The Mindful Photographer

I've been an avid amateur photographer since 1974 and, as I've grown older, I've started to realise 'why' we photograph is as important as the fact that we take photographs at all. So I bought this book. And read it. Whether one is a photographer or not, there are life lessons in this book that should not be missed. I don't 'read' many books (as opposed to soaking up inspiration from photographic portfolios) and this is a fairly short and concise book. However, I can't recommend it too highly. Definitely one for those who want to consider the 'why' in photography / life in general, instead of just 'how'.

I loved reading this gorgeous book. It is filled with thought provoking encouragement to see the world through fresh eyes, the inspiring work of other photographers, and practices to become more aware and see what else is happening around us. A wonderful read for anyone who wants to have their world view gently shaken, be that through a camera lens or not.

I've been interested in thoughtful photography for a while so decide to give this book a go. Even if you cannot dedicate yourself to the whole philosophy such as the meditation aspects there are some useful tips

The gentle, mindful weave of artist, teaching and activity are just what’s needed in today’s craziness. This will become a book to turn regularly and a gift for many

Bought as a gift …happily received. Will be buying another for others (and one for myself)

My review is not about the merits of this book but about what I have learned and not learned. What there is to be gained will depend on where one one is located on the wonderful journey of photography. Haworth’s book feels to me like a string of familiar quotes and attributions that are linked by a fairly low-level introduction to mindfulness. If you are unfamiliar with the works of say, Cartier-Bresson, Duley, Daido-Loorie, Alex Webb, Dorothea Lange, etc, etc it’s possible that the references will be of great value. On the other hand, “Taking pictures is savouring life intensely, every hundredth of a second” comes across as trite as it gets. So, three stars on the basis that this isn’t for me but it’s possibly worth five for some.

Makes perfect sense, I like this book.

There are many books that will tell you how to use a camera, there are very few books that can help you just 'see'. Perhaps just 'seeing' is the most important part of photography. Sophie takes this even further, saying that before you can see, first you must learn how to 'be'.I teach photography workshops and will be using some of this book in my teaching, it's hard to find exercises to enhance our ability to notice moments around us. This book offers some simple tasks to help turn off the chatter and tune in visually, ways to begin to calm our minds and pay attention.There are some great quotes from photographers, famous and less famous. There are case studies and examples of their photographs. There is some profound teaching here for any photographer (or see-er). I'd recommend this as a firm foundation for any beginner or even as a refresher for a seasoned pro.

I really enjoyed this book. I have been searching for a “why” I like photography so much. This book has given me a great deal to think about. It is not a “technical” book on photography, but rather an approach or a way of thinking regarding photography.

Ho trovato questo titolo in giro per il web e convinto dalle recensioni l’ho acquistato … Ho iniziato a fotografare per passione quasi una decade fa , e da qualche anno ho deciso di farne una professione. Questo libro è stato una manna dal cielo nel vero senso della parola … I temi trattati non sono nuovi ma vengono espressi con semplicità e con ottimi esempi , la mindfulness mi ha sempre interessato e unirla alla fotografia trovo che sia un game changer , almeno per me . In definitiva , leggete questo libro, che fotografiate per passione ma anche se siete professionisti affermati nel settore , meraviglioso

This book has interesting examples and is well produced. I found it motivating.

Another beautifully presented book but underwhelming content. Almost every image in the book has been used by the publisher in other publications and a bit of a yawn if you have ever read another T&H publication.

Really did not address dynamic symmetry or have some of Cartier Bresson’s observations, such as when he views a scene he sees geometric shapes.Photography is capturing a good photograph by having a thorough understanding of composition and light……. That is achieved by taking a lot pictures, and I mean a lot no matter the weather or how you feel.