Capturing Calm
Capturing Calm: A Mindful Photography Podcast
How Environment Influences Our Emotions and Feelings with Becky Cross
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How Environment Influences Our Emotions and Feelings with Becky Cross

A profound conversation on how we might all learn to see the world—and ourselves—with renewed depth and understanding through photography.

Welcome to another episode of our exploration into mindful photography. Today, I’m with

, whose journey from capturing moments of joy to delving into the profound impacts of the environment on memory and identity offers a tale of discovery, healing, and artistic evolution.

From Happy Snaps to Mindful Exploration

Becky's adventure into photography wasn't born out of a conscious decision to explore mindfulness or delve into the intricacies of the craft initially. It started with a simple, innate drive to create, to capture what made her happy. This unfiltered joy in capturing moments led her to a job as a school photographer, where she honed her skills and began to see the world through a different lens—quite literally.

“All in the memories of forgotten places” - Photo by Becky Cross

The turning point came when Becky's casual photography caught the attention of family members, highlighting the emotional depth of her captures. A rusty, decaying crane, an object many would overlook, became a source of fascination for her. Through its detailed decay and enduring grandeur, Becky found a profound connection, realising that her photography was not just about capturing beauty but exploring the transitions and stories embedded in the environment around her.

Mindful Photography as a Lens for Emotional Navigation

For Becky, photography has become a vital tool for navigating the complexities of the world and her place within it. The lens acts as a buffer, a mediator that allows her to process her emotions, stress, and feelings in a tangible form. This transformation from a hobby to a mindful practice showcases how creativity can serve as a pathway to understanding and coping with life's challenges.

“Folds in our skin” - Photo by Becky Cross

Through her camera, she engages in a dialogue with her surroundings, capturing changes, exploring memories, and confronting the transitions of life and nature.

This engagement is not passive; it's an active, deliberate process of seeing, feeling, and interpreting the world, proving how art can mirror our inner selves and the external changes that shape our experiences.

The Art of Seeing: Photography and Environmental Consciousness

One of the most compelling aspects of Becky's work is her focus on the environmental changes around her. Her photography invites viewers to reflect on their relationship with the environment, from coastal erosion to the personal histories of specific landscapes.

“If we could see our own layers, would we be more kind to ourselves?” - Photo by Becky Cross

This perspective is crucial today when awareness of environmental issues is more important than ever. Becky's work reminds us of the fragile beauty of our world and the role of art in fostering a deeper connection and responsibility to preserve it.

Beyond the Frame

Becky’s journey with photography is a testament to the power of art in exploring and understanding the nuances of human emotion, identity, and environmental consciousness. Her approach to mindful photography captures the beauty and transience of the world and offers insights into how our environments shape us and how we, in turn, interact with them.

“The tension between us” - Photo by Becky Cross

As I reflect on our conversation, I’m reminded of the potential within each of us to explore mindfulness through our creative outlets. Whether it's photography, painting, writing, or any form of artistic expression, the key lies in the willingness to see beyond the surface, to engage deeply with our subjects, and to find in them reflections of our own journeys through life.

Becky's story is more than just about photography; it's about finding clarity and purpose through mindfulness. It offers a profound lesson in how we might all learn to see the world—and ourselves—with renewed depth and understanding.


You can find out more about Becky and her work on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/beckyrootsshootsphotography/

And right here on Substack:

https://substack.com/@rebeccacross1


Join the conversation and share your mindful photography experiences on Instagram with #capturingcalm.

For more insights and inspiration, follow me on Instagram or visit my Substack at www.capturingcalm.substack.com.

Discussion about this podcast

Capturing Calm
Capturing Calm: A Mindful Photography Podcast
Capturing Calm is a podcast that intertwines the art of photography with the practice of mindfulness, creating a unique auditory journey for both photography enthusiasts and those seeking tranquillity in their everyday lives. Each episode delves into the blend of capturing images and capturing the moment, guiding listeners through the serene landscape of mindful photography.