If you know me, you know how much I love to share inspiring quotes — and how often I spend quiet mornings underlining meaningful lines in the books that shape my creative practice. In this season of giving, many participants have been asking for meaningful gift ideas — something inspiring to bring on their journey or to help nurture their mindful photography practice afterward. I’ve put together this curated list of my top 10 favourite books, each one influencing the Mindful Eye approach. It’s a thoughtful guide for anyone looking to spark creativity, deepen presence, or connect more intentionally with the world around them.
These titles make beautiful gifts for yourself or for someone who loves photography, mindfulness, or slow, intentional creativity. Each book offers its own way of exploring how we see, notice, and create — wonderful companions for long flights, cozy winter evenings, or reflective moments during the retreat.
Whether you're preparing for an upcoming adventure or hoping to continue your learning after the trip, consider this your seasonal inspiration list. Choose a book that resonates and let it support your creative journey into the new year.
If you're unsure which camera to bring, visit the Gear page for my detailed recommendations.
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For me, photography has always been a form of meditation — a way to step out of the noise of daily life and into a quieter, more intentional way of seeing. In this book, Torsten Andreas Hoffmann beautifully explores an approach to artistic photography grounded in Japanese Zen philosophy.
This book is not about photography but very much applies to it... just replace the word drawing with photography and it will all make sense. This hand drawn classic offers a way to rediscover the world and experience Zen through seeing and drawing (or photography).
An inspiring guide to contemplative photography and a slow creative process, including hands-on assignments, and inspirational stories
This book was pivotal to my understanding of Contemplative Photography. It truly changed the way I approach my practice. It's one of my primary influences.
A thorough introduction to Nalanda Miksang Contemplative Photography. This is another one of my key sources. A must read for Mindful Photographers!
This is one of my early inspirations, foundational to my approach... a thin portable book. An absolute classic from Canada's premiere Photographic thinker.
This tiny book is very portable and contains many walking meditations you can use with photography during and after retreats/journeys.
A classic read about creativity, which I often refer to when discussing the creative process in relation to photography
Very inspiring read about creativity with many connections to photography. I find myself going back to this book, hi-lighting quotes and rereading passages that seem so applicable to my own identity as an artist.
This best seller is an excellent, practical read that will help you to establish habits for creativity and to maintaining a sustainable practice as a photographer.