Mindful Photography

Remember when photography was fun?

A practical approach to building a confident, creative photography practice

You don’t need more technical knowledge.
You don’t need better equipment.
You don’t need more time.

What you need is a way to keep going.

Mindful Photography is a structured course that helps you rebuild your relationship with photography; so you can enjoy it again, trust your instincts and make steady progress without pressure.

Is this course for you?

This course is for photographers who care about their photography but feel stuck, discouraged or disconnected from it.

You might recognise yourself here:

  • You’ve lost motivation and don’t pick up your camera as often as you used to.

  • You feel stuck in a rut and keep taking the same kinds of photos.

  • You overthink settings, composition or what other people might say.

  • You compare yourself to others and feel you’re falling behind.

  • You want to improve but without turning photography into hard work.

What this course will help you do

By the end of the course, you will:

  • feel more confident with your photography

  • enjoy the process again

  • take photos more regularly

  • trust your own judgment

  • develop your own style naturally

  • stop chasing perfection

You will not be chasing a perfect photograph. You will be building a reliable, enjoyable photography practice.

What makes this course different

Most photography courses focus on technique; this one focuses on how you work. The biggest barrier for most photographers is not knowledge; it’s mindset, habits and confidence.

Mindful Photography gives you a simple structure to:

  • stay motivated

  • manage frustration and self-doubt

  • break out of routines

  • keep moving forward

It is practical, realistic and designed for the long term.

This is not therapy

And it is not meditation

You do not need to sit quietly or clear your mind. You do not need to share personal feelings. You do not need to be “creative”.

This is a photography course.

You will go out with your camera, try new approaches and reflect on what happens.


This course gave me so many insights as to how and why I approach my photography and actually my approach to life in general. There were so many useful ideas and suggestions. I found it very logical but also very insightful. Thank you Emma!
— Julie

What's included?

  1. 14 lessons with a photography or journalling project to complete for each.

  2. Private community group.

  3. No individual feedback is given on photos - this is a non-critical course.

  4. Group run-through once a year, next start 13 April 2026 or join any time to work at your own pace.

Excellent course for giving budding photographers the ability to spend time with their photography, to understand that the shots they like taking are theirs, and that there is no ‘right or wrong’. It enables the learner to appreciate the beauty or photographic opportunity within all things.
— Carole

Curriculum

Part 1: Enjoy the journey; how to stop chasing perfection and start measuring progress instead.

Part 2: Focus; how to direct your attention to what matters, reduce distraction and overwhelm and take more satisfying photographs.

Part 3: Space to be creative; learn how to enter a flow state, where photography feels natural and absorbing.

Part 4: Self; recognise patterns in your work, learn to trust your instincts and finally create photographs that feel like your own.

Part 5: Becoming less predictable; try new approaches, see familiar subjects differently and develop fresh ideas.

Part 6: Strength in vulnerability; take small creative risks, build resilience and grow your confidence.

Part 7: Glass half full? How your state of mind affects your photography and your ability to build a sustainable routine.


FAQ

What gear do I need?

Any camera at all, including a phone camera. There is no technical tuition in this course, so no need for off-auto modes or different lenses. You'll also need a degree of curiosity, and some open mindedness.

What is mindful photography?

Mindful photography is a way of taking photographs that focusses on the journey rather than the destination. You will learn to give each moment your full attention, rather than worrying about shots you are missing or the kit you don't have.

Is it spiritual?

No: this course has no spiritual component.

What will I learn?

The exercises and projects will give you clarity and boost your confidence. You will find new ideas popping up and your creativity will take off. You will start to operate at peak performance faster. You will stop worrying about what others are doing or thinking, and be able to focus on yourself and the moment you are in.

Do I need to live near a beach or be in nature?

Absolutely not. Mindful photography is not about being at one with nature. It is about being present in the moment you find yourself in, wherever that may be. You can practise mindful photography anywhere at all: in the middle of a city, in a field, in your kitchen, in a crowd or on your own.

Is it hard work?

Yes, but you will enjoy every minute. The course is not just sitting on a cushion waiting for inspiration to arrive; you will need to do a lot of thinking, some writing, and plenty of photography.

How long will it take?

Some lessons will take 2-3 hours or longer to sink in, others will take less than 15 minutes. You will have access to the course for as long as Emma is in business. You can work at your own pace, or come back and repeat any lessons at any time.

What if I don’t like it?

If you join the course and decide it is not for you, there is a no-questions-asked money back guarantee for the first 30 days.

Is feedback included?

There is no instructor feedback in this course. It is not a course that involves criticism. Group moderators are available in the private community group for help accessing the course.

Do I have to wait to join?

No, you can join any time.

How long is the course?

There are fourteen weeks of lessons and there is no rush to complete them. You'll have access to the lessons for as long as Emma is in business.

Is there a group to chat to?

Yes; we have a private community group (not Facebook) so you can meet fellow students and work through the lessons together.


The lessons are well written, and the videos, literature references are wonderful. I was surprised how much my perception of myself has changed in a positive way.
— Gisela

Your instructor, Emma Davies, has been a professional photographer for 20 years, and a photography instructor for 10. She wrote the groundbreaking beginner's photography course, A Year With My Camera. She has undergraduate and Masters degrees in Psychology, and a Masters degree in Photography.

Emma uses mindful photography in her own professional practise. It allows her to see moments others miss, to capture the soul of what's in front of her and to keep growing creatively.

Photo School staff will be on hand for administrative help but no live teaching takes place.


I have enjoyed the journey of this course since it challenges me to look inside, rather than through the lens, to find the inspiration for my photography.

Thank you, Emma, for the thoughtful crafting of this course and the great reference materials along with your thoughts on your own journey.
— Gloria