About The Mindful Lens Gallery

Welcome to The Mindful Lens Gallery, a curated space where fine art photography meets intentional living.  My name is Andrew Mits, and I invite you to explore the world through a perspective grounded in mindful minimalist photography through presence, patience, and natural harmony.

From Darkroom Discoveries to Award-Winning Fine Art

My roots as a photographic artist began in my childhood during the classic film era. My father, a professional photojournalist, transformed our family bathroom—and later our garage—into a makeshift darkroom. Helping him mix chemical concoctions and watching as negatives and print paper mysteriously transformed into detailed and vibrant images sparked my lifelong engagement with the medium.

Decades later, that foundational passion evolved into a diverse career spanning professional portraiture, stock photography, and award-winning fine art exhibitions.

Capturing the Spirit of Wabi-Sabi and Forest Bathing

Today, my creative path has converged into a singular, mindful focus:  capturing the profound concepts of Wabi-Sabi (finding beauty in imperfection and impermanence) and Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku, the practice of physiological and psychological enhancement through experience with nature.)

As an avid cultural traveler and nature explorer, I travel the world seeking out quiet, transient moments that mirror these ancient philosophies. Whether wandering through bustling cityscapes or tracking the filtered light of a remote forest, my lens is always looking for the organic textures, weathered surfaces, and peaceful atmospheres that tell a deeper story.

Authentic, Curated Visual Stories

Every image featured in The Mindful Lens Gallery is entirely my own original work. These photographs are more than just documentation, they are invitations to slow down, breathe, and experience the world with a mindful eye.