Practicing Presence: A Mother's Guide to Savoring Life through the Photos You're Already Taking

Your camera isn't a distraction--it's your portal to presence

As a mother, life often feels like it is passing by in a blur. You take countless pictures trying to freeze time and capture the memories, but in looking back find you barely even remember experiencing the moments. But what if there were a way to preserve your family's story while also becoming fully present within it?

Combining the science of memory preservation with photography principles, professional photographer Joy Prouty shows you how to exit survival mode and enter the present moment through the photos you're already taking. With the camera as your magnifying glass for meaning, you'll learn to let go of perfect pictures, embody self-compassion, and rewire your brain to experience more joy in the memories you are making right now. Through human stories, poetic motherly wisdom, and gorgeous full-color photographs, Practicing Presence is your invitation to show up to the practice of fully living.

Joy Prouty is a professional photographer, filmmaker, poet, creative strategist, and mentor to artists. Through workshops and online experiences, Joy teaches empathetic visual storytelling and self-validation through creativity. Her work has been featured in a wide variety of print and entertainment media worldwide. Joy lives on a tiny, magical, and mossy island in the Pacific Northwest with her partner, Donny, and their seven children.