What we’re about
Have you noticed how holding a camera in our hands can help us to slow down and discover wonder everywhere, even in the most ordinary and unlikely places? How does that happen? We meet up to experiment on ourselves and explore this phenomenon together. The purpose is to build a community of people curious about combining mindfulness and photography together.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Photographers, philosophers, meditators, and anyone interested in attention, curiosity, perception, and everyday wonder.
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
You’ll need a camera. But it doesn’t matter if it's a fancy DSLR or a phone camera. This is about using our eyes and minds differently. Our walks usually go on whether it's rain or shine - so you might also need waterproofs!
WHAT HAPPENS ON THE WALKS?
Each time we meet we will explore a different way of looking at the world, based on a philosophical thought experiment. These are mini-contemplations with the potential to hack our default perception settings. The results are variable, which is why it’s intriguing to swap stories and photos at the end (usually over a coffee or hot chocolate!)
WHERE?
Our meetups will all be in and around London.
GROUND RULES:
• We spend more time looking, than clicking
• We look alone, even though we are in a group
• We use cameras (phones in airplane mode)
• We check photos later (no reviewing or deleting)
• We are serious about not taking ourselves too seriously!
MORE INSPIRATION:
Newsletter: https://wearejustlooking.org
Instagram: @wearejustlooking
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Noticing Architectural Details – Kensington MewsGloucester Road Tube Station (outside the station), London
Join us for a mindful photography walk! This isn't just another photography meetup - it's an invitation to slow down, get curious and notice with fresh eyes.
What to Expect
We will be using playful prompt cards to heighten our awareness and experiment with ways of looking. Our cameras become the perfect sidekicks. The beauty of doing this as a group is that we can inspire each other to look in fresh new ways. We focus on different themes each time we meet, this time it will be about noticing quirky architectural details in London.Location:
Kensington Mews - this area is considered by many travellers as the "prettiest mews in London" and yet most Londoners have never visited. It winds around, has hidden nooks, and is full of colourful doors and greenery. There’s even a house covered in vines. Let's pretend to be tourists in our own cities?Vibe:
- Notice your own attentional biases
- Practice beginner's mind in what you see
- Work with three experiment cards
- Create images and push your boudaries
- Be inspired by others
Everyone is welcome:
- Beginners, experienced pros - all are welcome.
- You can walk a little or a lot: we start and finish in the same place.
- No technical expertise required - this is about the mindful process, not perfect pictures.
Equipment:
- Camera or smartphone
- Fully charged battery and spare if possible
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Small plastic bag to sit or kneel on
- Tripods not needed
- Water bottle and light snacks
Your Guide
Menka Sanghvi is the creator of Just Looking: a project to celebrate slowness and curiosity in the everyday. She is an experienced photographer and facilitator and, since 2017, has been hosting mindful photography walks and workshops.What about the weather?
The walk goes ahead rain or shine, unless there are severe weather warnings. Blue skies are boring, anyway!How to find each other?
A phone number will be sent to all ahead of event, for emergencies.
*Most importantly - Please be on time as it can be hard to find each other once the walk starts.Sign up for our community newsletter
For monthly inspiration, subscribe to our free community newsletter at wearejustlooking.org.We are also on Instagram: @wearejustlooking
- Experiments in Looking - Abney Park CemeteryAbney Park Cemetery, N16 0LH
Join us for a mindful photography walk! This isn't just another photography meetup - it's an invitation to slow down, get curious and notice with fresh eyes.
What to Expect
We will be using playful prompt cards to heighten our awareness and experiment with ways of looking. Our cameras become the perfect sidekicks. The beauty of doing this as a group is that we can inspire each other to look in fresh new ways. We focus on different themes each time we meet – this time will be about noticing the web of life.
Location:
Abney Park is a cemetery for the adventurous sort who likes to step off the beaten path. Despite the grand Egyptian revival entrance and the Gothic chapel in the centre, Abney Park feels truly wild in parts. It was founded in 1840 as a non-denominational resting place and became London’s foremost burial ground for Dissenters, or those who practised their religion outside of the established church. It maintains an air of rebellion even now, with tiny winding routes leading to dead ends, haphazardly-placed monuments, and graves so weathered that the names are illegible. It’s an inspiring place for a walkVibe:
- Notice your own attentional biases
- Practice beginner's mind in what you see
- Work with three experiment cards
- Create images and push your boudaries
- Be inspired by others
Everyone is welcome:
- Beginners, experienced pros - all are welcome.
- You can walk a little or a lot: we start and finish in the same place.
- No technical expertise required - this is about the mindful process, not perfect pictures.
Equipment:
- Camera or smartphone
- Fully charged battery and spare if possible
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Small plastic bag to sit or kneel on
- Tripods not needed
- Water bottle and light snacks
Your Guide
Menka Sanghvi is the creator of Just Looking: a project to celebrate slowness and curiosity in the everyday. She is an experienced photographer and facilitator and, since 2017, has been hosting mindful photography walks and workshops.What about the weather?
The walk goes ahead rain or shine, unless there are severe weather warnings. (Blue skies are boring, anyway!)How to find each other?
A phone number will be sent to all ahead of event, for emergencies.
*Most importantly - Please be on time as it can be hard to find each other once the walk starts.
Sign up for our community newsletter
For monthly inspiration, subscribe to our free community newsletter at wearejustlooking.org.
Instagram: @wearejustlooking
