About this episode
In this episode, Neale James walks with photographer Giles Penfound to explore the art of slow photography and its impact on mental health.
Sometimes the most profound photographs aren't made in an instant, they're cultivated over days, even weeks. In this special two-part episode, I walk with photographer Giles Penfound in Penwood in Berkshire, as he slows down to make a single large-format image of a giant tree, a portrait created in honour of a photographer known to us both. Working with a 5x4 plate camera, Giles has transformed his practice from the fast-paced world of documentary work to something more deliberate, contemplative, and rooted in presence. Across two weeks, we explore what it means to truly slow down: waiting for light, sitting with a 'subject', and navigating the mental space that opens up when you're no longer chasing the next frame. We discuss mental health, the quality of light, and choosing a different pace of life in a world that demands speed. This is photography as meditation, as ritual, as a way of being fully present with the world. Read more about our photographic adventures on our photography travel website, The Journey Beyond . Links to all guests and features will be on the show page , my sincere thanks to our Extra Milers, without whom we wouldn't be walking each week and Arthelper.ai…
People in this episode
Host: Neale James
Guest: Giles Penfound
Topics covered
- photography
- mental health
- slow photography
- large-format photography
- contemplative practice
Keywords
- photography
- large-format
- mental health
- contemplative
- presence
- light
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Journey Beyond, Arthelper.ai
Books & works: WHY: A Sketchbook of Life
Places: Penwood, Berkshire
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