Mindfulness in Motion: How Rannveig Björk Gylfadóttir Finds Creativity Through Photography
In this edition of Beyond the Frame, I’m excited to share a conversation with Rannveig Björk Gylfadóttir—better known as Rannsy.
She’s a photographer, oncology nurse, and mindfulness teacher who brings all of these experiences together in such an interesting way. Her photography is inspired by Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, her love of water, and her practice of mindfulness, which she describes as a “moving meditation.”
In this interview, Rannsy talks about how she got into mindfulness, what it’s like to find a flow state while photographing, and how Iceland’s moody weather influences her style. She also shares some great tips for trying out Intentional Camera Movement (ICM), a playful and creative technique she’s really passionate about.
If you’ve ever felt the pull of nature or wondered how mindfulness and creativity can go hand in hand, I think you’ll really enjoy this chat with Rannsy. Also chek out more of here work at here website and Instagram profile
Rannsy, you’ve had a unique journey, balancing roles as an oncology nurse, mindfulness teacher, and creative photographer. Could you share a bit about yourself and how these paths have come together to shape who you are and your photography?
I’ve always been a seeker, curious about finding answers to psychological, spiritual, and philosophical questions regarding life and our methods of managing stressors and challenges. My upbringing, which had its share of challenges, likely influenced this curiosity. This journey led me to become an oncology nurse, and eventually, to study and teach mindfulness.
Practicing mindfulness, through both formal meditation and everyday awareness, has been integral to my personal mental health journey. I learned to slow down, understand and accept myself better, and cultivate kindness and compassion—both for myself and for others. This proactive approach, instead of a reactive one, has transformed my communication with those around me.
The mindfulness practice has not only helped me feel more relaxed and grounded, but it has also allowed me to appreciate the beauty of nature and the small, magical details within it. This newfound awareness and confidence ultimately inspired me to pick up a camera, enabling me to capture and share these moments of wonder.
Photo by Rannveig Gylfadóttir
Photo by Rannveig Gylfadóttir
As a mindfulness coach, I assume mindfulness is a big part of your life. How did you first get into it?
I’ve been a yoga enthusiast for 30 years now, which you can say is part of moving mindfulness and gives you strength, balance, and relaxation. I didn’t start studying formal mindfulness meditation and learning the philosophy and science behind it until about 15 years ago. It is a very important part of my daily life, although I’m sometimes still struggling to find the right time for formal meditation practice. My first attended course in mindfulness was the “Mindfulness Stress Reduction” program developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, which is well-known all over the world. Then I learned mindfulness practice through the University of Aberdeen and the Samye Ling monastery near Lockerbie in Scotland. I went there for an MS degree mindfulness study program developed by spiritual teacher Robert Nairn, among others. I completed a certification and a special program to teach the “Mindfulness-Based Living Course,” which I have taught for a few years now, mainly to cancer patients.
On your website, you mention finding a “moving meditation” or flow state when you photograph. Could you tell us what that feels like and how it influences the photos you take?
I’m sure many photographers know this feeling of the flow state and everyone else who is doing something that they love to do and are fully involved with in it. I think if we allow ourselves to go to that state, which means being totally here and now and trusting the process without worrying too much about the outcome, then magical things happen by itself. It’s the optimum state for me and my photography, because I get; excited, active, creative, joyful, playful and relaxed. Hopefully my pictures reflect that emotional state and brings up some inspiring thoughts and emotions with the viewer.
Photo by Rannveig Gylfadóttir
Iceland’s landscape is so dramatic and beautiful. How does living there influence the way you approach photography? Do you feel like it’s helped shape your style?
I think it isn't unlike living elsewhere, such as in Norway, where one can always find something in nature to photograph if one looks closely enough. The shifting seasons here, along with the often stormy, rainy, and moody weather, influence me and others living in this region. There is a distinct drive to photograph in all types of weather and moods, fostering a deeper appreciation for the sunnier, brighter days when they finally arrive. The vastness of this landscape inspires my style, along with the lower vegetation—particularly the birch trees—since there aren’t many taller varieties. The contrast in light and shadow, coupled with the colors of the brown landscape, the green grass, and the moss, alongside the black lavas, provides a unique canvas that fuels my creativity.
You’re often drawn to water—whether it’s the ocean, waterfalls, or lakes. What is it about water that inspires you?
I must have been a mermaid in my former life or just a fish, hahaha. Yes, water is my muse and music in photography. I think it is maybe because it is the element living beings and the earth is mostly made of. It’s fluid and flowing, is always moving and changing, with tides and different shapes, patterns, colours, light and shadows, so much diversity.
Photo by Rannveig Gylfadóttir
Being both present and observant are key parts of mindfulness and photography. Do you have any practices or routines that help you stay in the moment when you're out photographing?
Your question is very relevant, as it highlights the connection between mindfulness and photography. I see photography as a form of moving mindfulness meditation. Sometimes, I begin with mindfulness exercises before I start photographing, or I pause for small exercises between sessions to deepen my connection with my surroundings and ground myself in my emotions.
By simply sitting or standing where I am, I focus on feeling my body, taking a few deep breaths, inhaling the fresh air, and releasing stress with each out-breath. This allows my body to relax. I then let my breath settle naturally while observing my surroundings—seeing, hearing, smelling—and noticing my thoughts and feelings. The practice is to allow whatever arises to simply be, without judgment, and to remain present in the moment. It’s about accepting things as they are rather than struggling against them.
You can think of it like clouds passing across the sky—each one shifting by, one after another. If something feels challenging, you can always return to your anchor, whether it’s focusing on your breath or tuning into a particular sense, like hearing or seeing. This provides a place of rest and presence in the here and now.
Photo by Rannveig Gylfadóttir
A lot of your work uses techniques like Intentional Camera Movement (ICM). What drew you to this style of photography and how do it help you capture what you want to express?
Early in my photography journey, I found myself drawn to creating more abstract images. I discovered the panning technique, which later led me to the genre of Intentional Camera Movement (ICM). Not long after I began experimenting with ICM, I came across the ICM PhotoMag Network online. Through this community and its talented teachers—Stephanie Johnson, Morag Patterson, and Kaisa Siren—I found both inspiration and guidance. I’ve also had the privilege of receiving mentorship from the exceptional ICM photographer Shona Perkins.
What I love most about ICM is the freedom it offers, often working with handheld cameras, along with the joy and playfulness of the process. By experimenting with different shutter speeds and movements, I capture unique forms, patterns, colors, light, and shadows. While I often prefer my subjects to remain somewhat recognizable when using ICM, I also enjoy exploring more abstract compositions and appreciate the surprising outcomes this approach can bring.
And lastly, do you have any tips for people who would like to try ICM photography for the first time?
It’s all about the fun and joy of experimenting and practicing. Like in other genres of photography, only a few pictures will turn out well at first. It could be great to start when the light is softer, such as around sunrise or sunset, and begin by panning either vertically (e.g., trees) or horizontally (e.g., seascapes) to see the results. Later, try experimenting with new movements or blending more than one movement together.
When the light is brighter, it can be helpful to use +3 or +6 ND filters or even a polarizer (+2) to achieve the desired effects. It’s also worth noting that if you’re, for example, a street photographer, you can apply ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) techniques to urban settings, capturing people and buildings as creatively as you would with natural landscapes.
You could look up some ICM photographers online, on YouTube, or on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Joining a supportive community, such as the ICM PhotoMag Network or the ICM Photo Academy, can also be very inspiring and helpful.
Good luck!
I hope you enjoyed this inspiring conversation with Rannsy. Her approach to mindfulness and photography is such a great reminder to slow down, be present, and truly connect with the world around us.
If you’d like to see more interviews like this, along with stories, tips, and reflections on photography and the outdoors, why not subscribe to Beyond the Frame? It’s free, there’s no spam, and it’s all about sharing a love for photography and the beauty of nature. Just simple inspiration, straight to your inbox. If you want to dive deeper into mindfulness and meditation, chek out Rannsy's suggestions for literature, web pages, apps, and documentaries below the article:
Literature:
Brach, Tara (2004). Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with The Heart of a Buddha. London: Bantum Books.
Chödrön Pema (1994). Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living. Boston: Shambala
Germer, Chris (2009). The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion:Freeing Yourself from Destructive
Thoughts and Emotions. London: Guilford Press
Germer, Chris and Cristine, Neff (2018). The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive
Gilbert, Paul., (2009). The compassionate mind. (CompassionFocused Therapy)
Kabat-Zinn, John, (2001). Full Catastrophe Living: How to Cope with Stress, Pain and Illness Using Mindfulness Meditation.London: Piatkus
Kabat Zinn, John, (2012). Mindfulness for Beginners: Sounds True
Nairn, Robert, (2001). Diamond Mind: A Psychology of Meditation. London: Shambala.
Neff, Christine, (2011). Self-Compassion. London: Hodder and Stoughton
Salzberg, Sharon, (2020, 1995). Lovingkindness. USA: Shambahlapublication.
Tolle, Ekchart, (1997). The Power of Now: A Guide to SpiritualEnlightenment.
Homepages:
https://www.mindfulnessassociation.net/
https://www.sharonsalzberg.com/
Documentary:
Walk with me, (2017). A documentary film framed aroundZen Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh and his Plum Villagemonastic community.
My Year Of Living Mindfully (2020) by Shannon Harvey, journalist.
Apps:
Insight timer, Calm, Headspace and more