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January 12, 2025 • 13 mins

50 Picture Journal Prompts

Unlock the secrets to a more creative, mindful, and grateful life as we delve into the world of picture journaling. Imagine transforming your daily routine into a tapestry of visual stories that deepen your self-reflection and expression. Through our engaging discussion, discover how simple prompts like capturing shadows, reflections, or even the tale of a worn-out pair of shoes can illuminate the richness of your personal narrative. Explore how capturing cozy corners of your home or your morning rituals can serve as powerful reminders to foster gratitude and positivity. This episode is a journey into blending imagery with words, helping you articulate your story while simultaneously providing therapeutic benefits.

Picture journaling is not just an artistic endeavor; it's a tool for stress reduction, self-esteem boosting, and maintaining focus on personal goals. Through the thoughtful combination of images and words, this practice invites everyone to focus on self-expression over perfection. We discuss the profound impact of visual prompts, which can help overcome creative blocks and foster a mindful presence in everyday life. Whether you're photographing your favorite hobby or visualizing unfinished projects, this episode guides you to envision the story you wish to tell. By embracing this accessible practice, you're offered a transformative journey that deepens your connection with creativity and emotions, redefining how you perceive yourself and the world around you.

LeStallion offers premium PU leather journal notebooks for writing, dedicated to all those who are pursuing their dreams and goals, or nurturing their personal development and mental health.

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Transcript

Episode Transcript

Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome back everybody to another deep dive.
Today we're going to be lookingat 50 picture journal prompts.

Speaker 2 (00:06):
Oh, wow.

Speaker 1 (00:07):
Yeah, so we had someone provide this resource
and we're going to try to pickapart some of the interesting
ones and get your creativejuices flowing.

Speaker 2 (00:15):
Yeah, I think this is a really interesting area
because so often we think aboutjournaling just with words.
But adding that picture elementin there can really change
things.

Speaker 1 (00:23):
Right, and actually there's a prompt in here that
kind of addresses that right offthe bat, like one of the
prompts is to photograph ashadow or reflection and think
about what it represents aboutyou that day.

Speaker 2 (00:33):
Oh, that's a good one .

Speaker 1 (00:34):
Yeah, and I was thinking about that and I was
like well, how does thatencourage like mindfulness and
self-reflection?

Speaker 2 (00:40):
Well, I think in a way it's like a mindfulness
exercise, you know, becauseyou're being asked to sort of
focus on something that's sofleeting you know it's not
permanent, it's going to changeand it's going to move and I
think, in a way, it's like avisual metaphor for how we're
always changing and evolving,you know, even throughout the
day.

Speaker 1 (00:56):
Yeah, and you don't normally think about your shadow
that much, but it is a part ofyou in some way.

Speaker 2 (01:01):
Right, exactly, and it's different depending on the
time of day and the lighting andall of that.
So it's really interesting tokind of capture that in a moment
.

Speaker 1 (01:07):
Yeah, so another one in this section about kind of
everyday moments is about a pairof shoes.

Speaker 2 (01:13):
Okay.

Speaker 1 (01:14):
And like documenting a pair of shoes and the stories
they tell you know about whereyou've been.

Speaker 2 (01:21):
I like that one.

Speaker 1 (01:22):
And so it's like my running shoes have been all over
town.

Speaker 2 (01:24):
So yeah, well, and think about you know all
different places you've walkedin those shoes and maybe you
know if you've had them for along time.
You think about all thedifferent phases of your life
that you've worn those shoesthrough.

Speaker 1 (01:35):
Yeah, it's like each scuff, each little like mark is
like a little memory in a way.

Speaker 2 (01:40):
Exactly, and I think it's a good way to kind of
appreciate the things that wehave in our lives that you know
maybe we take for granted, likea pair of shoes.
You know they're so importantfor getting us around, but we
don't always think about them asbeing very meaningful.

Speaker 1 (01:53):
Yeah, and there's one that kind of jumps into the
memory thing a little moredirectly.

Speaker 2 (02:16):
It was talking about photographing your favorite meal
.
Okay, experience, you know,like really think about not just
the taste of the food but alsothe company you were with, the
atmosphere, the emotions youwere feeling, and to kind of
capture all of that in both avisual and a written form.

Speaker 1 (02:32):
Yeah, and it's like if you look back on that later,
it's almost like a time capsule.

Speaker 2 (02:37):
It is.
It's like a little sensory timecapsule.

Speaker 1 (02:39):
Yeah, so let's move into the gratitude section.
Okay, there's one aboutcapturing like a cozy corner in
your home.

Speaker 2 (02:46):
Oh yeah.

Speaker 1 (02:47):
And reflecting on, like how it comforts you.
So I was thinking about thatone and I was like do you think
having that picture actuallyenhances the feeling of
gratitude?

Speaker 2 (02:57):
I think it can, because it makes it more
concrete.

Speaker 1 (03:00):
Yeah.

Speaker 2 (03:00):
You know, it's not just an abstract feeling.
It's like, okay, this is thespace that brings me comfort,
this is what it looks like, thisis why I love it, and I think
having that visualrepresentation can really
strengthen that sense ofgratitude.

Speaker 1 (03:13):
Yeah, it's like a reminder you can go back to.

Speaker 2 (03:15):
Exactly.

Speaker 1 (03:16):
And then there's one about photographing a morning
ritual that helps you start yourday with positivity, and I was
thinking about that.
I was like well, what impactdoes that have on your gratitude
for the day?

Speaker 2 (03:26):
Well, I think it sets a really positive tone for the
day, you know, because you'restarting off by focusing on
something that brings you joyand that makes you feel good,
and I think having that visualreminder throughout the day can
help you to stay in thatpositive mindset.
You know, like if you start tofeel stressed or overwhelmed,
you can just look.

Speaker 1 (03:48):
Yeah, yeah, or you could even help you continue
that ritual if you see it andyou're like, oh, I didn't do
that today.

Speaker 2 (03:53):
Right, exactly, it can be a really good motivator.

Speaker 1 (03:55):
Yeah, ok, so let's move on to the more creative
prompts now.

Speaker 2 (03:59):
Sounds good.

Speaker 1 (04:01):
One of them was to draw or photograph something
that represents your favoritehobby.

Speaker 2 (04:08):
Oh, I like that.

Speaker 1 (04:09):
Yeah, and I thought that was interesting because
it's like you might not be agreat artist, right, but it's
like you might not be a greatartist.

Speaker 2 (04:13):
Right.

Speaker 1 (04:14):
But it's still like trying to represent that
visually.

Speaker 2 (04:16):
I think it's more about the process than the
product.
You know, it's not aboutcreating a masterpiece.
It's about exploring yourcreativity and finding a way to
express your passion visually.
And I think, even if you're nota skilled artist, you can still
create something that'smeaningful to you.

Speaker 1 (04:31):
Yeah, and there's no pressure because it's in your
journal.
No one else is even going tosee it.

Speaker 2 (04:36):
Exactly, unless you want them to Right.

Speaker 1 (04:38):
Okay, so another one that I thought was interesting
was photographing an unfinishedproject.

Speaker 2 (04:43):
Okay.

Speaker 1 (04:44):
But then discussing the next steps in the journal
and I was thinking about thatone I was like well, how does
that actually help you overcomecreative blocks?

Speaker 2 (04:51):
Well, I think it forces you to confront the
project.
You know, instead of justavoiding it or feeling
overwhelmed by it, you'reactually taking a step back and
looking at it objectively, and Ithink sometimes that can be all
it takes to kind of get thosecreative juices flowing again.
You know it's like OK what'sthe next step?
What do I need to do to movethis forward?

(05:11):
And I think having that visualreminder can be really helpful.

Speaker 1 (05:15):
Yeah, or you might even realize, like why it was
stalling out in the first place,exactly.
And then, of course, there'sthe collage one.

Speaker 2 (05:21):
Oh yes, Collage is a classic.

Speaker 1 (05:23):
I was thinking about that when I was like, well, what
is it about collage that makesit so special?

Speaker 2 (05:27):
Well, I think it's the tactile element.
You know, it's not just aboutlooking at an image, it's about
actually touching and feelingthe different materials, and I
think that can be reallygrounding and therapeutic, and
it also allows you to be reallycreative and experimental.
You know you can layerdifferent textures and colors
and images to create somethingthat's truly unique and personal

(05:48):
.

Speaker 1 (05:48):
Yeah, so you can really go wild with it.

Speaker 2 (05:50):
Absolutely.

Speaker 1 (05:50):
Yeah, cool.
So we've talked about capturingeveryday moments, we've talked
about gratitude.
We've talked about creativity.

Speaker 2 (05:59):
What else?
What's next?
I think next we kind of moveinto like personal growth.

Speaker 1 (06:05):
Yeah, that's a good point.

Speaker 2 (06:07):
So kind of tracking your progress and understanding
yourself better through theseprompts.

Speaker 1 (06:12):
Yeah, so there's one in here about finding an old
picture of yourself oh wow, yeahand reflecting on how you've
changed since then.
I like that.

Speaker 2 (06:21):
It's like a visual timeline yeah, it is, and I
think it's a good reminder thatyou know we're always changing
and growing, even if we don'talways realize it, and sometimes
it's helpful to look back andsee how far we've come, you know
, and to appreciate all theexperiences that have shaped us
into who we are today.

Speaker 1 (06:38):
Yeah, and maybe celebrate some of those changes
too.

Speaker 2 (06:41):
Exactly.

Speaker 1 (06:42):
Okay, so another one that I thought was interesting
was capturing something thatrepresents a challenge you've
overcome.
So what is it about having thatvisual representation of a
challenge you've overcome that'sso significant?

Speaker 2 (06:54):
I think it makes it more real.
You know, it's like a tangiblereminder of your strength and
resilience and it can be reallyempowering to look at that image
and be like, wow, I actuallydid that, I overcame that
challenge, and it can give youthe confidence to face new
challenges in the future.

Speaker 1 (07:09):
Yeah, it's like proof , it is Okay.
So let's move on to hopes anddreams oh fun yeah.
So there's one about taking apicture of your dream
destination okay and writingabout what draws you to that
place.
I like that one yeah, and I wasthinking about that one.
I was like well, how does thathelp?

Speaker 2 (07:26):
well, I think it's about visualization.
You know, the more you canvisualize something, the more
likely you are to achieve it,and so, like taking a picture of
your dream destination andreally immersing yourself in
that image, it can help to makethat dream feel more tangible
and more achievable.

Speaker 1 (07:42):
Yeah, like it makes it more concrete.

Speaker 2 (07:43):
Exactly.

Speaker 1 (07:44):
There's also one in here about taking a picture of
something you want to learn orimprove, and so I was thinking
about that one.
I was like, well, what is itabout having that visual
reminder that's so important?

Speaker 2 (07:56):
I think it's helpful because it keeps your goals top
of mind.
You know it's easy to getcaught up in the day to day and
forget about our long termaspirations, but when you have a
visual reminder, it's like alittle nudge to stay focused and
keep working towards what youwant.
Yeah, it's like it holds youaccountable.
It does.

Speaker 1 (08:13):
OK, so there's another prompt about taking a
picture of an inspirationalquote.

Speaker 2 (08:17):
Oh yeah.

Speaker 1 (08:18):
And then discussing its meaning, you know, in your
journal.
So why is it that combining,like, the visual with the words
makes such a difference?

Speaker 2 (08:27):
Well, I think it creates a more powerful and
lasting impression, you know,because you're engaging both
your visual and your verbalsenses, and I think it also
makes it more personal.
You know, because you'rechoosing an image that resonates
with you and that you connectwith on a deeper level.

Speaker 1 (08:43):
Yeah, like if you were to take a picture of a I
don't know a mountain.

Speaker 2 (08:47):
Okay.

Speaker 1 (08:47):
And the quote was about perseverance.

Speaker 2 (08:49):
Right.

Speaker 1 (08:50):
It's like that mountain represents perseverance
to you in a way yeah and thenthere's one in here about taking
a photo of something small thatrepresents a big goal you're
working towards hmm, I wasthinking about that one.
I was like, well, how does thatwork?

Speaker 2 (09:03):
well, I think it's about finding meaning in the
everyday.
You know it's like okay, thissmall object represents this big
goal that I'm working towardsand it can be a reminder that
even small steps can lead to bigchanges.

Speaker 1 (09:16):
Yeah, and it's almost like a good luck charm in a way
it can be, yeah, like a littletalisman.
Yeah, so we've talked about,like all these, different
aspects of picture journaling.

Speaker 2 (09:24):
Yeah.

Speaker 1 (09:25):
But what I'm realizing is that it's really
versatile.
It is Like you don't have to bea professional artist.
No, not at all you don't haveto be a photographer or a writer
.

Speaker 2 (09:34):
Right, it's for everyone.

Speaker 1 (09:35):
Yeah, and you can really do it however you want.

Speaker 2 (09:37):
Absolutely, and I think that's what's so great
about it.
You know, it's not aboutfollowing rules or being perfect
.
It's about expressing yourselfin a way that feels authentic
and meaningful to you.

Speaker 1 (09:47):
And it doesn't even have to be daily.

Speaker 2 (09:48):
No, like it can be, be whenever you feel like it
whenever the mood strikesexactly yeah, uh.

Speaker 1 (09:54):
So what really resonates with me about this is
like that element of playfulnessoh yeah, you know it's like
don't take yourself tooseriously I have fun with it
yeah, just experiment, have funI think that's when you get the
best results.

Speaker 2 (10:06):
You know, when you're not putting too much pressure
on yourself and you're justallowing yourself to be creative
and to explore.

Speaker 1 (10:12):
Yeah, and it's not just about self-expression
either.
Right Like, you can use it tocommunicate with other people.

Speaker 2 (10:17):
Absolutely.
You know, you could share yourpicture journal with a friend or
a family member and it could bea really great way to connect
and to start conversations.

Speaker 1 (10:26):
Yeah, or even just like to help them understand you
better.

Speaker 2 (10:29):
Exactly.

Speaker 1 (10:29):
Yeah, and what about the mental health benefits?

Speaker 2 (10:33):
Oh yeah, there are tons of those.

Speaker 1 (10:34):
Yeah, like, how does that work?

Speaker 2 (10:36):
Well, I think engaging in creative activities
like picture journaling can bereally therapeutic, you know.
It can help to reduce stressand anxiety and to process
emotions, and it can also boostself-esteem and confidence.

Speaker 1 (10:49):
Yeah, because you're creating something.

Speaker 2 (10:51):
Right, you're expressing yourself and you're
putting something out into theworld.

Speaker 1 (10:56):
Yeah, so, out of all the prompts that we've talked
about today, yeah.
Are there any that have reallyresonated with you personally?

Speaker 2 (11:04):
You know, I really like that one about the shadow
and the reflection.

Speaker 1 (11:09):
Oh yeah.

Speaker 2 (11:09):
I think that's a really powerful one, because it
forces you to look at yourselffrom a different perspective and
to think about how you'representing yourself to the world
, and I think it can be a reallygood way to kind of check in
with yourself and see how you'refeeling.

Speaker 1 (11:22):
Yeah, and I really like the one about capturing a
moment of gratitude.

Speaker 2 (11:26):
Oh yeah, that's a good one.

Speaker 1 (11:28):
Because it's like it makes you stop and appreciate
those little things Exactly.
You know that you might nototherwise notice.

Speaker 2 (11:35):
And I think it's a good reminder that there's
always something to be gratefulfor, even on the tough days.

Speaker 1 (11:40):
Yeah, and as we've been talking about all these
prompts, I keep coming back tolike this theme of mindfulness,
like it's really about beingpresent in the moment.

Speaker 2 (11:49):
Absolutely, and I think that's one of the biggest
benefits of picture journaling,you know.
It forces you to slow down andpay attention to the details and
to really appreciate the beautyof the everyday.

Speaker 1 (11:59):
Yeah, and the power of visuals, exactly yeah.
So what do?

Speaker 2 (12:07):
you think?

Speaker 1 (12:07):
about the impact of like consistently doing picture
journaling, like what if you didit for?

Speaker 2 (12:09):
a year.
I think it could be reallytransformative, you know, I
think it could change the wayyou see the world and the way
you see yourself.
Transformative, you know, Ithink it could change the way
you see the world and the wayyou see yourself, yeah, and I
think it could help you toconnect with your creativity and
your emotions on a deeper level.

Speaker 1 (12:23):
It's like a journey.

Speaker 2 (12:24):
It is.

Speaker 1 (12:25):
Yeah, and I think it'd be interesting to see where
that journey takes you.

Speaker 2 (12:28):
Yeah, me too.

Speaker 1 (12:29):
So as we wrap up this deep dive into the world of
picture, journal prompts.

Speaker 2 (12:33):
Yeah.

Speaker 1 (12:34):
You know, we hope you feel inspired to give it a try.

Speaker 2 (12:37):
Yeah, I think it's a really great practice for anyone
who wants to be more mindful,more creative and more connected
to themselves.

Speaker 1 (12:43):
And remember, it's not about being perfect.

Speaker 2 (12:45):
No, not at all.

Speaker 1 (12:46):
It's just about expressing yourself Exactly,
yeah.
So imagine yourself a year fromnow and you're looking back at
this picture journal that you'vebeen working on.
What story looking back at thispicture journal that you've
been working on.
What story do you want it?

Speaker 2 (12:55):
to tell oh, that's a great question.

Speaker 1 (12:57):
Yeah, it's like what journey do you want to document?

Speaker 2 (12:59):
Yeah, and I think it's important to remember that
there's no right or wrong answer.
You know it's your story andyou get to decide what you want
to share.

Speaker 1 (13:06):
It's your visual autobiography.

Speaker 2 (13:08):
It is.

Speaker 1 (13:08):
Yeah, so thank you for joining us for this deep
dive.

Speaker 2 (13:11):
Yeah, thanks for having me.

Speaker 1 (13:13):
And we.
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