Behind The Scenes: My Walking The Wisdom Path Photoshoot

Embodying the Sacred Through Imagery: The Creative Vision Behind This Shoot

Photography, for me, is not just about capturing moments—it’s about crafting a narrative, a feeling, a sense of presence that resonates on a soul-deep level. This shoot was an exploration of creative direction rooted in the themes that guide my work: transformation, connection, and reverence for the sacred in both ourselves and the natural world. It was a visual journey to convey the energy and ethos behind my artistic vision, particularly as it relates to my upcoming book and podcast, The Wisdom Path.

The Creative Direction

From the outset, I wanted this shoot to embody the liminal space between what is known and what is yet to come—the place where transformation takes root. The soft mist blanketing the landscape provided a natural veil of mystery, a metaphorical threshold inviting us into a world of possibility. Every element, from the textures of my clothing to the framing of each shot, was chosen with intention.

Earthy Textures and Patterns: The heavy, velvet cloak evokes a sense of ceremony and protection, grounding the imagery in tradition. The geometric patterns of the skirt contrast this with a hint of the psychedelic nature of the liminal space. The soft brown tone of the jumper harmonises with the natural surroundings, creating a cohesive palette that feels grounded and organic. The jumper’s wool texture brings a tactile softness to the images, adding a layer of coziness and approachability. This contrasts with the heavier velvet cloak and patterned skirt, creating a visual balance between rustic simplicity and ceremonial elegance. Together, these textures represent the interplay between grounding and expansion, a central theme of my work.

Natural Light and Mood: The muted, diffused light of the overcast day was a gift. I woke up on Boxing Day morning and got my family up and out to the heath as soon as I saw it as I knew it was the perfect setting for the vision I had. It softened the edges of each frame, creating an ethereal, dreamlike atmosphere. This was not about capturing sharp, stark realities but about inviting the viewer into a quiet, contemplative space where stories can unfold gently.

Reflections and Blurred Perspectives: The use of reflections in water and blurred foreground elements added layers of depth and symbolism. These techniques mirror the transformative process—how moments of clarity often emerge from places of distortion, introspection, and softness.

Analysis of Key Images

The Kaleidoscope Portrait

This image, created using a kaleidoscope filter, captures the fragmented yet cohesive nature of transformation. The multiplied figures suggest the many facets of identity, layered and ever-evolving. The geometric patterns on the dress add to the psychedelic quality of the image. It’s a visual metaphor for the process of integrating different aspects of the self, acknowledging each layer as essential to the whole.

The Half-Obscured Portrait

In the image where my face is partially hidden by a tree, I wanted to explore the interplay between concealment and revelation. The tree, with its textured bark and lichen, acts as a threshold—a meeting point between nature and humanity. This framing invites viewers to consider what we reveal to the world and what we keep hidden, reminding us that the sacred often lies in the unseen.

The Reflective Scene

The shot where I am reflected in water speaks to the importance of introspection. The slightly distorted reflection hints at how clarity is not immediate; it comes through patience and presence. This image symbolises the duality of self-awareness: the surface we show and the depths we uncover when we take time to look inward.

Writing as Ritual

The images of me journaling was intentionally included to convey the idea of storytelling as a sacred act. Writing has always been a tool for making sense of transformation, for weaving coherence from chaos. The soft, blurred framing gives the image an intimate feel, as though the viewer is witnessing a quiet moment of ceremony.

This second image captures a deeply personal and transformative moment, where the act of journaling transcends writing and becomes a ritual of release. The closed eyes and visible exhale represent surrender and the shedding of mental clutter, symbolising the power of breath to create space for clarity and inspiration.

Playfulness in the Field

The images, where I’m spinning and running joyfully in the field, contrasts the introspective tone of the other photos. It came about unplanned because my son started to chase me. This playful movement reflects the lightness that can accompany transformation. It is a reminder that stepping into the unknown, while profound, can also be a joyous celebration of becoming.

What I Was Conveying

At the heart of this shoot was a desire to express the sacredness of being, the beauty of pause, and the power of transition. Here’s what I wanted to communicate:

Reverence for Nature: The landscape is not just a backdrop but an active participant in the story. The mist, the foliage, and even the stillness of the water reflect the interconnectedness that is central to my creative philosophy. By situating myself within this environment, I aimed to show how deeply our sense of self is intertwined with the natural world.

The Power of Ceremony: The cloak, reminiscent of ritual garb, conveys the idea of photography as ceremony—a process of crossing thresholds and creating intentional transformations. Each frame felt like a moment of honouring the space I was in, a quiet act of devotion to the land and to myself.

Liminal Spaces: The imagery leans into the in-between—the spaces where we leave behind one version of ourselves and step into another. Whether it’s the mist obscuring the horizon or the reflection that blurs the lines between reality and imagination, the photos invite viewers to dwell in that fertile, psychedelic space where change occurs.

Art is a vessel for transformation. Each time we create, we step into the liminal space—the fertile, in-between realm where possibility thrives and the journey of becoming unfolds. This shoot wasn’t just a creative exercise, it was a tangible expression of how art shapes and reshapes us. Through the process of creating these images, I felt the threads of my journey weaving together—threads that are also emerging through the writing of my book, the cadence of my poetry, and the stories I tell through my photography.

This moment is part of something larger—a continuous exploration of self, identity, and connection. Art invites us to hold space for the sacred, to cross the thresholds of who we are and step into who we are becoming. It is in this liminal space that we discover transformation’s true gift: the ability to simultaneously honour where we’ve been and dream of where we’re going.

The journey is still unfolding. A video from this shoot will be released in the coming weeks, adding another dimension to this narrative. For now, I leave you with these images—a reflection of where I’ve been and a glimpse of what’s to come. May they inspire you to step into your own liminal spaces and find the art waiting to emerge within you.

In creativity and connection,

Rosie