Month: October 2019

Many people benefit from phototherapy as it opens their eyes to the beauty of every moment that they are in.  Let’s find out more about utilizing this specific technique to help with our mental health.

Considered the footprints of one’s mind, photos hold the silent stillness that reflects the memories that a person holds dear. How does an photo-making intervention work for someone’s mental illness?

What Lies Behind The Captured Photos

At photo viewing, people automatically, and spontaneously create prolific meanings based on what they see and not necessarily what the photographer initially intended it to be – because the human mind is variable. For this reason, any photo is open to interpretation and exploration. Therefore, an individual’s reactions to snapshots or a self photographs are considered unique because they can reveal a great deal about themselves if the right kinds of questions are asked. Photography allows people to know each other. It can even be a therapeutic experience for some.

For Mental Health

This concept of phototherapy and photography therapy depicts why the majority of people keep snapshot memorabilia to shed light on something or have something to look back to whenever they feel the need to go down memory lane. Here, the photo is frozen bridges for exploring, communicating, and accessing memories, emotions, and feelings, along with resurfacing any long-forgotten, deeply-buried issues that can initiate meaningful thoughts and feelings.

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.

Therapeutic Photography For Self-Expression And Self-Esteem

During therapeutic photography sessions, the individual photos are used as a therapeutic tool 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.

Therapeutic photography is a self-initiated form of self-therapy that utilizes ordinary snapshots to address mental phenomena and help increase self-esteem. According to the International Journal of phototherapy and  therapeutic photography, this approach has shown promising results in reducing the stress hormone cortisol levels and helping clients heal from various issues. This kind of therapy is particularly beneficial for minority groups and chemically dependent individuals who may face unique challenges. In the digital age, phototherapy can be used both individually and in an organized group setting to provide a safe and effective form of treatment.

With the guidance of a trained therapist, therapeutic phototherapy techniques are implemented by allowing clients to explore their albums of friends or family members and take out images that mean something to them so that they may be of therapeutic use. There is potential information ingrained in every image, which can be used to precipitate and focus the treatment dialogue.

Now that one is aware of the simplified principles of phototherapy, what can people expect during every treatment session? Do you focus only on pictures of people, or does it include places or things in life that evoke feelings that can help with remedial healing? Do you need prior training with a professional camera to be part of mindful photography individual or group treatment?

Pictures Are Not Only Passively Shown In Silent Reverie But Are Also:

• Created during or after meetings
• Listened to and talked about
• Integrated into other therapy practices (e.g., art therapy and online therapy)

The majority of photography techniques (self-portraits, photo albums, etc.) 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.

Therapeutic Photography: To Support

Therapists can utilize therapeutic photography techniques in treating their patients with mental health concerns, particularly those who love taking pictures and photo-based activities, and find it nurturing or remedial. Here, taking photographs becomes part of an art or talk therapy session to acquire emotional information from the client. For instance, a client is asked to look at a self-portrait for the remedial use of looking into how this client feels about himself, including his frustration, self-worth, confidence, and overall awareness. The client can also look at photos of nature, art, or photographs that might evoke traumatic memories to help the mental health professional assess the client throughout the process of healing.

Phototherapy is a photo-instrument that can be used to address social exclusion and promote well-being. I other words, it uses photography as therapy, hence why it is also sometimes called mental health photography. According to current literature, phototherapy refers to the use of photographs as a tool for therapy and has shown promising results in improving mental health. A qualitative study conducted by the Lancaster University Phototherapy Center found that photo interactions can help individuals overcome feelings of isolation and promote social connectedness.

Take note that the primary role of a therapist in phototherapy is to support and encourage the person’s self-expression or boost self-esteem and mental and physical health care intervention and, at the same time, explore personal images and interact in a healthy, non-intrusive manner. They may share some photography tips, as in how people can feel good from photography. These tips may include sharing on social media moderately, framing their photography, or printing photos and compiling them in remembrance albums.

Finals Thoughts And Takeaways

It is not about them discussing or interpreting images for their clients, but it is the remedial photography that gives people the healing benefits and opportunity to explore what the images mean and how these images impact or change their lives without turning into mental health professionals. Who knows, you may even post pictures on your rehabilitation counseling bulletin for positive life experiences during the therapy process.

Phototherapy is a form of therapy that can help individuals reduce social exclusion and gain a sense of connection and belonging. Through the ability to start talking about their photographs, individuals are able to express their emotions and experiences in a non-threatening way.

Therapeutic photography can be learned just like art therapy. If you love taking self-portrait pictures, try therapeutic photography for mental health nursing or to fight your mental illness!

FAQs

What are the 4 styles of therapeutic photography?
How does this type of therapy become a healing process?
How can I practice mindful photography?
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What are the 7 elements of photography?
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What is sensory photography?
What are the 4 basic elements of photography?
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How Effective Is Therapy?

Do you love taking photos of nature, wildlife, or simply yourself and your loved ones? Let’s talk about the art of taking pictures as a form of art. What does it take to be a great photographer? Let’s learn more about photos and photographers here.

For many years, event photography has been present to deliver high-quality images and events that represent emotions like fear, happiness, sadness, and love. While photography is done for numerous reasons – a hobby or a way of living – some consider art a way to preserve their sanity and cope with life’s daily struggles. The number of professional photographers is currently emerging, and more are eager to learn the art, mainly for expression and escape.

In the 1830s, French inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niépce succeeded in creating the first permanent successful photograph, known as a heliograph. In 1839, Niépce’s associate Louis Daguerre further refined the process, which eventually led to the mass production of photographs in the late 19th century.

There are numerous inventors living around the world today that have helped shape art and photography. Their works have become essential elements and advantage to the focal point of the art.

Taking photos or imagery not only makes people feel relaxed but also purges negativities from their thoughts; because of this, counseling has advised guided imagery as a therapeutic hobby to keep the mind and feelings at bay.

Digital photography, also known as life, wildlife, or color photography, is the art, science, and practice of creating durable photos produced by recording light source or other electromagnetic radiation with lighting equipment, either electronically by means of a final photo sensor or device scanning or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film. It uses photographing sports techniques to take a single image. This type of photography utilizes a different focal length.

In addition, the term digital camera or digicam is a digital camera that is similar to the camera obscura that encodes digital photos and videos and stores them for later reproduction.

Photographs are images created by lighting conditions falling on real objects, generally captured via cameras. An early complete list of experiments in taking photos was conducted in a dark chamber called camera obscuras.

Photography Leads to Inner Happiness

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 can immediately seize the moment that resonates with them and put it in a still photo frame. Photos of what you find inspiring or captivating and putting them in print or just marveling at the result can initiate joy and satisfaction. 

Moreover, capturing moments through photography is like freezing time, allowing us to revisit memories and find happiness in the images we’ve created. Whether it’s the classic charm of black and white photos from the early days of the history of photography or the vibrant hues captured by modern digital cameras, every photo tells a story.

As photographers, we cherish the ability to document the passage of time, turning fleeting moments into timeless treasures. Each click of the camera not only preserves an instant but also encapsulates the emotions and experiences of that moment, reminding us of the joy found in both the act of capturing the photo and the memories it holds.

Photography Taps Into The Meditative State

Photography is not merely a point-and-shoot process; it goes beyond the usual individual and group snaps. People engaged in taking pictures have found that it can be meditative, especially those who have chosen nature or landscape as their primary subjects. When capturing image-quality shots, photographers have to dig deep within themselves to realize what angle or locations and exposure time would serve best to get the optimum results. Photographers must be focused, calm, and mentally aware to internalize and trigger the brain to be more intertwined with the surroundings.

There are also different forms of digital photography that give a meditative state such as macro, wildlife, still life, black and white, portrait, landscape, and film photography.

Photography Increases Self-Confidence

Being skilled in a particular endeavor (great photo one shot or imagery, in this case) significantly increases self-confidence and self-esteem. However, imagery is unique in gaining copious amounts of self-regard due to the ideals and principles surrounding imagery. Camera work is an expression not only of one’s skills and talent but also of one’s soul.

In Dr. Nikki Martinez’s 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.” Imagery can help in this.

You can significantly boost your confidence when you’ve managed to do camera work sessions for something that means something to you.

It is during times when people react and impart their feelings about your work that 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

Many imagery 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 the camera settings work 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 in post-processing. The imagery might pique your interest.

 

 

 

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.