NEWLY ADDED 2024 Contemplative Photography Workshops and Sharing Groups

A contemplative approach to photography places emphasis on making an inner connection to the subject matter, arriving at a deeper awareness, than when one simply “takes a picture”. The practice requires a quieting of the mind, to be still and present. It often involves a connection to the natural world; noticing what attracts one’s attention, and why; forging a connection to the subject; and exploring metaphors and layers of meaning. Writing is often an integral part of the process.

Introduction to Contemplative Photography

In-Person Workshop

at Nock Middle School, Newburyport, MA.

Four, 90-minute sessions: Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Begins April 24, 2024.
Cost: $140. Class limit: 8

https://newburyportadulted.org/product/contemplative-photography/

Immerse yourself in springtime with this unique workshop that integrates photography and journal-writing to deepen the way you see the world. A contemplative approach to photography engages the senses, with emphasis on making an inner connection or finding a deeper awareness – a different experience than simply “taking a picture.” As your guide, Ingrid introduces various aspects of the practice, providing instruction, prompts for inspiration, and meditations using an image for centering/focus (Visio Divina). The practice itself involves taking pictures and writing about the thoughts and emotions that the image evokes. Instructor Ingrid Cyros is passionate about the intersection of creativity and spirituality, and has led contemplative photography workshops for over 10 years.

• Instruction will include exercises and prompts to inspire photographic exploration, such as “what in my life is reflected in this photograph?”

• Participants will take photos between sessions and share their work in class.

• No fancy camera is required: a smartphone is sufficient.

• Emphasis will be on process over the technical aspects of photography.

• Please bring a journal to class.

Register now on the Newburyport Adult and Community Ed website:

https://newburyportadulted.org/product/contemplative-photography/
Cost: $140. Class limit: 8

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Sharing Sessions: Deepen into Photography as Contemplative Practice

“Noticing what we notice can tell us a great deal about what’s stirring in our souls. ~Jan Richardson

Sharing Sessions: Photography as Contemplative Practice

WEEKLY: April 15-May 6

Monday evenings, 6:30-8:00

Deepen into the practice of contemplative photography through sharing of one another's images and reflections in this 4-week Sharing Group. Sessions will be facilitated by Ingrid, and a guided meditation will be offered at the start of each session. This workshop is for those who have previously taken Ingrid’s Introduction to Contemplative Photography workshop.

Register, via email (ingridcyos@comcast.net) and payment of $50. Please register by April 8, reserving your spot with payment by Venmo (@Ingrid-Cyros), or check. Enrollment will be limited to 6.

Contact Ingrid at ingridcyros@comcast.net for more information. 

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2024 SHARING SESSIONS offered in Groups and One-on-One

“Winter is not the death of the life cycle, but it's crucible.” ~Katherine May

Contemplative Photography 

Sharing Group

facilitated by Ingrid Cyros

on Zoom

Jan 23-Feb20

Tues Eves 6:30-8:00 PM

As winter seems to dawdle on, we will consider (and photograph) what lies latent, and what begins to awaken at the threshold of spring. Deepen into the practice of contemplative photography through sharing of one another's images and reflections in this 5-week Sharing Group. Sessions will be facilitated by Ingrid, and a guided meditation will be offered at the start of each session.

I hope you can join me, beginning on January 23rd, to welcome the graces of this season!

Warmly, Ingrid

Register, via email (ingridcyos@comcast.net) and payment of $100 for 5 meetings. Registration is now open, and you may reserve your spot with payment by Venmo (@Ingrid-Cyros), or check. Enrollment will be limited to 8.

One-on-one individualized sessions, for a deeper dive into your photography and contemplative practice may be scheduled, at your convenience. Contact Ingrid for your first complimentary session.

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Images convey meaning, and each person has a unique way of seeing. A photo can be revealing and serve as a portal into our ever-unfolding life story.  

In groups, or one-on-one, I teach the contemplative practice of integrating photography, and journal keeping to cultivate the ability to see below the surface, and to make meaning out of experience. The practice itself involves taking a picture and writing about the thoughts and feelings that the image evokes. I guide you through various aspects of the practice (including meditations to begin and end the practice), so that by the end of the session(s), you are equipped to integrate the practice into daily life. Prompts such as “What is going on in my life that I can express through this particular image?” will be provided, as well as take-away exercises. Participants will be encouraged to share their work/art, in week two and three. 

Emphasis will be on the creative and contemplative process, rather than the technical aspects of photography. You do not have to have photography training, and no fancy camera is required: an iPhone is sufficient.   

Photography as Pilgrimage

“A great traveler…is a kind of introspective; as she covers the ground outwardly, so she advances fresh interpretations of herself inwardly.”  P. Cousineau

We are so restless…our minds are always elsewhere… we forget to make time to stop, pay attention, and listen. Showing up for a daily practice, such as photography, and writing in a journal, enables us to travel introspectively to a dwelling place where we unwind, and allow things to unfold, with “fresh interpretations” of life.

Inspired by photographs and meditations I created on recent Irish pilgrimage, together we will explore the Celtic threshold spaces, wild edges, and “thin places”. With provided writing prompts, you might be moved to integrate Celtic themes into your own photographic and journaling practice.

Join me this September 2022, on Zoom

for six consecutive Monday evenings

Sept 5- Oct 10 7:00-8:30 PM.

Together, we will further deepen into writing with images.

Enrollment will be limited to 8 participants, for ample time to share one another’s work.

Contact Ingrid to register, or to have a conversation about how you might integrate photography into your own personal spiritual practice: ingridcyros@comcast.net 

“Ingrid’s workshops provide a comfortable and supportive space for contemplative photographers to share their photography and personal insights. Through these group meetings I have received inspiration and encouragement.” ~workshop participant

“I liked the community, Ingrid’s gentle tending and facilitating, and the accountability to do a spiritual practice. I like how there is freedom to do the presentations as one desires, within some loose guidelines. I also liked the size of the group - not too overwhelming.” ~Susan, program participant

PREVIOUS ON-LINE WORKSHOP GROUPS:

I invite you to a Wintertime offering…

Contemplative Photography and Writing:“Patterns Emerging”

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A snowy landscape foretells of a shift in season…and emerging new year. It is a blank white canvas.

Within the shift of year and season, patterns shift within our lives, as well.

What would it mean to listen into the deep wisdom of winter? 

In no other season, no other time of year, can you vividly see the “bones” of the tree. In winter, we are offered clarity. It’s breathtaking.

Together, let us savor winter’s invitation to an inner respite, 

and to listen into the deep wisdom of winter.

Join me on January 10th,

for six consecutive Monday evenings, from 6:45*/7:00-8:30

Together, we will deepen into writing with images, 

within a community of practice.  

CHANGING PATTERNS

Beginning October 25, 2021 @ 7 PM

As Autumn swirls in

and sun takes a step back, 

all that scurries,

and all that is green, 

is lulled to sleep.

And something within us slows…

And stirs.

For those of you who long for an extended offering, and to share your work within the intimacy of a small group, join me for a 6-week workshop, via Zoom:

Contemplative Photography and Journaling: Changing Patterns

Together we will focus on what is stirring, this season.

Beginning October 25th at 7-8:30 PM

Six 90-minute sessions

For more information, contact Ingrid: ingridcyros@comcast.net.

Intro to Contemplative Photography: May 4, 11, 18 (Tuesday evenings) 6:30 - 8:30

Offered through the Newburyport Adult Community Education Forum. Register at: https://newburyportadulted.org/product/contemplative-photography/

Images convey meaning, and each person has a unique way of seeing. A photo can be revealing and serve as a portal into our ever-unfolding life narrative. 

I will lead you through a contemplative practice of integrating photography, poetry, and journal keeping as a way to find stillness in the midst of life’s transitions.  

In groups, or one-on-one, I teach this creative process to cultivate the ability to see below the surface, and to make meaning out of experience. The practice itself involves taking a picture a day and writing about the thoughts and feelings that the image evokes. I guide you through various aspects of the practice (including meditations to begin and end the practice), so that by the end of the session(s), you are equipped to integrate the practice into daily life. Prompts such as “What is going on in my life that I can express through this particular image?” will be provided, as well as take-away exercises. Emphasis will be on the creative and spiritual process over the technical aspects of photography. You do not have to be an artist, and no fancy camera is required: an iPhone is sufficient.

Contact information: ingridcyros@comcast.net

Honoring the Edges of This Past Year

A Contemplative Photography Workshop (via zoom): May 25, June 1, 8; 6:30 PM

Offered through Rolling Ridge Retreat and Conference Center

https://www.rollingridge.org/event/contemplative-photography-honoring-the-edges-of-this-past-year-15207877

This year is marked by losses put “on hold”. And while grief is universal, there are individual contours in the way we encounter and express it. The arts offer us a means explore the depth of experience.  Photography can open a channel for our feelings and thoughts to flow, and as a spiritual practice it serves as a beautiful pathway for spiritual growth.  This time is pregnant with meaning.

I will lead you through a contemplative practice of integrating photography with journal-keeping to cultivate the ability to see beneath the surface, make meaning out of experience, and connect to that which is sacred.

The practice itself involves taking a picture a day (or several days during a week), for three weeks:  We will give the picture(s) a title, date, and place, and write about the thoughts and feelings evoked. Emphasis will be on the artistic and spiritual process rather than technical aspects of photography. No fancy camera required: an Iphone is sufficient.

By bringing images and words to share (via weekly Zoom gatherings), you may share your own unfolding journey, and help others to know that they are not alone during this complex time. That has been my own experience, and it made all the difference.

To register:

https://www.rollingridge.org/event/contemplative-photography-honoring-the-edges-of-this-past-year-15207877

A FOCUS ON BEAUTY

What makes someone or something beautiful? 

True beauty orients us, as it draws our attention, beckons us to gaze, to realize, to open. Beautiful art has room for moments that are not put-together perfect, but often unpolished and unfinished, or even broken.

Come explore the awe-inducing aspects of beauty as we journey together this fall for a three-week exploration of beauty through the lens of camera, journal writing, poetry, and sacred text.  Ingrid Cyros will demonstrate and discuss ways to integrate photography, and journal-keeping through a daily practice of taking/using pictures and writing in a journal, to deepen the way of seeing beauty in the world. Contemplative Photography focuses makes the connection between meaning and personal experience, and in that sense the emphasis is on the process rather than the technical aspects of photography. Writing prompts, meditations, and “ take away” resources will be provided. No fancy camera is needed (iPhone is sufficient);  Have a journal with you.  Participants will take photos between sessions, and will be encouraged to share their work.