Events
Mindful Photography Workshops & Book Presentations
PRESENCE & WONDER in NATURE – Author Presentation
Join me at the SEAZ Bird Festival this August!
Description to come soon!
THE GENTLE GAZE PHOTO WORKSHOP
Have you ever “woken up” in the middle of a bird photography outing only to realize your internal dialogue is louder than the symphony of birdsong around you? Between the pressure to capture competition-worthy images and the uncontrollable movements of our feathered friends, bird photography can feel more stressful than soothing. With all the gear and technical settings, and the unique challenges of fast-paced bird photography, is a mindful approach even… possible?
During our Gentle Gaze photography excursions, your guide, Susan J. Preston (often in partnership with mindful birding facilitator, Dr. Holly Thomas) will create a supportive, non-judgmental environment with a focus on embodied presence and wonder as antidotes to fear and perfectionism. Please join us for a chance to explore the gifts of paying attention with a reverent and creative approach to bird photography that can be applied to any area of your life!
Please note that this is not a technical workshop, so be sure to bring a camera that you are familiar with to prevent equipment-related distractions during our time together. We encourage both advanced and amateurs to join us. All that is really required is an open heart. If you have any questions please be in touch with Susan on Instagram: @susanprestonstudio or here.
CURRENT & UPCOMING EVENTS
MINDFUL BIRDING NETWORK PODCAST–Early April Episode 2025
Recording of Susan’s mindful photography presentation to be posted soon!
SOUTHEAST ARIZONA BIRDING FESTIVAL–August 7-11, 2025
Presence and Wonder in Nature Presentation & Mindful Photography Workshop
GENTLE GAZE WORKSHOP – SEAZ BIRD FESTIVAL, TUSCON
Amid the escalating challenges of climate change and social inequality that pressure both our planet and mental resilience, Susan Preston’s mindfulness in nature photography workshops emerge as a vital sanctuary for calm and transformation. Artfully combining photography and mindfulness principles, Susan invites participants into a new way of seeing, understanding, and reverent interaction with the more-than-human world and each other. Designed to foster deep observation, creative engagement, and a refreshed pace of life, Susan’s sessions not only offer a path to self-discovery and connection but also equip individuals with the emotional resilience to navigate and contribute positively to today’s global challenges.
PAST EVENTS
December 21, 2024 | LA ORILLA FARM, Albuquerque, New Mexico
The Gentle Gaze: Light in the Darkness – Mindful Photography Workshop
Donation-based
November 8-9, 2024 | GREAT MIDWEST CRANE FEST hosted by the International Crane Foundation and Aldo Leopold Foundation
• Nov. 8, 2024 | Susan will give a photography presentation and a reading from her book BOSQUE, Winter Wings followed by Q & A and a book signing.
• Nov. 9, 2024 | The Gentle Gaze, the Relational Path of Bird Photography Workshop – Join Susan J. Preston and Holly Thomas for a mindful bird photography outing.
March 2024 | MONTE VISTA CRANE FESTIVAL, San Luis Valley, Colorado
Art Show and Book Signing
December 2023 | FESTIVAL of the CRANES
Book Signing
November 2023 | FRIENDS of BOSQUE del APACHE NWR
OASIS Community Presentation (online)
August 2023 | MINDFUL BIRDING NETWORK
Mindful Photography and Book Presentation
Podcast recording is coming April 2025!
June 2023 | THE HAMLET CURIOSITY COMMUNITY
Listening with All Our Senses, Book Presentation