MEDITATIONS ON GRATITUDE

Next Session: TBA

e-Course: $175

e-Course + Mentoring: $350

Meditations on Gratitude is an online course about using photography to cultivate a daily practice of gratitude. The course is an opportunity to stretch creative muscles, reinvigorate tired vision, and create images that inspire happiness and hope.

Gratitude has been called an antidote to suffering. If we take time each day to consider what we are grateful for, it can open up new space for joy in our lives. One thing is certain - when we photograph what we love, we infuse the creative practice with more meaning and power. This e-course is a lively, inspirational journey for new and experienced photographers alike.

View a slideshow of beautiful student images from the course.

WHAT DOES THE COURSE INCLUDE?

Meditations on Gratitude includes inspirational readings, audio talks, creative meditations, interviews, and a healthy dose of encouraging feedback and support. The online classroom is a great, safe space for posting comments and receiving feedback on images and ideas. By the end of the course, you'll be able to surround yourself with images of all the things you are grateful for. The course is highly interactive. You'll be cheered on and supported every day, and you'll have a lively community of fellow students to keep you company. It's such a fun way to learn and grow as an artist.

MENTORING

If you choose the mentoring option when you register, the course will also include a phone/Skype call with me and a review of your past photographic work, your website (if you happen to have one), or any portfolios or extra images you'd like to share. Mentoring is a nice opportunity to chat about personal goals and challenges and to map out next steps with more guidance and support. Mentoring sessions are jam packed with ideas, detailed feedback, and actionable, personalized advice.

WHAT IS THE EXPERIENCE LIKE?

Meditations on Gratitude is designed to fit easily into your busy schedule. Three days a week, you’ll receive a photo prompt that encourages you to seek out moments of gratitude on a specific subject. Unlike a traditional classroom experience, Meditations on Gratitude lessons can be taken at any hour of the day or night, whenever it suits you best. You can take the course at 3am in your pajamas, if you like! You can always repeat a lesson if you need to, and there is no such thing as falling behind. You'll have access to all the lessons for at least a year after the course ends. You'll likely need about two hours each week to complete the material. I'll be your guide throughout the course, supporting you with encouraging feedback and advice.

WHAT KIND OF CAMERA DO I NEED?

All cameras are welcome! You don’t need anything fancy to take this course. In fact, the simpler, the better! DSLRs, point-and-shoots, camera phones, pinhole cameras made from oatmeal boxes – I have a strict equipment nondiscrimination policy. Film shooters must be able to scan images to share in the online classroom.

HOW GOOD DO I NEED TO BE?

Since Meditations on Gratitude is a conceptual photography course (as opposed to a technical class), thoughtful photographers at any level may join. Students should be comfortable with basic camera operations, and must know how to upload images to their computers. If you feel you have something to learn about the creative process, you’re in the right spot.

““Meditations on Gratitude was life changing. It’s a lovely mix of photography and Zen. Laura is so knowledgeable about both subjects so it was the perfect mix. I also appreciate her quiet enthusiasm and support.””

— Deborah Saul

“Meditations on Gratitude is like being led by a guide to walk through the museum of your own life and recognize the art, right there. I’d take that journey over and over and probably find new gems every time.”
— Renee Taylor

“Taking this course felt like going on a journey, one that made me mind every step and contemplate every step. On this journey, I looked back and reflected on the past. In the end, I gained more courage to move forward. This course will help you connect what you do as a photographer with your attitude towards life.”
— Ning Fan

“Meditations on Gratitude is a personalized online photography course about deepening your photography practice through slowing down, listening to your heart, and learning to be grateful for the realness of life. Each lesson is a little private retreat on a different topic...and each assignment opens up a path to explore photographically. Laura is a fantastic teacher and guide. She shares herself and her own work very generously and is very supportive of each student.”
— Evy Huppert

“I really enjoyed the assignments - they made me think in ways that I hadn’t thought before. I really enjoyed the opportunity to be more grateful and less thought-driven in my photography. I had so many perception shifts while taking this class, it has helped slow me down and be more present when I am photographing.”
— Natalie Beck

“I enjoyed this course immensely! It is not the typical “exercise in gratitude” where you write down a few things every day for which you are grateful. This class is far more substantive with interesting interviews and slideshows that really make you ponder gratitude. It helped me figure out what I’m grateful for and WHY I’m grateful, as well.”
— Lisa Waddell

“My favorite part of the course was the general concept of combining an artistic skill (photography) with a life skill (gratitude). Also, I enjoyed the opportunity to learn from other students’ posts, as well as the instructor’s and her endlessly positive voice. Laura, I can’t thank you enough for this amazing experience. I’m not sure which I enjoyed more - the photography lessons or developing the life skills of a grateful attitude. It doesn’t really matter, because the combination of the two is perfect. I really loved taking this class, and look forward to continuing to apply gratitude to my photography, and to my day!”
— Judith Bender

“It was all so wonderful! The activities were thought provoking, insightful, and they encouraged and enhanced my creativity. Laura’s teaching skillfully and mindfully guided us through activities to enhance our appreciation of ourselves, our lives, and what is truly important. Laura and the group provided supportive and insightful feedback and sharing my photos and stories was always comfortable. I would take this course again and again! Did not want it to end! The course was terrific.”
— Tiffany Couch