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- Experiments in Looking - Highgate CemeteryHighgate Cemetery, London£5.00
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.
What to expect:
- 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.Practical Details:
Cost: Small fee to help cover the meetup charges
Group Size: Limited to 20 participants to ensure a quality experience.
Weather Policy: The walk goes ahead rain or shine, unless there are severe weather warnings. (Blue skies are boring, anyway!)
Phone: Number will be sent to all ahead of event, for emergencies.Please be on time as it can be hard to find each other once the walk starts.
For More Inspiration:
Instagram: @wearejustlooking
Newsletter: For monthly inspiration, subscribe to our free community newsletter at wearejustlooking.org.Cancellation Policy:
- Walks proceed in all weather except severe conditions
- 48-hour notice required for refunds
- Experiments in Looking - Trafalgar SquareCafé in the Crypt, St Martin-in-the-Fields Church, London£5.00
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.
What to expect:
- 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.Practical Details:
Cost: Small fee to help cover the meetup charges
Group Size: Limited to 20 participants to ensure a quality experience.
Weather Policy: The walk goes ahead rain or shine, unless there are severe weather warnings. (Blue skies are boring, anyway!)
Phone: Number will be sent to all ahead of event, for emergencies.Please be on time as it can be hard to find each other once the walk starts.
For More Inspiration:
Instagram: @wearejustlooking
Newsletter: For monthly inspiration, subscribe to our free community newsletter at wearejustlooking.org.Cancellation Policy:
- Walks proceed in all weather except severe conditions
- 48-hour notice required for refunds
