Nature-Based Prints & Wellbeing Photography Workshops by Jac Callaghan

Welcome to Reindeer Moss Photography, home to my online store of traditional black and white photography representing moments of deep immersion in nature. I hope you find the images here relaxing, Limited Edition Prints are available if you wish to bring more of the natural world into your inside space.

The therapeutic value of engaging with nature and creativity is at the heart of my photography and the Wellbeing Photography Workshops page offers insights and information around how I may support your client group with a one off or short series of photography workshops. Please feel welcome to get in touch with any enquiries.

Jac

  • Photograph of framed print Ta Nei temple of Ankor Wat Cambodia by Jac Callaghan, hanging on modern gallery wall
  • Photograph of framed print Silver Sky at Shipley Glen near Saltaire, by Jac Callaghan, hanging on rustic cafe wall

About me

Photography has been a part of my life for over twenty five years, encompassing an earlier period in independent commercial practice, time as a studio holder at East Street Arts in Leeds, UK and periods lecturing. In 2007 I undertook a Masters in Photography at The University of The Arts, London, where my explorations around instinctive human behaviour in pattern making, continued to evolve around human physical and psychological encounter with nature.

In 2011 my photography practice ran in the background whilst I undertook personal development and professional training in Psychotherapy and Counselling at The University of Leeds. My subsequent work in the field of mental health has fed into my photographic explorations around what it takes for humans to find peace in mind and body. In Winter 2023/24 I created Reindeer Moss Photography to synthesize these two interconnected areas.

Photograph of Jac Callaghan nature photographer setting up medium format camera onto tripod in tall grasses

Traditional film photography

I take photographs mainly using my old traditional medium format film camera, a Mamiya RB67 and occasionally a 35mm camera. I prefer using film cameras as the permanent impression created in a photographic negative captures a moment in time where the medium and the environment interact more tangibly, a bit like a fossilised footprint. Being able to get hold of the negative is important to me.

Photograph of framed limited edition print Mangrove Breathing Roots by Jac Callaghan, hanging on a wall in a green painted room with tall window

Black and white photography

Black and white imagery offers an experience of a nature-based image on a level other than realism. The black and white origins of photography may evoke ideas around the passage of time resulting in a vintage feel to the prints. This may be amplified by the visible grain characteristic of some of the films I use. For me, choosing black and white film taps into psychological or subconscious themes.

Photograph of a black and white photography negative image of Ta Nei temple at Angkor Wat in Cambodia, by photographer Jac Callaghan

Experiential nature photography

My main camera takes a roll of film with space for just ten negative images. In contrast to the digital world which invites a rapid consumption of hundreds of images, the tools that I use match the original purpose of my slow explorations. Discovering unexpected natural places is particularly powerful in achieving these moments of still mind. The images which I share here are the end point of primarily an experiential process.

 
 

Wellbeing Photography Workshops

Embedded within my photography practice is an awareness of how interacting with the natural world settles or stimulates the human nervous system. I draw upon my psychotherapeutic training and creative practice to share insights into how the use of photography and by proxy our eyes and senses, can help to restore, re-balance and using nature as partner, potentially see things differently. I offer safe and carefully tailored Wellbeing Photography Workshops both outdoors and in, to suit your organisation’s needs.

Sustainability

Sustainable Hahnemühle bamboo fine art paper

Each limited edition photographic image is printed on Bamboo 290gsm fine art paper, produced as part of the award winning natural paper line by Hahnemühle. The natural line focuses upon producing paper from plants which require less water, which don’t need pesticides and which grow quickly, resulting in the same cropland being re-used. Bamboo 290gsm paper is constructed from 90% bamboo fibre and 10% cotton. The paper is both acid-free and lignin-free. I have carefully selected this specialist paper for both its earth friendly properties and the beautiful natural tone and texture, which enhance the black and white photographic prints.

Old second-hand cameras and equipment

I use the same old traditional cameras with which I have photographed for many years, my main camera being a second-hand medium format Mamiya RB67 pictured above. I aim to repair equipment if needed, on the rare occasion that I need to replace or obtain a piece of equipment I buy second-hand.

Recyclable and compostable packaging

Your limited edition print is packaged with care using recyclable or compostable materials*. As each of the limited edition prints are printed to order, I also take the opportunity to re-use any packaging that arrives in optimum condition from my fine art printer. *Large prints are rolled and packaged in an art tube as standard practice for larger fine art prints. These are currently manufactured with plastic lids. I am keeping an eye out for robust sustainable alternatives.