MINDFULNESS PHOTOGRAPHY WALK

“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera” ~Dorothea Lange

In this two-hour experience, you'll get a taste of how photography - even with a smartphone camera - can be a gateway to mindfulness. We will engage in practices that help us slow down, notice with fresh eyes, and allow a state of open awareness to emerge.

The Mindfulness Photography Walk will begin indoors (studio #032, Eastworks) with a friendly introduction to mindfulness photography. This will be followed by a simple, yet powerful, guided mindfulness meditation practice readily accessible to everyone.

Grounded and settled, we'll then make our way outdoors and immerse ourselves in the natural surroundings of Lower Mill Pond, the Manhan Rail Trail, and the grounds of the historic 1908 Eastworks converted mill building.

After some time for photographing, we'll come together to share experiences. We'll then close with inspiration and practical tips for integrating mindfulness into your daily life.

“All the technique in the world doesn’t compensate for the inability to notice” ~Elliott Erwitt

The focus of the Mindfulness Photography Walk will not be on technical aspects of photography, critique, or making great photos. All levels of photo and mindfulness experience, any type of camera (including smartphones) are welcome. Simply come as you are.

Testimonials:

“Participating in Amy's mindfulness photography workshop was a delight. So much of our lives are filled with endless action and pressure. Mindfulness is like pressing the reset button. Amy taught us to slow down and just breathe and gently clear the mind of all the noisy junk. We were learning how to be peaceful yet totally aware. The benefits of this concentrated focusing cannot be overstated. I hope to keep working on this in my daily life. Amy is a thoughtful and thorough teacher.”  ~Medora Hebert

“Great workshop. Peace and Serenity. I woke up a different person, i.e. perspective shift.”  ~Marlaina Cataldi 

“The Mindfulness Photography workshop Amy led for our Camp Glow It Up Day Camp was phenomenal. Amy had the impeccable ability to lead us through guided meditations, which set the tone for our primary practice. In this fast-paced world, taking photos with such intention is almost a shock to the system, and Amy helped us create some beautiful images through her unassuming, open nature. I was originally drawn to Amy’s photography because she has a fantastic manner of capturing the present moment in an uncurated but beautiful way. The Mindfulness Photography workshop was so impactful for our participants that I will definitely ask Amy to lead another workshop in one of our future camps.”   ~Katie Lipsmeyer 

“Amy's assignments help you learn to see, not just to photograph… After a class with Amy, you’ll not only take better pictures, you’ll know more about yourself as a photographer.”   ~Edward Boches  

“I am so happy I chose to sign up for Amy's mindfulness photography workshop, for I left feeling renewed, inspired and with a sense of calm. While I practice mindfulness on a regular basis and enjoy taking nature photos with my iPhone several times a week, I felt uninspired when November arrived to do any photography. It was through Amy's low pressure discussions on mindfulness and guiding us through various meditations, that I noticed an immediate shift within me. I felt like I walked through a new door and entered into a whole different November. The time we were given to shoot flew by, and for me that was a good sign that I was truly engaged, present and grateful to enjoy my surroundings. When I read in her workshop description to ‘come as you are,’ she really meant it. There was no judgement and no expectations."  ~Jenny Jackson 

“I was initially intimidated to sign up for a class at MassArt (Massachusetts College of Art and Design). I’ve always loved photography, but I certainly never thought of myself as a student of the arts. Amy made it so approachable and fun that I found myself diving right in and anxiously awaiting class each week! Her own photographs are inspirational and her teaching style is warm and open.”  ~Jamie Stober 

“Amy is a thoughtful photographer amplifying beauty in plain sight. She is a knowledgeable practitioner of mindfulness who is aware of its impact on our creative output.” ~ J. Sybylla Smith

About the teacher:

Amy Thompson Avishai brings more than fifteen years of experience as a photographer, educator and mindfulness practitioner to her workshops, classes and retreats.

A Fulbright fellow, Amy has taught photography at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Griffin Museum of Photography and Endicott College. She has worked as a staff and freelance photographer. Her images have been published in newspapers, literary journals and magazines, including the New York Times and Women's Review of Books. She was also featured in National Geographic.

Amy's mindfulness practice began in 2003 while photographing in Cambodia. In 2019, she began studying with Sean Fargo, teacher and founder of Mindfulness Exercises. Amy is currently training in a two-year intensive mindfulness meditation teacher certification program with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, in partnership with the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California at Berkeley.

Amy's website