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MindfulPhoto.com
featuring classes, retreats, workshops, one-to-one offerings and more
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"The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera."
~Dorothea Lange, 20th century photographer
What is Mindfulness Photography?
Calm, Creative, Connected -- to Yourself and the World
An attitude of mindfulness can be brought to any activity and can have a particularly rich relationship with photography. To capture the moment, you need to be in the moment. As we practice various simple, yet powerful techniques, we cultivate a relaxed, curious and non-judgmental awareness. We become more present to ourselves, to others and to our surroundings. We begin to relate to the world in a new way. From a place of inner stillness, we can see with fresh eyes.
Practicing mindfulness, with a camera in hand, we are more likely to tune in to the wonders of the world that exist all around us. Letting go of unhelpful thoughts, habitual patterns and fixed ideas, we become more open and free. We find new reservoirs of creativity. We are more receptive.
These workshops are an opportunity to pause and notice, to care for and revitalize our minds, and to make space for the creativity in each of us. Students describe the benefits of Mindfulness Photography as artistic renewing. Mindfulness Photography “helped reacquaint me with the desire to create” said one student. Another said, “you’ll not only take better pictures, you’ll know more about yourself as a photographer.” For most, the impact of mindfulness is larger than on their art alone. One student described “feeling more in touch with myself and connected to the world.” “I noticed an immediate shift within me,” said another student. “I left feeling renewed, inspired and with a sense of calm.”
"All the technique in the world doesn't compensate for the inablility to notice."
~Elliott Erwitt, 20th century photographer
Mindfulness Photography Workshops are for non-photographers and photographers alike, whether you’re new to mindfulness practices or already have experience. Camera phones are welcome. Simply come as you are.
TESTIMONIALS
“I am so happy I chose to sign up for Amy's mindfulness photography workshop, for I left feeling renewed, inspired and with a sense of calm.
While I practice mindfulness on a regular basis and enjoy taking nature photos with my iPhone several times a week, I felt uninspired when November arrived to do any photography.
It was through Amy's low pressure discussions on mindfulness and guiding us through various meditations, that I noticed an immediate shift within me. I felt like I walked through a new door and entered into a whole different November.
The time we were given to shoot flew by, and for me that was a good sign that I was truly engaged, present and grateful to enjoy my surroundings.
When I read in her workshop description to ‘come as you are,’ she really meant it. There was no judgement and no expectations."
~Jenny Jackson, healthcare professional
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“The Mindfulness Photography workshop Amy led for our Camp Glow It Up Day Camp was phenomenal. Amy had the impeccable ability to lead us through guided meditations, which set the tone for our primary practice.
In this fast-paced world, taking photos with such intention is almost a shock to the system, and Amy helped us create some beautiful images through her unassuming, open nature.
I was originally drawn to Amy’s photography because she has a fantastic manner of capturing the present moment in an uncurated but beautiful way.
The Mindfulness Photography workshop was so impactful for our participants that I will definitely ask Amy to lead another workshop in one of our future camps.”
~ Katie Lipsmeyer, founder and director, Camp Glow it Up
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“Amy's Mindfulness Photography Workshop helped reacquaint me with the desire to create.
During the workshop, Amy created a space for us to reflect on how photography can be used as a grounding tool to connect to the present moment.
I left the experience feeling more in touch with myself and connected to the world."
~Natalie M., university lecturer
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“I’ve taken numerous photography workshops and Amy’s ... remains one of my favorites. Her assignments help you learn to see, not just to photograph…
After a class with Amy, you’ll not only take better pictures, you’ll know more about yourself as a photographer.”
~Edward Boches, documentary photographer, professor, creative director
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"I am a very introverted person who doesn’t talk very much about myself. Just opening up to other people has been something I hadn’t expected to happen.
I have been self-isolating for years, and the workshops have brought me hope that I can finally let go of the shame, anger and regret that has dominated my life for much too long.
I look forward to meeting with the group again in the near future."
~Elvira Yanez, retired systems analyst
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"Every once in awhile you meet someone who shares a different perspective that changes your life in a positive way. Such was the case when I signed up for Amy's Mindfulness Photography class.
Although I had sporadically practiced meditation for many years, I could not maintain the practice on a daily basis.
Amy is an excellent communicator with the ability to present ideas in both a logical and appealing manner. One of her key points was to take a deep breath during times of stress. It works and I find myself doing it throughout the day.
Meditation is part of my daily ritual now and for that I thank Amy."
~Bill Welch, retired engineer
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Amy’s workshop was both relaxing and inspiring.
It showed me how the photographic experience can be a kind of meditation.”
~ Marty Espinola, educator, retired school administrator
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“Participating in Amy's mindfulness workshop was a delight. So much of our lives are filled with endless action and pressure. Mindfulness is like pressing the reset button.
Amy taught us to slow down and just breathe and gently clear the mind of all the noisy junk. We were learning how to be peaceful yet totally aware.
The benefits of this concentrated focusing cannot be overstated. I hope to keep working on this in my daily life. Amy is a thoughtful and thorough teacher.”
~Medora Hebert, photojournalist
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“Taking Amy’s mindfulness photography workshop was a mind-altering experience. She helped me connect with my inner child and learn how to observe my environment in a meaningful way.”
~Rachel, birth doula
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“Great workshop. Peace and serenity. I woke up a different person, i.e. perspective shift.”
~Marlaina Cataldi, healer
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"... as soon as I quieted myself in a safe and comfortable space I began to realize truths about what I was going through in my life and became better equipped to handle these things.
And better still I felt calmer.
I am so grateful to you Amy for helping me find this means of clearer inner communication.
Love and peace to you."
~Katie Allison, environmental health professional
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“I was fortunate to attend a Street Photography class with Amy at the Griffin Museum of Photography. This was one of the most valuable photography classes I have taken.
Class-based learning was combined with hands-on, in-the-field work. Her positive and supportive approach was critical in helping me gain much needed confidence and practical skills.”
~Andrea Waxler, founder and director, The Art Studio
at New Hampshire College
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“The workshop combined two lives of mine: photography and working toward becoming more present and grounded in my own life.
It was a unique opportunity to spend some time being with others and exploring Eastworks with the intention of being where I was in that moment and not feeling rushed. Thank you, Amy, for this experience!”
~Liz, healthcare professional
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"...the meditation relaxed me so much. Being there gave me a sense of peace, presence and the power to put all else aside and just breathe...
It was a beautiful 2-hour experience finding the joy within and then creatively walking... noticing the surroundings, things I have never seen before even though I walked the path many times.
Amy, as our guide, took us to a place in our heart that calm is the word that best describes what I felt from the moment I sat down to my walk with my camera... The openness, sharing, breathing, being and seeing in a different way was just what I needed at that moment.
Thank you Amy for offering such a gift."
~Barbara P., yoga teacher
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“I was initially intimidated to sign up for a class at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. I’ve always loved photography, but I certainly never thought of myself as a student of the arts.
Amy made it so approachable and fun that I found myself diving right in and anxiously awaiting class each week!
Her own photographs are inspirational and her teaching style is warm and open.”
~Jamie Stober, data scientist
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"A wonderfully talented artist and exceptional teacher."
~Wilson Hunt, painter
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“Amy is a thoughtful photographer amplifying beauty in plain sight. She is a knowledgeable practitioner of mindfulness who is aware of its impact on our creative output.”
~ J. Sybylla Smith, Exhibition Curator, Educator and Program Developer
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"Amy Thompson Avishai, an experienced photographer and mindfulness practitioner, brings her expertise to create an enriching and inclusive environment.
Don't miss this opportunity to slow down, nurture your creativity, and deepen your connection to yourself and the world."
~Mindful, publisher of Mindful magazine
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Amy Thompson Avishai offers Mindfulness Photography classes, retreats and workshops, based in western Massachusetts. She is known for her sensitive, spare and nuanced portrayals of people from all walks of life and of the natural world. She brings to her teaching over two decades of experience as an educator, mindfulness practitioner and photographer. A Fulbright grantee, Amy has taught at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Griffin Museum of Photography and other institutions.
From early childhood, Amy's world view has been shaped by many years living in various cultures, in North Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the United States. She believes that photography can serve to remind us of our interconnectednes and shared humanity.
In her 20s and 30s, Amy photographed for The New York Times and other newspapers, and was featured in National Geographic. She also completed documentary projects abroad, including a Fulbright project about the education of girls in rural areas of Morocco.
In 2002, Amy was exposed to mindfulness and meditation while photographing in Southeast Asia. Her mindfulness practice deepened as time went on, and she came to recognize the similarities and synergy between meditation and her creative process. Amy soon began incorporating mindfulness practices in her teaching at the Griffin Museum of Photography.
More recently, Amy moved to western Massachusetts and began teaching Mindfulness Photography. In 2023, she graduated from a two-year intensive mindfulness meditation teacher training program with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, in partnership with the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California at Berkeley.
Contact Amy if you'd like to learn about upcoming events or are interested in bringing a Mindfulness Photography Workshop to your organization or group.
Email: amythompsonavishai@gmail.com