Using Photography to Increase Savouring

Goal

The goal of this exercise is to help you become aware of the positive aspects of your daily life in a playful way.

Introduction

Taking a photograph requires a certain amount of focused attention and appraisal of one’s direct environment. Typically, a photographer scans the environment for beauty, meaning, or value. In so doing, they may see and notice unique and positive features of thier daily life that are normally left unseen.

Step 1: Take Photos

Take photographs of everyday life, mainly focusing on whatever promotes positive feelings. Examples include simple pleasures of life like a cup of coffee, a beautiful sky or a nice conversation. Try to make your pictures beautiful, creative and meaningful to you. Do not rush through this exercise, but try to take everything in and take the best pictures that you can.

  • Decide on a comfortable number of photographs to be taken on a daily basis. This activity should elicit an eye for beauty in everyday life, not demand excessive strain or become a dreaded chore.

Step 2: Reflection

Gather your favourite photographs at the end of the week and consider what the photographs mean to you. The following questions can be addressed:

  • How was it to do this exercise?

  • How did finding the suitable photo moments go (e.g., difficult, easy, convenient/inconvenient)?

  • What did you feel/experience when taking the photographs?

  • Let’s take a look at your photos. What do you experience when looking at these photos?

  • Is it possible to discover an underlying, general theme in your photos that seems to positively contribute to your well-being?

  • Did you share the photos with others? If so, how was it? How did others react?

  • What can you learn from this experience?

Melinda Hoyer