In a era dominated by screens and constant notifications, finding time to pause can feel almost impossible. Australian photographer and creative mentor Vicki Hannan is offering a simple solution – a way to reconnect with yourself, others, and the world around you – through her new VixPix Photography Visual Walkshop Series in Sydney. These workshops blend photography, movement, and mindful presence, encouraging participants to slow down and experience creativity as a form of wellness.
The concept is straightforward but deeply restorative. Participants step outside, set aside their phones, and explore their surroundings through a lens. The goal is not technical mastery but mindful observation – noticing textures, colours, light, and form. In doing so, the WalkShops invite a level of presence often missing in our day-to-day lives. It is a form of mindfulness in motion, a creative pause that allows for breathing, noticing, and grounding.
“These workshops aren’t about being a photographer,” says Vicki. “They’re about slowing down, noticing, and reconnecting with yourself, with others, and with the world around you.” Her words resonate in a culture increasingly aware of the link between creative activity and mental wellbeing.
Research shows that engaging in creative practice – whether through photography, painting, or other visual arts – can reduce stress, support emotional expression, and foster social connection. Dr. Aileen Alegado, a wellbeing expert working with the WalkShops, highlights how shared creative experiences can boost confidence and reduce isolation. For participants, the workshops become a space for self-care and reflection, a way to step out of the constant cycle of productivity and scrolling.
Vicki’s approach is informed by decades of experience as a teacher and mentor, as well as her own journey through recovery and reconnection with creativity. “Photography became a conduit for me – a way to be present and reconnect with myself and others,” she explains. “It’s mindfulness without needing to call it that. It’s permission to pause and reset.”
The WalkShops are intentionally inclusive. Anyone who picks up a camera – from smartphone users to SLR enthusiasts – is welcome. Sessions focus on curiosity, observation, and enjoyment rather than technical skill. In this way, the workshops are less about creating something perfect and more about giving yourself space to slow down and engage with the world thoughtfully.
The program offers five tailored tracks to suit different needs.
- Men’s Mental Health & Wellbeing – offering a reflective, supportive environment for connection and self-expression
- Emerging Creatives (Gen Z / 19–25) ‘Visions in the Making’ – catering to young people seeking social, mindful spaces outside home or work
- Women & Mothers – including a Mother’s Day experience for reflection, creativity, and gentle recharge
- Nature-Led & Community Experiences – workshops aligned with local festivals, like the Ocean Lovers Festival, encouraging engagement with nature and community
- Cameras Before Scrolling (School Children) – introducing children to observation, play, and creative expression away from screens
All sessions share the same core principle – that creative engagement can be a pathway to psychological wellbeing and social connection. The focus on mindfulness, noticing, and presence is consistent, though the delivery is adapted to each audience.
As mental health challenges rise, especially among young people, experiences that combine creativity with social connection are increasingly important. WalkShops, like other wellness-focused activities – run clubs, ocean swims, or mindful arts sessions – provide opportunities for pause, reflection, and human connection.
Vicki’s WalkShops remind us that creativity doesn’t need to be performance-driven. It can be simple, grounding, and restorative. By stepping away from screens and engaging with the world through a lens, participants are given space to breathe, notice, and reconnect. In the process, photography becomes less about pictures and more about presence – a gentle, mindful act that nourishes both mind and spirit.
For anyone looking for a break from the relentless pace of daily life, the WalkShops offer a quiet, creative space to reset, notice, and reconnect – both with themselves and the world around them.
