In an unexpected situation like this where there’s a Coronavirus outbreak, a lot of people are trying their best to adjust. Most individuals keep track of their health, maintain social distance with others, survive the financial crisis, and many more. And along with all the sacrifices they need to face, the perseverance in dealing with life change is present. For most couples who want to settle and bring their relationship to the next level, getting married becomes challenging during this pandemic. There are a lot of things that couples need to consider.
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Smart Financial Decisions
Surely, couples who are planning to get married already made some arrangements. Probably, some of them previously managed to set up their schedules and everything they need to have a memorable wedding day. But since there is an outbreak, most couples intend to spend their hard-earned money in a more practical way. Couples are aware of the pandemic situation, and they know how important every penny is. Thus, they become smart in making financial decisions. That is why most weddings during this pandemic tend to be small and less extravagant. Couples are putting more effort into saving their money for future use instead of spending too much on a one-day celebration.
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Cancellations And Apologies
As much as couples want to see everyone they love present on their most special day, most of them are canceling and apologizing for the inconvenience. Some of these inconveniences include changes in schedules, flight cancellations, and reservation refunds. Honestly, there is nothing much to do with this unfortunate situation. That is why couples are trying to become open about their situation as much as possible, and guests are okay with that. Admittedly, it is a sad decision to do because some of the guests are maybe expecting to be there and celebrate with the couples. Unfortunately, the need for cancellation is a must.
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Limited Social Connection
Weddings are expected to be celebrated by a lot of people. Family, friends, relatives, colleagues are expected to be there. But in this time of crisis, people attending the wedding are few in numbers. That is because they follow the social distancing protocol. Honestly, it is quite sad to have few people around on a very special day for couples. But considering the situation and the health of the people who are going to attend, it is much better that couples leave it that way and only invite a few individuals. That is why weddings during this pandemic time sometimes only have less than ten individuals in the ceremony. Only those important people who play a significant role in each couple’s lives are given the opportunity to witness a memorable scene.
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No After-Parties
Weddings are supposed to have after-parties. It is the most fantastic part of the celebration where people get to know each other and have fun with the crowd. But since there is an outbreak, weddings in this time of the pandemic are disregarding after-parties. Truthfully, it is a bit sad because that is the most enjoyable time of the wedding. It is where people dance, drink, and celebrate with music. There are games in the program, and guests of all ages can join as well. However, no matter how exciting a wedding can be, couples are trying their best not to put their loved ones in a devastating situation during this health crisis. Thus, most weddings at this time often end with only a ceremony and no after-parties.
Indeed, couples are in a situation where their patience and open-mindedness are tested. But considering the pandemic crisis, they should continue to consider what is best for everyone.
Since the world is on lockdown due to Coronavirus, almost all people spend more time with their smartphones. Admittedly, they use social media not only to get the latest information about the situation. But they also use most of the platforms to distract themselves from negative thoughts of this pandemic issue. With that, they somehow manage to indulge themselves in creating clips and videos, as well as taking selfies.
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With the approach of social networks such as Facebook, selfies become increasingly popular. I bet you are also one of those people who love taking self-portraits. Perhaps you find it a popular trend that millennial people used to do. But do you know there is a list of benefits that selfies can provide? Yes, a selfie is a thought and action of taking pictures of you that serves a self-serving bias. Though for most individuals, it represents a narcissistic behavior, some experts view it as a habit that supports a healthy ego. It merely symbolizes love for one’s self.
The Advantages Of Taking Selfies
Real-Time Interaction – Selfies can be used to share who you are to the world. The spontaneous pictures of yourself somehow allow you to broadcast a sense of humor, serious side, and even flattering physical attributes. It meant to give other people a fleeting glimpse of your life and adventures that is sharable to friends and family in real-time.
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Self-Expression – A photograph you usually take can help in expressing yourself in a lot of different ways. It helps in developing your perspective about beauty and confidence. It allows you to share who you are regardless of societal standards of beauty perfection. Selfies intend to bring you the kind of self-awareness that helps you become who you want to be despite the judgment and criticisms of the public.
Self-Presentation – Self-presentation is a part of our daily lives. It is the process of strategically revealing or concealing personal information about our lives. It serves to influence other people’s perceptions of us. So the idea of presenting yourself positively to the world allows other people to feel positive about themselves as well. You can add inspiration to those people who cannot seem to find solace in this pandemic situation.
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Cutting Loose – Selfies are a great way to have fun, especially in this lockdown situation. It allows you to play and forget about the responsibilities and worries you currently have, even just for a few minutes. Despite the situation, it assures you the confidence to smile and not worry about anything. It serves as a positive distraction to the stuck up negative thoughts in your head.
Capturing Creativity – With the use of social media platforms like Instagram, selfies can have a wide variety of upgrades. A picture then has a chance to get shot in a million different ways. In the platform, you can add filters, backgrounds, emojis, and a lot more. It helps in developing your unique sense of style as well as enhances your creativity.
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Self-Love – Selfies are not just about pictures of you flaunting your assets. Well, it somehow relates to that, but in a more profound reason, it means self-love. You find yourself appreciating what you are. The self-portrait you take of yourself represents your self-esteem that engages in a realistic appraisal of your qualities and physical attributes that are necessary for healthy overall development.
Taking selfies is not at all a narcissistic behavior contrary to what others think of it. So if you want to make a self-portrait from your phone, then do it. If that is the only thing that will keep you sane during this global health crisis.
Social media networks have become a significant platform for everyone to showcase who they are, what they are doing, the places they have all been to, and a lot more involving their daily lives. Nowadays, wordy statuses are not enough. Pictures are already in for telling a hundred words.
A wedding is one of the most beautiful occasions you can have or be a part of. It is a celebration not only of the official union of two individuals in love, but likewise the coming together of all the family, friends, and guests that would be witnesses to the couple’s vow of love. Indeed, one’s wedding day is a momentous milestone that carries a hopeful chapter and a new beginning for more beautiful stories to be written.
Nowadays, it all boils down to the game of who has the best pictures on social media. Having one of the most liked images on social media means that you have a novel concept. Having more likes also means that your picture abides by conventions of style. Most importantly, your picture conveys more than meets the eye.
Couple photography is like producing a visual storybook–a story of love, fondness and a happily ever after. The intimate emotions and deep connection between the couple are always interesting subjects to capture. However, it can be quite difficult to catch these subjects. Difficulty increases when the lovebirds are not naturals when it comes to posing in front of the camera.
There are different forms of art therapies that are touted as effective in helping people deal with their mental health problems because these tools for artistic expression often provide a personal outlet to the individual who is suffering.
“Many people turn to therapy because they feel as though they are not functioning. Most people come feeling depressed or anxious and fear that they are defective.” Stacy Donn Cristo, LMHC said. While there are people who would instead choose the more technical types of treatment, there are those who are more into photography – a kind of art therapy that helps people communicate their thoughts and emotions non-verbally. Perhaps, it is for this particular reason that psychiatry and psychology professionals opt for this type of treatment. Since photography is personal, it shows therapists what a person thinks or feels through the pictures their clients take. Furthermore, photography’s cathartic effect makes it a popular choice for young adults who are suffering from mental health issues like depression.
How does photography help people cope with depression?
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Photography Nurtures Positive Thinking
As stated by Dr. Kurt Smith, LMFT, LPCC, AFC, “Feeling hopeless often leads to anger in men as opposed to the lethargy that can manifest in women. As a result, depression in men can be particularly hard to spot sometimes because it doesn’t look like we think it should.” Hopelessness and helplessness are common symptoms experienced by people with depression, which is why it is necessary to nurture a sense of positivity to counteract negative thoughts and emotions. Photography is a craft that requires focus and intense observation, which helps photographers intimately see and appreciate things that they’ve never noticed before.
In choosing what subjects to take images of, one tends to learn that there is hidden, modest beauty presented in one’s surrounding. Even those that used to be inconsequential become meaningful and essential to existence. Upon realizing the magnificence of the environment, people with depression who opted for photography as their therapeutic modality rebuild their positive attitude to fight the darkness within by understanding that everything has a purpose – even the leaf that fell from the tree has served its function. For most people who found happiness and created their bubble of positivity due to photography, the art did not just help them survive but also thrive despite their condition.
Photography Expands Your Support System
The great thing about discovering your passion is realizing that there are groups of people who are also into the things you do and who can help widen your horizons and enhance your knowledge and skills to be better with your craft. Photography is a great hobby to be part of a community.
One of the primary reasons why people succumb to depression is due to the feeling of being left out or alone. In this modern world, people have become a prisoner of their dreams. More and more are driven to fulfill their goals not noticing that life is quickly slipping by and the people who were once alongside them have vanished or have gone their separate paths.
As we mature into adults, it gets harder and harder to find people whom you can relate to or share hobbies with. For this reason, people with depressive symptoms find comfort in photography because of the vast community that welcomes them with open arms.
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Photography Reminds You That Life Is Meaningful
By gazing through the lens, photographers can capture impressive, emotional details that others are usually oblivious to. For people with depression, capturing something that fills their heart with joy is a huge deal because it is quite difficult for happiness to come around. Looking at printed images of photos they have taken makes them nostalgic and helps them remember that there was a moment in their lives that felt meaningful and blissful.
The best part about photography is that it not only enhances creativity and takes it a notch higher, but it also teaches people with depression the art of mindfulness.“Mindfulness meditation practices are effective interventions, and sometimes for mild to moderate conditions—depression and anxiety—super-effective as front lines,” says Saundra Jain, MA, PsyD, LPC. Mindfulness is a therapeutic technique that helps people achieve balance, and at the same time reduces stress.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Takeaway
Therapeutic photography heals the mind and the soul by calming the negatives and welcoming the positives. While some beginner photographers have subjected their entire lives to taking pictures, looking through the different lenses of camera equipment, and making a living out of it, others do it during their free time as a stress reliever and a way to delete the day’s toxicity. Photography therapy is a great energy booster indeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Define Photography?
How Do I Start It?
What Is Imagery In One Word?
Why Is Taking Pictures Called Imagery?
Why Is Imagery Art?
What Is The Importance Of Taking Pictures?
What Is Its Purpose?
What Is The Best Type?
What Are Some Skills In Taking Pictures?
How Long Will It Take To Learn The Skill?
What Is It In Terms Of Art?
What Is Unique About It?
What Is Inspiring About It?
What Is The Modern Definition Of Taking Pictures?
What Is The Impact Of Taking Pictures On Modern Life?
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?
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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!
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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.
