1st place – Karen Dawe Pioneer River, Mackay, Queensland
2nd place – Juergen Lohrbaecher “The Mangrove”, Palm Island, Queensland
3rd place – Salina Woolley Balgo, Western Australia
The CRANAplus Wellbeing Team would sincerely like to congratulate everyone who took the opportunity to participate in our Mindful Photography competition. It was a rewarding experience to see so many rural and remote health workers taking the opportunity to consider their surroundings on a deeper level, opening themselves up to viewing things with a different or new perspective, and capturing a story in a single photo.
The judging panel thoroughly enjoyed the experience and for that we thank everyone who entered.
It was a challenging task for the judges, who rather than judging an image on the traditional conventions of a photo (e.g. lighting, technical quality, creativity, composition), were asked to consider how the photo told a story of being in the moment.
Judges were asked to assess how the photo considers the key components of mindfulness:
• Intention – choosing to cultivate your awareness.
• Attention – to the present moment, sensations, and thoughts.
• Attitude – being kind, curious, and non-judgmental.
We received so many incredible entries from health workers from all over Australia, making it a very challenging job for the judges.
There were so many entries that truly stood out, captivating the judges with their ability to evoke a true sense of mindfulness that we have awarded not only a first, second and third prize but have made another six special mentions.
Once again, congratulations to all of the entries. May you continue to capture mindfulness through photography.
Finally, we would like to thank everyone who submitted a photo and took the opportunity to be more mindful. We hope these photos will encourage you to consider using photography to practise mindfulness. There is plenty of research out there showing the benefits of mindfulness, specifically mindful photography, including increased happiness, motivation, and more appreciation of life.¹
So, give it a go, relate to the present moment by stopping, observing, focusing and capturing!
Special mentions
Jo-Ann Riley Telegraph,
Fitzroy River, Western Australia
“Remembering to relax.”
Rebecca Voigt,
East Arnhem, Northern Territory
“The picture forces you to be in the present and absorb every detail of its beauty.”
Janice Bartley “Clipped Wings”,
Zeehan, Tasmania
“There is not only beauty in the minutiae of our world, but also beauty in its imperfections. A damaged wing as part of a beautiful whole is still a moth who can fly. A reminder, not to worry about life’s small imperfections and setbacks.”
Meredith Brown,
Warburton, Victoria
“The trees reaching up to the sky as I take deep calm crisp breaths. Each breath I expand, open and grow toward my goals. Clarity being in nature and letting her guide me.”
Annie Denholm “Untouched Paradise”,
West Arnhem Land, Northern Territory
“I was captivated by the beauty of Arnhem Land and was able to not only appreciate its beauty and sacredness but also to be at peace and clear my mind.”
Jenna Matters,
Kalumburu, Western Australia
“This photo was taken on an afternoon walk with my colleagues after finishing a day’s work in a remote community in the East Kimberley. Getting out in nature and appreciating its beauty is our way of slowing down after a busy day. My colleague picked up this rock and asked me to take a photo of it. It reminded me to be mindful and to observe the finer details of my surroundings.”
References
1. Sutton, J. (2021). Mindful Photography: 11 Therapeutic Ways to Use Your Camera. Positive Psychology. Accessed 09 Feb 2023 at https://positivepsychology.com/mindful-photography/
