8-Minute Mindful Photography Flow

Time needed: 8 minutes (2-3-3 minutes)

Setting: Any space with camera/phone

Purpose: Using photography as mindful creative practice

1. Visual Hunting (2 minutes)

What: Without taking photos yet:

- Notice where light falls differently

- Find 3 unexpected colors in your space

- Look for patterns you usually miss

- Spot interesting shadows/reflections

Notice: How photographer's eye changes your seeing, what draws your attention, fresh details emerging

Why: Builds mindful observation, slows down seeing, awakens visual curiosity

2. Light Chasing (3 minutes)

What: Take series of photos exploring:

- One patch of light from 3 angles

- How light changes one object

- Where light meets shadow

- Subtle gradients of brightness

Notice: Quality of light, emotional response to different light, what light reveals

Why: Develops sensitivity to light, creates visual meditation, documents ephemeral moments

3. Story Finding (3 minutes)

What: Create mini visual narrative through:

- Something old/something new

- Three stages of a small detail

- Contrasts or connections

- Color story or texture tale

Notice: What catches your eye, which images speak to each other, what story emerges

Why: Builds narrative seeing, encourages creative connection, documents daily poetry