finding stillness Through the Lens, Q&A with Jason Girardier

A view from the green welly, pitstop off the A82, Tyndrum.

Jason Girardier may not be a well known photographer, but his work is beautiful and is deserving of a wider audience, as I’m certain you’ll come to realise.

Photography began as a means to capture the beauty of the world, and has evolved into a passion for a busy tech-professional who spends a lot of his spare time outdoors with his family. Building from images of landscape and mountains, to situational, street and portraiture. Jason’s eye for a shot continues to evolve as does his desire to equalise his busy digital-focused life. Photography is a pathway for Jason’s own slowdown and we can all benefit from the beauty of his work.

Art Of Slowdown’s Creative Founder, Andy Oattes, sits down with Jason, and together they deep dive into his mindful approach to photography, and how it helps him to seek his own slowdown.

AO - What drew you to photography, and how has this art form shaped your life?

JG – “My journey into photography only properly began 5 or 6 years ago. However, I have always been fascinated by the outdoors. Even as a child I wanted to spend as much time outside as possible. As my own children grew older, we started exploring the more scenic parts of the UK, such as The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and The Scottish Highlands. Like everyone else, I was capturing photos on my phone. However, I felt the need to capture the places we were visiting properly, and phone cameras weren’t cutting it.”

“As I delved deeper into photography, I discovered a passion for it. I found myself keen to turn that into a skill that I continue to develop to this day. Photography has profoundly shaped my life. It has allowed me to see the world through a different lens and appreciate the beauty in everyday life. Even the most seemingly mundane situations can make a great image.”

AO - What do you think photography can capture that other art forms sometimes can’t?

JG – “For me, photography is all about capturing the feeling of a place or situation. Whether I am in a forest, on top of a mountain or out on the street, my goal is to somehow capture the way a place feels. Photography has this incredible ability to capture the essence of a moment in a single frame. It can convey emotions and stories, in a way that words alone often struggle to do. The saying “every picture tells a story” could not be more accurate. Just by freezing a moment in time, we can create a whole story around that moment.”

AO - In a world full of images, how do you make each shot meaningful?

JG – “It’s not easy to do! Simply pointing and shooting a subject is something that anyone can attempt, and is unlikely to peak anyone’s interest. When I take a photo, I ask myself; “If I saw this for the first time, would I look at it twice?” If the answer is no, then I am unlikely to do anything with it. If the answer is ‘yes’, then it means I’ve met my own standard and it’s likely that others will enjoy it as well.

“If I have published a decent photo, or series of pictures, the common question is “what camera did you use?”. This assumes that a camera is the only thing that makes a good photo. Whilst a good camera will help, the main factor that makes up a good photo is the person holding the camera, and what they want the viewer to see.”

AO - What role does photography play in your personal wellness and mental balance?

JG – “We all run so fast at life these days. There’s information coming at you from all angles. It’s difficult to detach from it, something that can put a serious strain on your mental wellbeing. What photography has done, almost by accident, is motivate me to go to more beautiful and tranquil surroundings - experience the place for myself and capture it.”

“By default, these places have a calming effect on oneself, be it a forest, mountain, waterfall.

Nature photography, in particular, has a profound impact on my mental wellbeing. Spending time outdoors and capturing the beauty of the natural world helps me connect with the world and reduces feelings of anxiety and stress - which a lot of people, including myself, suffer from.”

AO - Are there subjects or moments you find yourself most drawn to capturing?

JG – “I love taking photos of mountains. They are the most amazing things to capture. I particularly prefer when there’s low, dark clouds swirling around the tops of them. I find the drama of them captivating and mesmerising. The size of them, the shape, the power of their presence. Knowing that they’ve been there for thousands, even millions of years and will be there for thousands of years to come. I love the feeling of isolation and wilderness you get when you are in the mountains, especially if you go off the beaten track. There can be whole days where you don’t see another person. It's just you and the mountains. I can revisit the same mountains again and again and never get tired of capturing them.”

“I’ve also recently found myself drawn to street photography. Although this is the polar opposite to mountain and landscape photography, I find it an extremely interesting genre to explore. Unlike landscape and mountain photography, where the subject doesn’t move, in street photography, you have a split second to capture an image when you see it. If you miss it, it’s gone forever. There’s something fascinating about capturing people just going about their day-to-day life. The bit I find most intriguing about street photography is, you can take one picture of someone doing something as simple as buying a coffee or waiting for a bus and you can create a whole story around it.”

AO - What inspires you as a photographer? Are there photographers, artists, or even life experiences that influence your work?

JG – "For me, photography is a way to document and elevate the beauty of the mundane. It’s about slowing down, noticing, and preserving those moments that others might pass by. I believe that storytelling doesn’t always have to be loud; it can be subtle as well. There’s a beauty in the ordinary that often goes unnoticed.”

AO - How does being behind the camera shape the way you experience the world?

JG – “The camera creates a kind of bridge between me and the people I photograph. It gives me a reason to pause, observe, and engage. I find that people often open up when they see someone genuinely curious about their story or the moment they’re in. Photography gives me the privilege of capturing those layers of humanity that might not be visible at first glance.”

“Ultimately, being behind the camera changes how I move through the world—it teaches me to look for meaning in the everyday and to connect with the beauty and complexity of life, whether through the lens or beyond it. It’s a way of seeing that extends far beyond photography. It’s a pathway to my own mindfulness”

AO - Do you have a routine or approach when you go out to shoot?

JG – “I don’t have a rigid routine, but I do like to start by immersing myself in the environment. Before I even touch the camera, I’ll take a moment to slow down, observe, and take in the details — the play of light, the sounds, the energy of the space.

I try to let my surroundings guide me rather than imposing a preconceived idea of what I want to capture.”

“For me, getting into the right state is about quieting the noise in my mind. Sometimes that means taking a walk without shooting right away, letting myself feel connected to the moment. I find that curiosity is my best tool — it keeps me open and attentive to the unexpected beauty in everyday life.”

AO - Is there a moment that stands out as a turning point in your personal journey?

JG – “There were two specifically. I had only owned a camera for about a year. I went out to a reservoir on a really foggy day. There was a bridge with old lampposts on it and the light was just starting to peek through the gloom. I posted the photo on a photography Facebook group and received a message from one of the members asking to buy it from me. I refused to accept any money but said I would send them the RAW file on the understanding that they would show me the finished result once they had it framed. A few weeks later, I got an email from them with a photo of my image hanging in their hallway. It turned out they were from Illinois.”

“The other time was a photo I took of an older chap on a train station platform. It was the first time I had asked a stranger if they would pose for a photo for me. The guy was really accommodating and even took direction from me on where to look and where to blow smoke from his cigarette. That photo got a Highly Commended on a Facebook group specifically for street photography.”

AO - If someone is looking to pursue photography (or any passion) for balance and wellness, what advice would you give them?

JG – “Photography, or any creative passion, can be such a grounding and healing practice. It allows you to step out of the rush of daily life and focus on the present moment, which is so important for balance and wellness.My advice would be to start small and focus on what inspires you. Don’t worry about fancy gear or perfect shots—just pick up a camera or even your phone and begin exploring. Pay attention to the details that catch your eye, whether it’s the way light falls on a surface or a fleeting emotion in someone’s face.”

“Photography can teach you to slow down, notice the beauty in your surroundings, and connect with the world in a more meaningful way. It’s not about creating for an audience but about nurturing your own sense of joy and creativity.”

AO - Looking ahead, are there any themes or projects you’re excited to explore?

JG – “I am looking to take more street photography, but in countries other than the UK. I want to capture different parts of day-to-day life in other countries and see where that takes me.

I have also recently become an accredited National Football league photographer which is a really exciting development for me. I am collaborating with various media outlets who are looking for images to promote their content.”

AO - Finally, how would you define 'The Art of Slowdown’ in your own words?

JG – “For me, the art of slowdown is about embracing a more mindful pace in life. It’s the practice of pausing to fully experience the present moment, whether that’s noticing the way light falls on a wall, or simply sitting with your thoughts to contemplate your next move. It’s a counterbalance to the rush and noise of modern life, encouraging us to prioritize depth over speed and find joy in the small, quiet moments that often go unnoticed.”

Our warm thanks to Jason for taking time to answer our questions. You can find more on Jason’s work by clicking the button below.

We’ll be sure to cover more of Jason’s art on The Art of Slowdown’s up-and-coming gallery section soon.

Jason's Instagram page