THE MINDFUL PHOTOGRAPHY FIELD GUIDE
— FOLLOW THE LIGHT COURSE —

3: Why Smartphone Photography?

Howdy Friend,

I realize that mindful smartphone photography sounds like an oxymoron.

On one hand, we have the mind-blowing advancement of smartphone cameras. On the other hand, we’re balancing the fact that smartphones are society’s number one killer of presence—and advertisers’ top choice for controlling our minds.

But here’s the thing. With discipline, we can take a mindful approach to our smartphones too. Each practice in this course starts with the intentional act of turning your smartphone into a camera. Turn on airplane mode. Cut off your outside connection. Breathe. Pray. Let it become a sacred space.

This isn’t about megapixels or the latest tech. It’s about learning to focus, capture, and shine with what you already have. Start by switching to Airplane Mode, saying a prayer, and letting God open the eyes of your heart.

You don’t need more gear—you need more peace.

With all the gear I used to carry—pro cameras, lenses, filters—you’d think I’d never look back. But I did. And I’m glad.

I shared this story in a recent video. If you haven't watched it yet, it’s a good one to sit with:
​Why Smartphone Photography?​

I used to carry a Sony body with an ND filter, macro lens, audio recorder, multiple SD cards, backup batteries. I even tried a gimbal setup with a DJI Osmo Pocket. Nightmare. I kept chasing clarity and control with every new tool. And yet, the more gear I carried, the more distracted I became.

Eventually, I asked myself: “Is this really mindfulness?”

That question changed everything.

I haven’t sold the big-kid camera quite yet. Sometimes I’ll go out with a film camera just to remind myself of what a pain it is. Occasionally I’ll bring nothing at all and just use an old slide frame to take mental snapshots.

But more often than not, it’s just me and my smartphone. Always with me. Always simple. Always enough.

And you know what? I feel like a kid again.

It helps me stay present and creative. It simplifies my life. It clears out the ego. And it gives me angles and spontaneity I could never replicate with my DSLR rig.

So there you have it. That’s "why smartphone photography?"

As we move into the first practice next time, I want you to remember: this isn’t about technique. It’s about transformation. You already have everything you need to begin.

Don’t skip these next steps. We’re just getting started. Your next lesson will arrive soon. Between now and then, consider journalling about your "Why?". What is leading you towards these practices? What is holding you back?

Follow the Light,
Joe

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PS:
I want to encourage you for returning. I know how easy it is to get sucked down life's rabbit holes. Hang in there. The next lesson is going to transform your photography and open your eyes to God's brilliant light all around and inside you. Look for an email soon entitled "Follow the Light."

Take these words in as you take the next right action:

Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.​
​Ephesians 5:14

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Next Steps

  1. Commit to God​
    Keep doubling-down on your commitment to follow through with these practices. Each step is a victory, and you'll notice the difference when you act opposite to your emotions and start creating.

  2. Watch the Videos​
    ​YouTube: Why Smartphone Photography?​
    ​YouTube: ​Got Fuji or Leica Envy? Reconsider Your Smartphone​
    ​YouTube: ​How Does Mindful Photography Differ from Regular Photography?​

  3. Read this Support Article​
    ​Got Fuji or Leica Envy? Reconsider Your Smartphone​​

  4. Before Your Next Lesson
    ​    Between now and your next lesson, consider Centering Prayer, a practice that helps millions focus their minds on God.

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Ready for a deeper dive with a beautiful printed book? Purchase The Mindful Photography Field Guide: 15 Smartphone Photography Practices for Inner Peace.
Subscribe to my YouTube channel for new videos each week that encourage and equip mindful creativity.

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