Mindfulness Though Art

A Photo Essay

Creating a photo essay is a simple and meaningful way for families to slow down, connect, and reflect. By using everyday photography, even just with a phone camera, we can start to notice the small details that often get missed in the busyness of life. Research shows that this kind of mindful photo-taking, especially when combined with gentle reflection or journaling, can support emotional wellbeing and help us feel more present in the moment (Brewster & Cox, 2018). It’s not about taking the perfect photo — it’s about capturing what matters to you and using creativity as a way to relax, express feelings and connect with each other. Visual storytelling has also been shown to help people express thoughts and emotions that can be hard to put into words (Cox & Brewster, 2018), making it a valuable activity for both adults and children. 

There’s a photo essay below that I created as part of my own mindful practice — you might like to give it a try yourself too. All you need is your phone, a bit of curiosity, and a willingness to notice the little things. 

Let's Get Curious!

Brewster, L., & Cox, A. M. (2018). The daily digital practice as a form of self-care: Using photography for everyday well-being. Health, 22(6), 621–638. https://doi.org/10.1177/1363459318769465
Cox, A. M., & Brewster, L. (2018). Photo-a-day: A digital photographic practice and its impact on wellbeing. Photographies, 11(1), 113–129. https://doi.org/10.1080/17540763.2017.1399288