Art in Nature - Mindful Photography Workshops are a unique photographic experience.
Participants will be guided to connect deeply with their surroundings, fostering an emotional and artistic bond with nature. As they frame the world around them, they’ll discover the beauty in nature’s inherent composition, capturing not just images, but moments of stillness and oneness.
With a focus on mindfulness and immersion, these workshops encourage creativity to flourish in a serene, supportive environment. Explore Narraburra Farm, photographing its diverse flora and fauna, tranquil reed-lined dams, creeks and rustic farm buildings and animals—each providing a canvas for artistic expression.
NEXT WORKSHOP DATE: 31 MAY - 1 JUNE
NEW: Includes Introduction to Macro and Astro-photography.
REGISTRATION FORM BELOW
The Venue
Narraburra is a Land for Wildlife farm nestled in Kooroongarra, on the Southern Downs in South-east Queensland. The farm is owned by Sam and Steve Wakerley, dedicated custodians who blend conservation with sustainable land use. Their commitment to wildlife preservation shines through in every aspect of the property, where production and conservation work hand-in-hand.
Situated near a biodiversity corridor of regional importance along Mingimarny Creek, the farm boasts a unique landscape of Eucalyptus woodland and open forest, with pockets of endangered Brigalow and Belah. It is also home to habitats for Koalas and an impressive thirty-eight recorded bird species.
In collaboration with eco-photographer Christine, Sam and Steve open Narraburra to eco-conscious individuals who share their passion for preserving nature. Together, they invite participants to experience the farm’s rich biodiversity while learning to capture its essence through photography. For more about Narraburra www.narraburra.com.
Accommodation
Elveden Homestead is a 1910 2 bedroom farmhouse set on 340 acres, nestled just a stone’s throw away from the Historical Township of Kooroongarra and Narraburra Farm. Freshly painted and refurbished.
Bedroom 1 offers a Queen Bed. $130 per night Booked
Bedroom 2 has three single beds (bunks and single) $130 whole room.
"Kenny" is a small vintage Chesney President van suitable for a single or couple. $99 Booked
Use of bathroom & cooking facilities kitchen are included.
"Taylor Swift" This beautifully maintained 2012 "Swift" Corniche 19/4 caravan is marketed as a 4 berth van, however is mainly used as a luxury 2 berth with a fixed double bed and full ensuite. $120 Booked
Modern upholstery. Lots of storage. Appliances include dometic fridge, heater, air con, stove with 3 gas and 1 electric burners, microwave.
Tent or Van Sites Bring your own van or tent for $20 with shared amenities on site.
For further information about accommodation, please contact Sam directly via www.narraburra.com. After registration, Sam will contact participants about accommodation and invoicing via the TryBooking app.
The Participants
The Art in Nature workshops are perfect for photographers of all levels, from beginners eager to master the basics to advanced photographers looking to bring some magic into their process.
Whether you bring a full-frame DSLR equipped with zoom, portrait, or wide-angle lenses and filters, or prefer the convenience of an iPhone, all devices are welcome.
The workshops are focussed on enhancing, through mindfulness, your ability to capture nature’s beauty simply and artistically, with your own unique signature - regardless of your equipment.
Mindfulness and Photography - the benefits
Mindfulness and photography together offer profound mental health benefits while also enhancing creativity. Photography, when approached mindfully, encourages individuals to slow down and become fully present in their surroundings. This practice of attentiveness reduces stress, fosters a sense of calm, and enhances emotional well-being by allowing participants to connect deeply with the beauty of nature. Engaging with nature in this way has been shown to lower cortisol levels and improve mental clarity, contributing to better mental health overall.
From a creative standpoint, mindfulness allows photographers to develop a more intentional and thoughtful approach to their craft. By being present in the moment, they are more attuned to the subtleties of light, texture, and composition. This heightened awareness helps unlock new perspectives, leading to more authentic and expressive images. Additionally, the practice of mindful photography can break creative blocks, as it opens the door to a more intuitive and fluid artistic process.
In summary, combining mindfulness with photography not only serves as a powerful mental health tool, promoting relaxation and emotional balance, but it also cultivates an optimal environment for creative expression to thrive.
FEEDBACK FROM PAST WORKSHOPS
Value for Money: "Most definitely! Well organised and full of information given which will be very useful."
Favourite Take-away: "Rule of Thirds. Being with like-minded people. Creative use of negative space and Christine's enthusiasm. New outlook on nature and photography. New way of thinking about photos. Refreshing on all the ways you can compose an image and different composition techniques. I have taken away a lot of information and useful tips. The sunset tips - the composition tips."
OVERNIGHT WORKSHOP OUTLINE
TIMES: Day 1 commencing 1pm and finishing Day 2 11am
DATES: 31st May to 1 June
INVESTMENT: $225 (NOT including accommodation)
INCLUSIONS: Afternoon Tea, Dinner, Morning Tea, Workshop
PROGRAM: (Flexible and Open) Example below.
Individual and group meet, greet and share on arrival.
Mindfulness circle.
Goals for first shoot defined. Explore property and take photographs.
Individual and group tuition and discussion of results over afternoon tea/scones.
Goals for second shoot defined. Sunset. Explore property and take photographs.
Dinner. Campfire. Milky Way photography .
Sleep
Sunrise photography.
Mindfulness circle.
Goals for next shoot defined. Explore property and take photographs.
Individual and group tuition and discussion of results over morning tea.
Post-production techniques.
Feedback and goodbyes.