If you've ever wanted to take better photos with your camera or smartphone but have perhaps been put off by the technical jargon; if you'd like to improve your ability to see and compose a scene so that you feel excited to share your image; if you are interested in trying a different way to unwind and enjoy being in the moment - come and join mindful photographer Jo-Anne Hale for a taster session that will help you connect with all your senses, focus more effectively on different aspects of your surroundings and activate your "inner photographic eye".

All you need is your smartphone, iPad, tablet or camera and a sense of curiosity - and be prepared to feel proud of the images you take! Please wear layered clothing and footwear suitable for whatever the weather might bring on our walk around the common and to keep you comfortable when lingering for a while in different places. This evening session will allow you to capture the famous Cleeve Common sunset too.

Jo-Anne's background

Walking and photography combined are one of Jo-Anne's favourite means to relax and escape the stress of daily life; this has really helped over recent months, when our lives have been turned upside down due to the pandemic. During her previous training in dance movement therapy, she learned and used many mindfulness techniques and applied these with beneficial effects to her photography practice over the years. She admits, "I'm not a technical expert, yet I have won a few amateur photographic competitions with my images, of both landscapes and urban settings. I particularly enjoy helping others get into the right "frame" of mind to see and capture environments in their own unique ways to produce images they can feel proud to keep, print or share."