Photographic Connections – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, Kim speaks with Kat Mahale about how photographing herself completely changed her life. The conversation explores the deep connection between photography and mental health, and the ongoing process of self-discovery, growth and healing through self-portraiture. The discussion also highlights the subjective nature of photography and the different ways joy and happiness can be expressed.

Connect with Kat:
Website: https://www.feelmorecreative.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feelmorecreative/
Kat's Book: https://www.feelmorecreative.org/whatnow

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

5 Senses Activation: https://www.photographicconnections.com/five-senses-activation

Immersive 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
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 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

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

5 Senses Activation: https://www.photographicconnections.com/five-senses-activation

Immersive 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
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/

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

5 Senses Activation: https://www.photographicconnections.com/five-senses-activation

Immersive 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
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 Ruth Davey, the founder of Look Again Photography. Ruth is a mindful photography practitioner and trainer based in England. She shares how her own battles with mental health led her on a path to discovering mindfulness and photography. From this experience, she began to create her own photographic vision, leading her on to help and teach others ways of using their camera as a way to coping with theirs. She also shares her passion for making photography accessible to all and her love for spending time in solitude.  

Takeaways

• The Look Again training program offers a transformative experience for personal and professional growth in mindful photography.
• Solitude is essential for self-reflection, rest, and refuge, while loneliness can be reframed through photography and connection.
• Living authentically and slowing down are key to building resilience and taking action in creating the future we want.
• Community and collaboration are vital in the photography world to support each other and create positive change. Photography can be a powerful tool for self-expression and healing.
• Creating safe spaces for vulnerability allows individuals to explore their emotions and experiences through photography.
• Photography has a positive impact on mental health, providing a creative outlet and promoting self-reflection.
• Connecting with others through art can foster a sense of community and support.

Connect with Ruth:
Website: https://www.look-again.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lookagainmindfulphotography/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lookagainmindfulphotography

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

5 Senses Activation: https://www.photographicconnections.com/five-senses-activation

Immersive 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
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 interviews Robert Clark about his personal journey into photography and how it helped him overcome alcohol addiction. They discuss the connection between yoga and photography, as well as the creation of Robert's website, Impressionography.org, which showcases ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) photography. Robert emphasises the importance of providing a platform for ICM artists to display their work without judgment.  Overall, the conversation highlights the transformative power of photography and the value of community in the creative process.

Takeaways

• Photography can be a transformative tool for personal growth and overcoming challenges.
• The practice of yoga can enhance the experience of photography, particularly in the realm of intentional camera movement.
• Creating a platform for artists to showcase their work without judgment is essential for fostering creativity and community.
• Open exhibitions provide opportunities for photographers to share their best work and connect with like-minded individuals.

Connect with Robert:
Website: https://impressionography.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impressionography_org/

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

5 Senses Activation: https://www.photographicconnections.com/five-senses-activation

Immersive 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
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

Sarah is a self portrait and landscape photographer based in Canada, who is well known for photographing herself wearing a yellow dress in nature. She shares how her challenging upbringing lead her on a deep journey of self exploration and healing, which she now uses as a catalyst to share her life openly with the world online, through her photography and Youtube videos. She also shares the importance of mindset and genuine human connection, and what her dreams are for the future.

Topics Covered

• Journey into photography
• Her love for editing and creating images in photoshop 
• The Yellow Dress story 
• Going through divorce
• Going to therapy and healing from our past
• Changing our mindset to progress forwards
• Openly sharing our journey with the world 
• Why she started her YouTube channel 
• How a message from Nigel Danson encouraged her to share her story 
• The power of encouragement 
• Sharing her life openly with the world 
• Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable 
• Sharing our story to help others 
• How photographing herself helped her through her healing
• Why yellow speaks to her so deeply 
• Building her photography brand 
• Working everyday towards her dreams 
• The emotional impact of colour 
• What her dresses resemble for her 
• Her interest in femininity and how this will play into her work in the future
• Having deep conversations with others
• Her dream to get married again 
• Making our pain into our purpose
• Her dream photo created in the centre of London 
• Helping other people though our careers
• Being clear in our intentions in life 
• Being constant in our dreams
• Being and entrepreneur

Connect with Sarah
Website: https://www.sarahlyndsayphotography.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC73iAchNebceqyF3I0qskiA
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sarahlyndsayphotography/

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

5 Senses Activation: https://www.photographicconnections.com/five-senses-activation

Immersive 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
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

Christopher James Hall is a portrait, wedding and events photographer based in England who discovered photography during a period of homelessness. He found photography gave him connection allowing him to photograph other people and tell meaningful stories through him imagery.  He now uses his love for photography to help others who are experiencing challenging times and has set up his own foundation, where he works with various charities and organisations to do so. Christopher’s story is really inspiring, being a real example of how photography can not only change our lives, but the lives of those around us too. 

Takeaways

• Photography can be a powerful tool for storytelling and raising awareness of social issues.
• Breaking stereotypes and raising awareness of homelessness is important to challenge misconceptions.
• Photography can provide therapeutic benefits and help individuals express themselves.
• Inspiring and helping even one person can have a ripple effect and make a difference in their lives.
• Providing training and career paths can empower individuals to pursue their passions and create a better future.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Background

04:19
Starting a Photography Business

08:15
Unexpectedly Doing Wedding Photography

12:32
The Power of Photographing People

17:36
Breaking Stereotypes of Homelessness

23:14
The Christopher James Hall Foundation

28:07
The Impact of Photography

29:12
Photography as Therapy

33:09
Working with Charities and Organizations

37:02
Providing Training and Career Paths

38:27
Inspiring and Helping Others

39:25
Conclusion and Contact Information

Connect with Christopher
Website: https://christopherjameshall.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopherjameshall/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christopherjameshallphotography

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

5 Senses Activation: https://www.photographicconnections.com/five-senses-activation

Immersive 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
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

Jessy is an artistic photographer based in Adelaide, Australia, who creates beautiful artistic images using intentional camera movement. She finds creative photography very healing, offering her the chance to have some me time and develop a greater appreciation for the world that surrounds her. Intentional camera movement has offered her the freedom to express herself in a way that she’d never found with other creative hobbies or photographic styles. If you don’t already do ICM, Jess’s infectious enthusiasm may just inspire you to give it a go.

Topics Covered

• How moving to Australia inspired her to begin photography
• Discovering ICM photography
• Moving from landscape photography to ICM
• Her previous love for painting 
• Creating painterly images with her camera
• Her love for being in nature
• Making hundreds of images in one trip
• The unpredictability of ICM photography
• Growing up surrounded by nature in Bulgaria 
• How photography got her through her husband’s illness 
• Practicing mindfulness through photography 
• The healing power of photography
• How we are part of nature 
• How photography helped her learn to really see
• Why she prefers to photograph on her own
• How photography is like meditation
• Allowing time for me time in life
• The joys of having photography as a hobby 
• How healthy outdoor photography is 
• How she edits her images
• How photography gives her everything she needs
• How ICM allows creative expression 
• Being authentic in her work and expression 
• How ICM gave her freedom in her photography 
• Doing photography for ourselves 
• The fantasy side of ICM photography 
• Her love to be unique in her photography 

Connect with Jessy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessy_willemse/

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

5 Senses Activation: https://www.photographicconnections.com/five-senses-activation

Immersive 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
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

Alister is a Scottish landscape photographer well known for his honest and open discussions about the artistic world of photography. Alister love to empower people to use their cameras to authentic express themselves and on this episode he shares his personal journey with us including his life changing trip to the Gobi Desert and how he now dedicates his working lifer to helping others tap into their creative self through photography. 

Topics Covered

• Journey into photography
• Playing with a camera
• Travelling the world for work 
• Moving from play into professional photography
• Publishing his first E-Book
• Being an emotional and empathetic child 
• What travel can teach us about ourselves
• Being happy with our own photography
• What art can do for us
• His love for bird and bird photography
• Pointing your camera at stuff you think is cool
• Creating our own stories and relationships in the images we see
• A period of hating his photography
• The life changing trip to the Gobi Desert 
• His book Out of Darkness
• Suffering from depression and anxiety 
• Creating images using our emotions
• Being open to our full potential 
• How art can be passports for a better future for ourselves 
• Helping others find themselves through photography
• The power of collaboration 
• Leaving behind the generic form of photography 
• The importance of being authentic 
• The subjectivity of photography
• Using creativity to tap into who we are 
• The need for a release 

Connect with Alister
Website: https://expressive.photography/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alister_benn/

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

5 Senses Activation: https://www.photographicconnections.com/five-senses-activation

Immersive 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
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

Valerie is a nature photographer and video creator based in Melbourne, Australia. She shares how having an academic upbringing brought her to suppress her creativity for many years, and how reconnecting with this side of herself through photography, has allowed her to find a release from life's stresses and find some balance from her day job in the corporate world. She also shares why nature in particular is of great inspiration to her and why she decided to start sharing her vision and photography on YouTube. 

Topics Covered

• Journey into photography 
• Reevaluating her life following the passing of her beloved dog 
• The need for an outlet 
• Her love for nature photography 
• Having an academic upbringing 
• The stress of working in a coroporate environment 
• Finding balance and freedom in life  
• Tapping into her creative side    
• Her love for drawing and painting as a child 
• Her love for post-processing artistically 
• What photography gives her compared to painting 
• The societal belief around the starving artist 
• How photography has helped her mental wellbeing 
• The peace that comes with photography
• Being in the present moment 
• Her love for the natural world
• Benefits of being in nature 
• Modern day distractions 
• Physical and mental health benefits of being in nature 
• How photography helps her care more about nature
• Her interest in nature conservation 
• Starting her YouTube channel 
• Sharing her experiences with others through video

Connect with Valerie
Website: https://www.valeriemisa.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ValerieMisa1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriemisaphotography/

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

5 Senses Activation: https://www.photographicconnections.com/five-senses-activation

Immersive 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
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