The Art of Observation and Recall
The ability to observe and recall the things we have observed is one of the greatest gifts we as humans can develop. Before we get to how a camera helps us in developing this skill, some advantages need to be pointed out:
Advantages
Enhanced Creativity: Keen observation fuels imagination. By noticing the subtle details of life, light, people, and nature, creatives—especially photographers like yourself—can draw from a richer visual and emotional palette.
Deeper Presence and Mindfulness: Observing your surroundings trains the mind to stay in the present moment. This builds awareness, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of inner calm.
Improved Memory: Practising recall strengthens neural pathways, making it easier to remember important details, whether faces, names, conversations, or visual scenes.
Better Communication: The ability to recall and reflect on specific observations allows for more nuanced storytelling and more empathetic conversations.
Sharper Intuition and Emotional Intelligence: Observing body language, tone, and context leads to more accurate readings of people and situations, which is vital in coaching and therapeutic settings.
Problem Solving and Decision-Making: Detailed observation helps you notice patterns or anomalies others miss, enabling clearer analysis and more insightful solutions.
Stronger Relationships: Noticing the small things—someone’s mood, a shift in behaviour, a need unspoken—makes people feel seen, valued, and understood.
Greater Appreciation for Beauty and Wonder: The more you observe, the more you begin to see beauty in the everyday—something that brings joy, gratitude, and emotional resilience.
I remember parking the car at the harbour in the early hours. Things were going on in my life, and my thoughts raged. Should I have spent the money on petrol to get here? Could I not have saved it rather? After all, we were running low.” Rain spattered across the windshield as I sat there, feeling a low level of guilt and shame.
I made my way around the back of the restaurant, feeling the cold darts of rain stinging my face. It was not unpleasant, even though I had convinced myself it should have been. There they were, the rocks running down to the water. The waves pounded against them. I made my way along them gingerly, being careful to avoid the green moss. I had fallen before, and it was not pleasant. I had to climb over several rocks to get close enough to the pier, and the going was rough. I realised that my thoughts had ceased, the adventure required focus and life seemed a little lighter. I stood and mused, all the time realising that my head was clearing from an addiction to negative thoughts.
Now I was starting to enjoy myself. Standing in the rain, the waves smashing into the rocks, I felt lighter and even exhilarated. “This is life,” I declared to myself. “This makes sense, this empties me of toxic thoughts, let me stay here awhile.”
As I drove away, drenched, happiness descended. For a moment at least, I was a new person. A very wet person, but one whose thoughts were in neutral and who had been satisfied in his creative being. You might say that for a while, I was a new creation.
How do we turn this into a specifically photographic theme this month?
Mindful Photography Practice – This Month's Focus
Take photographs mindfully — move slowly and with intention.
Photograph anything that strikes you as creative or meaningful. This could include:
Nature
Landscapes
People
Animals and insects
Everyday objects
Observe:
Direction of light
Shapes and forms within your composition
Composition in the frame
Reflect before pressing the shutter:
Ask yourself: "Why am I framing the image this way?"
Consider your focal length and exposure time
After taking the image, take a moment to:
Recollect what led you to take the photograph
Describe your mood at the time
Notice and remember what was around you — sounds, smells, environment
Recall what you were thinking
Ask yourself: "Did my thoughts slow down as I took the photo?"
Evaluate the experience:
Are you enjoying the process?
Or are you feeling unnecessary pressure?
Reflect, Share, and Grow
Post your image on Facebook and take a moment to meditate on it.
Review and edit any comments you made when you first posted it, especially if time and reflection have brought new clarity.
Engage with others by commenting on their posts in a thoughtful and encouraging way.
Pause and ask yourself: “Why am I doing this at all?”
Reread the earlier section on the benefits of intentional observation and recall.
Be kind to yourself throughout this process.
This is not a competition.
You are here to create, reflect, and grow as the beautiful human being you are.
Please remember to post up to 5 images throughout the month.
They should be numbered #Observation 1 / 5 etc.
They must be current (taken in May).
Only one image at a time.
