Photography as Therapy
I have been an amateur photography enthusiast since 1997 when my uncle introduced me to the joys of a Canon SLR. Over the years photography has provided an opportunity to continually learn and hone various skills related to photography as well as a social outlet.
Photography can be a solo activity, and I often go out on photo walks alone and in fact enjoy the solitude as an introvert. However, everyone needs a sense of community and meeting other photographers to take photos together, talk shop, and enjoy a drink or meal together is also a very enlightening and enjoyable way to pass time.
Another way that photography acts as therapy is the physical exercise. There are many scientific studies pointing to the benefits of regular exercise for both physical and mental health:
Regular exercise has many mental health and emotional benefits too. It can help you:
- Gain confidence. Meeting exercise goals or challenges, even small ones, can boost your self-confidence. Getting in shape also can make you feel better about how you look.
- Get more social interaction. Exercise and physical activity may give you the chance to meet or socialize with others. Just sharing a friendly smile or greeting as you walk around your neighborhood can help your mood.
- Cope in a healthy way. Doing something positive to manage depression or anxiety is a healthy coping strategy. Trying to feel better by drinking alcohol, dwelling on how you feel, or hoping depression or anxiety will go away on its own can lead to worsening symptoms.
I go out for 3-5 hour photo walks at least once a week and often twice. A few weeks ago, I fractured my heel and have been unable to go out on any walks at all. Since then I've felt cooped up and have gotten a bad case of cabin fever. The lack of exercise and inability to to go outside has definitely impacted my emotional state. One can only watch so much Netflix and doom scroll on social media without going stir crazy.
R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant. I got this shot on a 20 minute walk, which was about 5 minutes more than my fractured heel could handle. But it was well worth the drive and effort.
Fortunately I'm starting to feel more mobile and was even able to get out for a brief walk this past weekend and took the photo above.
Socializing
I am a self employed web developer and have been working from home since 2013. I love being self employed and working from home. The downside to self-employment especially as a one-man shop working from home is the social isolation. I love my family but it's important to be able to talk to people other than family members especially people who share the same hobbies that you do.
One way I do that is to be part of various photography groups local to my city. I'm part of a couple of Facebook and Discord groups where there are regular group photo walks.
Photographers on a group photo walk.
Meeting other photographers is good for my social life, but it also helps me to improve my skills as a photographer. Whenever I am out with another photographer, whether as a group or my regular walking buddy, it's fun to see what they notice that I do not. Sometimes I may even take the same shot in the moment, but often I make a mental note and look at similar shots for the future.
Learning mostly comes from shop talk and chimping over drinks during a break from the walk. This provides an opportunity to hear what other photographers are doing and why. Additionally when you explain an idea or concept to the group it improves your understanding of it. One of the best ways to learn is to teach.
Physical activity, socializing, and learning keep the brain active and engaged which is shown to improve mental health. So get out there, do photography, and enjoy the side benefits of your hobby.