Month: October 2019

Considered as footprints of one’s mind, photos hold the silent stillness that reflects memories that a person holds dear. Many people benefit from therapeutic photography as it opens their eyes to the beauty of every moment that they are in. How does Photo Therapy work? Let’s learn more about  Photo Therapy.

All About Therapeutic Photography

Gazing at the photo, people automatically, spontaneously create prolific meanings based on what they see and not necessarily what the photographer initially intended it to be. For this reason, any photo is open to interpretation.

Therefore, an individual’s reactions to snapshots and to photography are considered unique because they can reveal a great deal about themselves if the right kinds of questions are asked. It allows people to know each other.

Understanding What Lies Behind The Images

As “mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being, it affects how we think, feel, and act.” Catherine Cleveland M.S., LMHC-P explains.

This concept of this approach depicts why the majority of people keep snapshot memorabilia to have something to look back to whenever they feel the need to go down memory lane. Here, the photos are frozen bridges for exploring, communicating, and accessing memories and feelings, along with resurfacing any long-forgotten, deeply-buried issues that can initiate meaningful thoughts and feelings.

How Amazing Is Photography?

During therapeutic photography sessions, the individual photos are used and shown to serve as tangible and symbolic transitional objects that quietly offer more profound insight in a manner that words alone cannot thoroughly deconstruct or represent.

With a trained therapist’s guidance, therapeutic photography techniques are implemented by allowing clients to explore their family albums and take out images that mean something to them. There is potential information ingrained in every photo, which can be used to precipitate and focus the treatment dialogue.

Considering phototherapy

Now that one is aware of the simplified principles of photography of therapeutic type, what can people expect during every therapeutic photography treatment session?

During photography sessions, images are not only passively shown in silent reverie but are also:

 

• Created during or after meetings
• Listened to and talked about
• Integrated into other treatment modalities

The majority of these techniques done with the photo allow individuals to have a better understanding and reach, wherein they can comfortably and efficiently express portions of themselves in a manner that was not previously deemed possible.

Therapists On PhotoTherapy

Therapists can utilize the therapeutic type of photography in treating their patients, particularly those who love taking pictures and find it nurturing or therapeutic.

Take note that the primary role of a therapist in this treatment is to support and encourage the person’s discoveries and at the same time explore personal images and interact in a healthy, non-intrusive manner.

Finals Thoughts And Takeaways To Consider

Therapeutic photography is not about them interpreting images for their clients, but it is a therapeutic modality that gives people the opportunity to explore what the images mean and how these images impact or change their lives.

Therapeutic photography can be learned. If you love taking pictures, try the therapeutic way!

 

Photography, what entails practicing photography? What does it take to be a great photographer? Let’s learn more about this interesting hobby.

For years, photography has been present to deliver photos, images and events that represent emotions like fear, happiness, sadness, and love.

While it is done for numerous reasons – photo as a hobby or a way of living – there are those who consider photography as a way to preserve their sanity and cope with life’s daily struggles.  Currently, the number of photography fans is emerging, and more are eager to learn photography, mainly for expression and escape. Photography not only makes people feel relaxed but photography also has a way of purging negativities from their thoughts; because of this, counseling has advised photography as a therapeutic hobby to keep the mind and feelings at bay.

About Photography:

Happiness In Photography

How Does It Lead To Inner Happiness?

Studies have shown that photos increase internal happiness. How does photography do this?

According to Dr. Chantal Gagnon Ph.D. LMHC, “Happy people do things differently. They make their emotional well-being a priority and practice daily and weekly habits that help them create joy, happiness, and satisfaction in their lives.” With that, any hobby can beseech happiness; this is the same with photography. Photography provides an artistic outlet that is distinctly different from other types of art therapies like writing, painting, or drawing. Instead of creating or building something out of nothing, the person doing photography can immediately seize the moment that resonates with them and put it in a still frame. Doing photography for what you find inspiring or captivating and putting it in print or just marveling at the result can initiate joy and satisfaction. That is how photography evokes happiness.

How Does It Work With Meditation?

Photography increases your connection with nature. How does photography do just that?

Photography is not merely a point-and-shoot process; photography goes beyond the usual individual and group snaps. People who are engaged in photography have found that it can be meditative. When doing photography, photography experts have to dig deep within themselves to realize what angle or locations would serve best to get the optimum results. Photography pros must be focused, calm, and mentally aware all the time to internalize and trigger the brain to be more intertwined with the surroundings. Because as Dr. Carlene Taylor, LMHC, LPC, CPCS, NCC said, “Nature-based/experiential interventions produce increased treatment success more rapidly than traditional talk approaches.” Many photography experts do believe in the benefits of photo-taking, saying that photos provide improvement in almost anyone who wants positive change.

 

Photog taking Increases Self-Confidence

Being skilled in a particular endeavor (photography in this case) is a significant way to increase one’s self-confidence and self-esteem. However, there’s something uniquely special about photography when it comes to gaining copious amounts of self-regard due to the ideals and principles that surround photography. Photography is an expression, not only of one’s skills and talent but also of one’s soul.

In Dr. Nikki Martinez, Psy.D. blog, she says, “If you are struggling with low self-esteem, it is encouraged that you seek some type of help and support to work through this issue, and to help you be the best version of yourself that you can be.” Photography can help in this.

The moment you’ve managed to do photography sessions for something that means something to you can significantly boost your confidence.

It is during times when people react and impart their feelings about your work is what makes photography more meaningful because of the notion that it is the art that connects people who have experienced the same circumstances and emotions.

Photography Heals The Mind And Soul

A lot of photography experts have ventured into life and found that learning how to get the perfect photo is more therapeutic than going into weekly sessions or drinking medications. But just because photography works for them, it may or may not work for you; it’s a matter of finding out what treatment modality you feel most comfortable with and finding a way to hone or nurture the interest. Photography might pique your interest.

Photography

Source: pexels.com

Takeaway

Photography heals the mind and the soul by calming the negatives and welcoming the positives. While there are photographers who have subjected their entire lives to taking photos and making a living out of it, there are those who do it during their free time as a form of stress reliever and a way to delete the day’s toxicity. Photography is a great energy booster indeed.

 

 

 

Throwback Thursday is a popular way to reminisce about the good old days. People would post a photo online, usually Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, with the caption or hashtag “ThrowbackThursday.” These are pictures of them when they were little, an old place that meant a lot, a doodle that used to symbolize something, a letter, or old clothes and stuff that are sentimental.

 

People would usually look forward to the future, not the past. What are the subconscious reasons why people are so fond of throwbacks?

 

Why Do People Love Throwback Thursday?

 

1. Feeling Nostalgic

 

When we go to our old stuff and see some old family photos, there’s a certain feeling that sparks within us. It brings back memories of happy moments we had with the people who matter to us a lot. It is a way of reminiscing and looking back at how great life was.

 

Looking at our throwback photos makes us feel sentimental in a meaningful way. It makes us remember our childhood and teenage days when life was happy and carefree. Adult people tend to wish for these days to come back, even just for a second.

 

2. Looking Back On Our Dreams

 

Having a glimpse better, like when you see an old photo of you playing the piano. It could be a reminder of your dream of being a musician. It could somehow awaken your desire of actually being good at it and start doing something to make it happen.

 

 

Maybe you had a dream of putting up your own pastry house, and you see an old photo of you and your mom baking. It could be an inspiration and motivation to start pursuing what you love. That is if you haven’t yet, but if you already have, throwback photos remind us that every success comes from a small beginning.

 

3. Following Trend

 

Since posting throwback photos became popular nowadays, it wouldn’t hurt posting one of your own. Following the trend can improve our social skills, especially now that social media is the new place to hang out.

 

Posting your throwback photos online can show your softer side. It could tell the people who used to be a part of your life that you treasure those moments together and that you value whatever memories you had with them.

 

4. Embracing Change

 

Sharing photos is easier today. In fact, taking photos is easier! Back in the days, it could cost so much just to have your family photo taken, and it could be only twice in one’s lifetime. The technology nowadays has made it possible for us to have our sure taken twice in a minute or maybe more!

 

 

Throwback Thursday is a way for us to connect to the old us. It can be a good or bad thing, but it is always exciting and worthwhile. Our past is a part of our lives that made us who we are and where we are today. There is nothing wrong with loving the throwbacks. It is one way to appreciate and be grateful for the life we had.

 

 

 

 

Some people go crazy at taking pictures, to the point that they turn a pastime into a way of life. Many social media stars rose to fame due to the incredible photos they post online on a regular basis. Were they all taken with a regular camera phone? Nope – a lot of them use professional gadgets and perhaps hire folks to capture the shots for them.

On the other hand, some individuals would much rather stay out of frame. It isn’t because they have flaws they don’t want everybody else to see. Often, the reason is that they are camera-shy and they assume they aren’t photogenic enough to be the subject of still images.

If you’re more like the latter, you surely know how this shyness can bring your loved ones’ mood down. Instead of joining group pictures, for instance, you pretend to need a quick bathroom break, and then only come out when the photo op is over. Or, in case they manage to pull you out, you either cover half of your face or put on an awkward expression.
Although no one can or should underestimate your anxiety around cameras, remember that images are great remembrances you can keep for life. If you wish to chuck out this problem, here are some tips on how to stop being a camera-shy individual.

 

Overcome Your Fear

My initial advice is to take that first selfie, in case you haven’t at this point. Considering you have, and yet you still feel uneasy about having your photos captured, then just continue doing it or ask a friend to do it for you to let go of the fear.

 

 

 

 

Get Comfortable

Another source of worry for many folks is that they may look too skinny, fat, underdressed, or dolled up in the picture. Because of that, you should only wear an ensemble you don’t mind being caught in anytime.

 

Forget Past, Present Or Future Haters

Beauty standards can also make someone anxious. If you were – or are – a victim of bullying or body-shaming, whether online or not, you may quickly think you’ll never seem significant in front of a camera. However, haters will always lurk around regardless if your figure is like Kim K’s or Gigi Hadid’s, so try your mightiest not to give them the satisfaction of controlling your life decisions.

 

Avoid Posing At First

Doing poses when you’re not familiar with the act will highlight your awkwardness a lot. Personally, I suggest going with candid shots in the beginning so that you can develop a sense of comfortability without pressure. Once you’re ready for the theatrics, then strike a pose whenever you please.

 

Never Push Yourself Too Much

In case you’re not feeling it after a week or so, don’t give up, but prevent going overboard as well. The love for getting your images captured will never grow overnight. You need to take it easy on yourself since, to be honest, forcing the idea won’t make you appreciate it more.

 

 

 

Be You

Last but not least, don’t be afraid to act normal in front of a camera. It’s a device that won’t eat you alive; you can be as silly or as funny as you usually are around the people you love. Once you keep that in mind, your photos will look much better instantly.