered in leaves as Lisa captured here at Rowntree Park in York, (centre) can hold stories waiting to be told….
Autumn Triptych; images taken by Lisa Hope 2024
Through running these therapeutic photography groups I can see that autumn is more than just a season; it is a time for slowing down, letting go, and reflecting. Through the lens of mindful photography, individuals can connect with the beauty of nature and the richness of their experiences. Embracing this magical time can inspire everyone to appreciate life’s simple pleasures and encourage personal growth. So, grab your smartphone, tablet or camera, step outside, and take a moment to notice the wonders of the seasons!
Strensall Common; images taken by David Bream 2024.
With heartfelt thanks to our participants for taking the time to submit images and quotes, Guy Wallbanks for your expertise on our nature walk, all our partnerships and supportive funder Forensic Response UK; your flexible and unrestricted approach to funding allows us to reach such a wide audience without barriers.
Copyright Mindful Photography UK CIC 2024
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