I had always imagined that I would become a photographer. After I got my photography degree in the early 90s, my vision was to travel the world, camera at my side, documenting everything I saw. Life, however has its twists and turns, and I ended up on quite a different path for a while, finding myself in IT support. Later, I combined those technical skills with my creative eye and moved into web and graphic design. But my love for photography never went away, it just had to take a back seat for a while.
When I met photographer, Vinita Salomé, we started working together on branding projects, using our respective skills to help clients bring their stories to life through words, design and images. Something about the collaborative energy between us sparked that urge in me to pick up a camera again. I remembered how much I love that form of expression, and started approaching my work with a brand new perspective.
Working with vinita during the Covid years
Finding an Anchor
Then, of course 2020 arrived and lockdown happened. Like so many of us, I turned inward during that strange stretch of time. The world was changing, people were fearful and life as we knew it was on pause. On top of that, I was navigating the daily challenges of being home with all the demands of family life, and I really needed something to activate my senses and help me ground into the present moment.
That’s when mindful photography really became my anchor.
Vinita’s course, Life through your Lens helped me to shift my mindset. I started learning to observe the smallest parts of every day - noticing what was all around me, finding different perspectives to see the world, and watching how the light slowly shifted from morning to evening.
This simple, observant practice brought me a sense of peace and calm that changed my entire perspective during that time. It gave me a kind of quiet oneness with the world, connecting me to the tremendous power of nature, and ultimately bringing me back to myself.
I still practice it today. It's my go-to activity when I’m feeling overwhelmed, or whenever the noise in my head threatens to take over. I know that it will always centre me, and remind me of what matters.
Images I captured whilst completing the Life Through Your Lens course.
Bringing Life Through Your Lens to the World
When Vinita came to me to for the layout of Life Through Your Lens as a printed book, it felt like such a privilege to work with the very course material that had so helped me during those difficult weeks, and send it out into the world.
I have loved shaping the interior of this book, it’s such a true reflection of who Vinita is and what inspires her work. Our partnership as collaborators and friends has made this a journey of trust and shared perspective. As we do with every project we work on together, we combined our skills and energy to achieve a clear, shared vision. The result is a book that I know will bring a renewed sense of wonder, joy and gratitude to everyone it reaches.
A Book for Anyone Ready to See Differently
It’s not just a book for photographers, and you don’t need any technical experience. It's for anyone who wants to open their mind, shift their perspective and find quiet appreciation in the ordinary, easily overlooked moments of life.
I know from my own mindful photography practice that slowing down, simplifying, and being present are truly the benchmarks of a happy life.