Photographic Connections

Join Kim Grant as she speaks with Stephen Hatch; a contemplative teacher, thinker, photographer, and writer, as he shares his deep connection with nature and how photography can help us connect with the oneness of life.  He emphasises the importance of silence and beauty in nature and how it can inspire interior love and joy. Much of Stephen's inspiration came from from John Muir, leading him down a path of spirituality and healing in nature. He emphasises the need for a two-way relationship with the natural world and how it can provide support and healing during difficult times, as well as his photographic process, involving immersing himself in the landscape and creating images that make the viewer feel like they are inside nature. 

Takeaways

• Nature has the power to inspire and connect us with the oneness of the world.
• Silence and beauty in nature can help cultivate a deep sense of awareness and transcendence.
• Disconnecting from technology and slowing down is essential to truly connect with nature.
• Contemplative photography allows the landscape to capture us and express itself through us. Contemplative photography involves listening to what the landscape wants to say through the camera and journaling.
• Nature provides support and healing during difficult times and can be a source of connection and inspiration.
• Immersing oneself in the landscape and capturing images that make the viewer feel inside nature can create a sense of depth and immersion.
• Men can benefit from finding their place in nature and developing a deeper sense of the beloved, which can help them connect with their emotions and find strength.
• Beauty is the harmony of contrasts, and nature can help us tap into our playful and emotional sides.

Connect with Stephen:
Website: https://www.resourcesforspiritualgrowth.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestephenhatchoutlook

---

Website: https://www.photographicconnections.com/

Join the Photographic Connections community:
https://photographic-connections.mn.co/

Wellness Photography Weekends in Scotland:
https://www.photographicconnections.com/photographyweekends

Follow the journey
Instagram: http:/www.instagram.com/photographicconnections

Follow Kim's photography journey and offerings
Website: http://www.kimgrantphotography.co.uk
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@kimgrantphotography
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kimgrantphotography

Music by Mark Robinson
Song: A Thousand Lifetimes
Website: http:/www.markrobinsonmusic.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkRobinsonMusic

In this conversation, Kim Grant speaks with Ellie MacDonald, as she shares her journey into mindful photography and how it has transformed her life. She discusses the practice of mindful photography, the benefits it offers, and the connection between mindfulness and photography. Ellie also talks about her studies in mindfulness and compassion, her new podcast called Capturing Calm, and her dreams for the future of mindful photography. The conversation explores the use of photography in therapy and the potential benefits of incorporating it into mindfulness practices. It also highlights the importance of exploring different styles of therapy and finding one that works for each individual.

Takeaways

• Mindful photography is a practice of paying attention on purpose in the present moment, non-judgmentally.
• Mindful photography can increase emotional well-being and self-compassion.
• Photography can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and exploring emotions.
• Mindful photography is accessible to everyone, regardless of technical knowledge or equipment.
• Sharing stories and experiences through photography can create connections and inspire others. Photography can be a valuable tool in therapy and mindfulness practices.
• There are various styles of therapy available, and it's important to find one that aligns with individual preferences and needs.
• Therapy and mindfulness can be taken outside of traditional settings and explored in imaginative ways.

Connect with Ellie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capturing.calm/
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xIfd2XltkhMxqIuSUbpc4

---

Website: https://www.photographicconnections.com/

Join the Photographic Connections community:
https://photographic-connections.mn.co/

Wellness Photography Weekends in Scotland:
https://www.photographicconnections.com/photographyweekends

Follow the journey
Instagram: http:/www.instagram.com/photographicconnections

Follow Kim's photography journey and offerings
Website: http://www.kimgrantphotography.co.uk
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@kimgrantphotography
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kimgrantphotography

Music by Mark Robinson
Song: A Thousand Lifetimes
Website: http:/www.markrobinsonmusic.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkRobinsonMusic

In the first episode of season two, Kim Grant shares her excitement about recording more episodes for the podcast and discusses some changes she's making. She emphasises the importance of freedom and creativity in her work and announces that she will no longer have a set schedule for releasing episodes. Kim also talks about her decision to spend less time on social media and explains that she will no longer upload podcast episodes to YouTube. Instead, she encourages listeners to listen to the podcast while engaging in other activities. She also mentions that she plans to incorporate more variety into the podcast, including episodes where she speaks directly to the audience and explores certain themes in depth. Kim expresses her desire to offer self-inquiry and self-development opportunities through the podcast and the Photographic Connections community. She concludes by highlighting the importance of exploring the human experience through photography and expressing her excitement for the upcoming episodes.

---

Website: https://www.photographicconnections.com/

Join the Photographic Connections community:
https://photographic-connections.mn.co/

Wellness Photography Weekends in Scotland:
https://www.photographicconnections.com/photographyweekends

Follow the journey
Instagram: http:/www.instagram.com/photographicconnections

Follow Kim's photography journey and offerings
Website: http://www.kimgrantphotography.co.uk
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@kimgrantphotography
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kimgrantphotography

Music by Mark Robinson
Song: A Thousand Lifetimes
Website: http:/www.markrobinsonmusic.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkRobinsonMusic

Join Kim Grant as she speaks with Cody Schultz, an American photographer with a love for black and white large format photography. Cody shares his journey into photography and how he was deeply inspired by other photographers, such as Ben Horne and Simon Baxter. He discusses his connection with nature and interest in black and white photography, as well as the challenges and rewards it brings. He also talks about his transition to large format photography and the impact it had on his creative process, before ending by emphasising the healing power of nature photography. 

Topics covered

• Photography can serve as a powerful creative outlet during difficult times.
• Connecting with nature can provide healing and inspiration for photographers.
• Black and white photography offers unique challenges and opportunities for creative expression.
• Transitioning to large format photography can slow down the creative process and deepen the connection with the subject matter.
• Reaching out to others and building genuine connections can lead to unexpected opportunities and collaborations.
• Creating a community and sharing resources can enhance the photography experience for both creators and viewers.
• Nature has a profound healing power that should be appreciated and prioritized in photography.
• The future of photography should focus on authenticity, genuine connections, and a slower, more intentional approach.
• Taking risks and reaching out to others can lead to personal and professional growth in the photography world.

Connect with Cody
Website: codyschultz.com
Nature Photographers Network: naturephotographers.network

---

Website: https://www.photographicconnections.com/

Join the Photographic Connections community:
https://photographic-connections.mn.co/

Wellness Photography Weekends in Scotland:
https://www.photographicconnections.com/photographyweekends

Follow the journey
Instagram: http:/www.instagram.com/photographicconnections

Follow Kim's photography journey and offerings
Website: http://www.kimgrantphotography.co.uk
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@kimgrantphotography
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kimgrantphotography

Music by Mark Robinson
Song: A Thousand Lifetimes
Website: http:/www.markrobinsonmusic.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkRobinsonMusic

In this weeks episode, Kim Grant speaks with Sarah Marino. Sarah shares the concept of conservation photography and finding a mission-oriented focus in her work, as well as the challenges she faced in transitioning to photography as a career. She highlights the importance of teaching and bringing skills from her previous career into her photography business.  She also discusses the combination of writing and photography and the empowerment of self-publishing. Finally, Sarah shares her experience as the co-founder of the Nature First Photography Alliance, sharing the importance of responsible nature photography. She explains how the organisation developed seven principles to guide photographers in being more mindful of their impact on the environment. 

Topics Discussed

• How photography can be a meditative practice that helps to relieve stress and bring a sense of calm and joy.
• The benefits of bringing skills and experiences from our previous career with us when transitioning to photography as a profession.
• How finding a unique niche and being authentic in your work can help you stand out in the photography industry.
• The power of self-publishing and how it allows photographers to have more control over their work and reach their audience directly. 
• How we can practice nature photography responsibly with the seven principles created by Nature First alliance to help guide photographers in being mindful of their impact on the environment.
• How being curiosity and learning about the natural world can enhance our photography experience and generate a lifelong pursuit of exploration of creative practice.

Connection with Sarah:
Website: smallscenes.com
Instagram: instagram.com/sarahmarinophoto
YouTube: youtube.com/SarahMarinoPhoto

---

Website: https://www.photographicconnections.com/

Join the Photographic Connections community:
https://photographic-connections.mn.co/

Wellness Photography Weekends in Scotland:
https://www.photographicconnections.com/photographyweekends

Follow the journey
Instagram: http:/www.instagram.com/photographicconnections

Follow Kim's photography journey and offerings
Website: http://www.kimgrantphotography.co.uk
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@kimgrantphotography
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kimgrantphotography

Music by Mark Robinson
Song: A Thousand Lifetimes
Website: http:/www.markrobinsonmusic.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkRobinsonMusic

Join Kim Grant as she speaks with Canadian photographer Randy Bullerwell. Randy shares how he was introduced to photography by a friend and further deepened his connection to it through mentors he met along the way, leading him to to learn contemplative and mindful ways to use his camera. Through this he has been able to find great release and a tool to channel his emotions through episodes of depression. Randy now shares his experience with photography to support and guide others.

Topics Covered

Journey into photography
Battling depression and alcohol addiction
Others influence in him taking up photography
Finding inspiration from others
Being a child at heart
Working with and learning from children
Discovering mindful photography
His love for running
His love for self-discovery and the world around him
Appreciating the small things in life
How photography and nature helps his mental health 17.30
Creating images in her minds eye
Becoming a more contemplative photographer
Learning how to do photography
Why he saves all of his images
How he feels when he’s doing nature photography
Celebrating the beauty of nature
Seeing his depression in his images
Creating exhibitions of his photos
His vision for the future of his photography work
The power of writing

Connect with Randy:
Website: https://www.randybullerwellphotography.com/

---

Website: https://www.photographicconnections.com/

Join the Photographic Connections community:
https://photographic-connections.mn.co/

Wellness Photography Weekends in Scotland:
https://www.photographicconnections.com/photographyweekends

Follow the journey
Instagram: http:/www.instagram.com/photographicconnections

Follow Kim's photography journey and offerings
Website: http://www.kimgrantphotography.co.uk
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@kimgrantphotography
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kimgrantphotography

Music by Mark Robinson
Song: A Thousand Lifetimes
Website: http:/www.markrobinsonmusic.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkRobinsonMusic

Join Kim Grant as she speaks with Orkney based photographer Nicki Gwynn-Jones. Nicki creates images from a place of flow and movement and shares how her love for wild swimming and dance helps her with creating her images. She also speaks about the joys of being free to create images in whatever way we wish and how she taps into the magic of the natural world. 

• Journey into photography 
• Sharing the beauty of the world through photography
• Her decision to move to Orkney 
• The joys of living in Orkney 
• Feeling into stillness in order to find images 
• Seeing myths and legends in the waves 
• The incredible light and magic in Orkney
• Her love for the light around the solstices 
• Photographing textures and patterns in nature 
• How she feels when photographing huge waves 
• Finding herself again
• Not being allowed to experiment as a child 
• Being pushed out of her comfort zone when she moved to Orkney 
• Putting flow and movement in her photos
• Seeing her bird photography like ballet 
• Her love for photographing arctic terns
• The importance of music in her life 
• Her love for creating etherial photos
• The freedom to express ourselves and create 
• Learning how to use her camera 
• The best advise she has ever received from a fellow photographer
• Learning to break the rules in photography
• Experimenting with her camera 
• Making the best out of what you have 
• Creating photos on her phone 
• Making photography accessible 
• Her love for open water swimming 
• Swimming relays in the English Channel

Connect with Nicki:
Website: https://nickigwynnjones.zenfolio.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickigwynnjones/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicki.gwynnjones/

---

Website: https://www.photographicconnections.com/

Join the Photographic Connections community:
https://photographic-connections.mn.co/

Wellness Photography Weekends in Scotland:
https://www.photographicconnections.com/photographyweekends

Follow the journey
Instagram: http:/www.instagram.com/photographicconnections

Follow Kim's photography journey and offerings
Website: http://www.kimgrantphotography.co.uk
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@kimgrantphotography
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kimgrantphotography

Music by Mark Robinson
Song: A Thousand Lifetimes
Website: http:/www.markrobinsonmusic.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkRobinsonMusic

Join Kim Grant as she speaks with Scottish based scientist and photographer Matthew Whelan. Matt shares how he combines his science interest and his creative expression to help him understand life and channel his emotions following the loss of a close friend to suicide.

Topics Covered

Journey into photography
Using photography as a tool to express ourself
Losing a friend to suicide
Exploring our feelings through photography
Photography as therapy
Studying science as a foundation to understanding the world
How art allows for subjective experiences
Connecting our images with previous experiences
Experimenting with the camera
Poetry as a way to explore our internal world
Exploring ourselves and sharing with others
Art created from the heart
Having a sense of curiosity for the world
Being interested in spiritual development
Exploring our internal feelings and thoughts
Writing in a journal
Looking at our life objectively
Combining photography with other creative outlets
The power of writing
The never-ending discovery of creativity and healing 
The power of sharing our story with the world
Learning from other photographers through sharing
Finding genuine human connection
The future of AI and photography
Connecting with others through stories 

Connect with Matt:
Website: https://talesofperception.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewtwhelan/

---

Website: https://www.photographicconnections.com/

Join the Photographic Connections community:
https://photographic-connections.mn.co/

Wellness Photography Weekends in Scotland:
https://www.photographicconnections.com/photographyweekends

Follow the journey
Instagram: http:/www.instagram.com/photographicconnections

Follow Kim's photography journey and offerings
Website: http://www.kimgrantphotography.co.uk
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@kimgrantphotography
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kimgrantphotography

Music by Mark Robinson
Song: A Thousand Lifetimes
Website: http:/www.markrobinsonmusic.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkRobinsonMusic

Gill is a landscape photographer based in Surrey in the UK. She shares how her fond childhood memories of nature, photography and sailing inspired her to do what she is doing now. She also shares how she loves to bring feelings of calm into her images and why her local area speaks so deeply to her. 

Topics Covered

• Journey into photography 
• Her love for sailing
• Using photography as a means to escape 
• How her childhood inspired her adult ventures
• Her love for being in nature
• How using camera helps us see the world differently 7.30
• How photography helps with mental wellbeing 
• Using all our senses to create photographs 
• Her calm, romantic image style 
• Bringing feelings into our photography 
• Finding balance in our photography
• Running her photography business 
• Her love for the Suffolk coast
• Observing the world to improve our photography 17
• Running photography workshops
• Learning from others
• Doing sketchbook photowalks 21
• Getting to know our local areas 23 and 24
• Her love for showing others the places she loves to photograph 
• Self publishing photo books
• Her love for writing 
• Encouraging others to share their stories about Suffolk 
• The importance of connecting to the landscape
• Her interest in nature conservation 

Connect with Gill:
Website: https://gillmoon.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillmoonphotography/

---

Website: https://www.photographicconnections.com/

Join the Photographic Connections community:
https://photographic-connections.mn.co/

Wellness Photography Weekends in Scotland:
https://www.photographicconnections.com/photographyweekends

Follow the journey
Instagram: http:/www.instagram.com/photographicconnections

Follow Kim's photography journey and offerings
Website: http://www.kimgrantphotography.co.uk
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@kimgrantphotography
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kimgrantphotography

Music by Mark Robinson
Song: A Thousand Lifetimes
Website: http:/www.markrobinsonmusic.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkRobinsonMusic

Join Kim Grant as she speaks with contemplative photographer Paul Sanders. Paul began his photography career as a news photographer. He shares how, despite achieving everything he'd dreamt of in his career, he was left feeling unfulfilled and battling mental and physical health issues. Since then he has been on a journey of self discovery, resulting in him adopting a more mindful and contemplative approach to his photography. Paul's words are very thought provoking and may change how you see and engage with your photography moving forwards. 

Topics Covered

• Journey into photography
• Working in news photography 
• Feeling empty after getting his dream job
• Losing sight of who he was
• Trying to be a landscape photographer 
• Battling his mental health 
• Photographing what brings him beauty 
• Finding his soul through photography
• The exhaustion of not being yourself
• Developing genuine relationships
• The strength of being vulnerable
• The language around photography
• Photography and gratitude 
• Being still and listening to your heart
• The transience of our subjects 
• Collaborating with our subjects 
• Learning to give more 
• Getting to know ourselves 
• Talking and listening to our subjects 
• Practicing seeing 
• Letting go of attachment to material things
• The feeling you get when seeing your image in print

Connect with Paul
Website: https://www.discoverstill.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discover_still/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoverstill/

---

Website: https://www.photographicconnections.com/

Join the Photographic Connections community:
https://photographic-connections.mn.co/

Wellness Photography Weekends in Scotland:
https://www.photographicconnections.com/photographyweekends

Follow the journey
Instagram: http:/www.instagram.com/photographicconnections

Follow Kim's photography journey and offerings
Website: http://www.kimgrantphotography.co.uk
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@kimgrantphotography
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/kimgrantphotography

Music by Mark Robinson
Song: A Thousand Lifetimes
Website: http:/www.markrobinsonmusic.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MarkRobinsonMusic