When I go out to photograph I generally do not have a preconception of what exactly I am going to shoot. Of course the inherent subject matter is more or less dependent on where I am, but I keep my mind open to what I may encounter. In doing so, it often becomes a calming, almost meditative means of practicing mindfulness.

The dictionary defines mindfulness as “the practice of maintaining a nonjudgemental state of heightened awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis.” Mindfulness is the process of focusing conscious attention on your present experience, giving all of your attention to recognize and acknowledge what is happening around you and within you in the moment without judgement or overthinking. 

Being mindful in this way fosters an awareness that leads to expressive creativity and aesthetic sensitivity without a bias as to what is appropriate or pleasing. It develops a consciousness of and openness to possibilities, emotions and feelings. And hopefully, that will appear in my work.