The Spiritual Practice of Contemplative Photography

Wednesday, May 24, 2023 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM


"When I go out with my camera into the garden, or to the ocean’s edge, I find solace in the images I make of tissue-like poppy petals, or cascading ribbons of the emerald-blue Atlantic. Photography becomes a means of inspiration and reflection, and an act of reverence."  (Ingrid Cyros)

Contemplative Photography is the art of moving through the outer and inner landscapes, carrying the essentials - a camera, a journal, and questions: 

  • What attracts my attention, and why?
  • How does this image serve as a window into what is going on in my life, currently?
  • What is God/the Holy One inviting me to notice?

This approach to photography is a way to cultivate the ability to see below the surface of things, and to find meaning and inspiration from the image. The practice includes writing about the thoughts and feelings that the image evokes.

In this workshop, we will go outside to take pictures, and you will be guided through various aspects of the practice with meditations (to begin and end the practice), examples, and prompts.  By the end of the day, you will be equipped to integrate the practice into daily life, with “take away” resources. Emphasis will be on the creative and spiritual process, rather than the technical aspects of photography. Please bring your smart phone/camera and a journal.  

For Overnight Retreat options, click here.

The Spiritual Practice of Contemplative Photography Day Apart Retreat is part of our first annual ARTIST WEEK at Rolling Ridge.

Artist Week (May 22-26) is a spacious opportunity to spend time with other creative folks who are discovering the divine intersection of art and spirituality. Our basement will be converted into a community Art Studio for the week. You are invited to bring your art supplies, journal, and be inspired by the beauty of the land and the people you will meet as you create during the week.

Artist Week features overnight options with meals (Monday night through Friday morning). Click here for more information.  Stay for one night or up to four and use the time and space as your spirit desires. We will have optional Day Apart Retreats (see below) as we welcome others into our community for the day.

Artist Week optional events include:
We hope that you will join us at the Ridge for Artist Week and enjoy the time and space to create in community. 

If you have any questions, please email us.

About the leader(s)

Ingrid Cyros

Ingrid Cyros is a workshop and retreat facilitator, whose passion is exploring the relationship between creativity and spirituality. As a spiritual director, she leads groups and individuals to introduce the practice of integrating photographic image and journal keeping, to listen deeply and to connect with what is sacred. 

Ingrid earned a Master of Divinity Degree and Cert. in Spiritual and Pastoral Care, at Andover Newton Theological School, and Spiritual Direction training at Gateways to God. She lives with her husband, Michael, in Newburyport, MA and frequently travels to Nova Scotia and Vermont, to spend time with her children, and family. 

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