The slow living movement is all about being more intentional, present, and mindful in daily life. In a place that's constantly pushing us to move faster, slowing down can be a powerful way to recharge both mentally and physically. The same idea applies to photography. Slow photography is not about snapping endless shots but about taking the time to truly see, feel, and compose each image with purpose. It’s about being in the moment, appreciating the details, and letting creativity unfold naturally.
For Georgina Goodwin, an independent documentary photographer based in Nairobi, Kenya, it is a deeply personal practice that brings clarity, mindfulness, and emotional well-being.
With over 20-years of experience capturing social issues, environmental changes, and human resilience, Georgina has learned that photography is more than just documenting moments; it’s a powerful tool for mindfulness.
“Photography encourages me to be present,” Georgina shares. “It teaches me to observe, to connect with my surroundings, and to appreciate the details that might otherwise go unnoticed.”
Mindfulness, at its core, is the practice of being fully present in the moment, without judgment. Studies have shown that mindfulness can reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional well-being. It’s a way of training the mind to let go of worries about the past or future and instead embrace the here and now.
Georgina has found that photography naturally cultivates this mindfulness. “When I’m behind the camera, I have to slow down and really see what’s in front of me. It’s not just about snapping a photo -it’s about feeling the light, noticing the textures, and sensing the energy of the moment.”
This level of awareness can be deeply therapeutic. Whether she’s documenting the landscapes of Africa or capturing the quiet strength of individuals facing adversity, photography allows Georgina to stay grounded and present. “It becomes a form of meditation,” she explains. “Each shot requires patience, presence, and a connection to what I’m seeing.”
Her work often takes her into intense and emotional situations - conflict zones, refugee camps, and areas affected by drought and climate change. These experiences can be overwhelming, "but photography helps me process them in a mindful way", says Georgina.
“There are many times when I feel the weight of the world and its destruction deeply,” Georgina reflects. “The act of photographing allows me to channel those emotions into something meaningful. It’s a way of doing my part to connect us back to Nature while also finding a sense of peace and hope in the process.”
Photography has also helped her develop a heightened sense of awareness, not just of her surroundings but of her own thoughts and emotions. “When you’re fully present in a moment, you become more in tune with yourself,” she says. “You start noticing how light makes you feel, how the movement of a subject changes your perspective, and how your own breath slows as you focus.”
It is first and foremost about the experience rather than the final image, “although I do take a lot of joy in my final images,” she admits. “It’s about the joy of exploration, discovery, and creative engagement with the world around me. The act of wandering through a landscape, considering the light, and composing a shot becomes a form of meditation, where time seems to pause, and the outside world fades away.”
Be it immersing in nature for five minutes or five hours, this mindful approach invites a state of flow that enhances creativity. The click of the shutter is just the culmination of a rich sensory journey, where each photograph serves as a foundation for further creativity, from digital processing to the final shared image.
The Healing Potential of Mindful Creativity
Photography as a form of mindfulness is more than just taking better pictures, it’s about finding a deeper connection with the world and yourself. Creativity, in any form, can be incredibly healing, providing a space for reflection and emotional expression.
For Georgina, the act of creating images has been a source of both strength and serenity. “There’s something incredibly peaceful about looking through a lens and knowing you’re capturing a moment that will never exist in the same way again,” she says. “It reminds me of the beauty of impermanence, the importance of being here, now.”
This mindful approach to photography is something anyone can adopt. Whether using a professional camera or a smartphone, photography offers an accessible and fulfilling way to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the present moment. Through her work, she not only captures powerful stories but also embodies the art of mindfulness, encouraging others to pause, observe, and find beauty in the smallest of details.
“Photography has taught me that the best moments aren’t always the loudest or the most dramatic,” she says. “Often they are found in the stillness, in the way light touches a surface. And when we slow down enough to see them, we find a little more clarity, a little more peace.”
In many ways, Georgina's success comes from her ability to do what many often overlook - truly observe the world around her. Her keen attention to detail, combined with immense talent and a fearless approach to challenging the norm, has played a significant role in shaping her achievements.