Creating Beautiful Memories
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.
Continue reading “7 Tips For Capturing Love During A Couples Photo Shoot “
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?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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!
What are the 4 styles of therapeutic photography?
How does this type of therapy become a healing process?
How can I practice mindful photography?
How do photographers use psychology?
What are the 7 elements of photography?
What are the 3 basic types of photography?
What is sensory photography?
What are the 4 basic elements of photography?
Is taking photos therapeutic?
What are the benefits of therapeutic photography for physical and psychological health?
Why are therapeutic techniques important?
What is the most common therapeutic approach?
What is the most important goal of therapeutic play?
What are the benefits of therapeutic communication?
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.
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 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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
A family portrait could be one of the essential memorabilia you can have in the house. It is a photograph of the whole family that will remind us of the one thing that matters when everything else changes. Someday, when all kids grow up and parents retire from their tiresome jobs, they will look at their family portrait and will reminisce all the moments spent together.
Our world is indeed full of beautiful places and sceneries, and we have our advanced technology to thank that we can witness the wonders of different parts of the globe. People travel to see beautiful places, meet new people, taste new cuisines, experience different cultures, and learn about the world we live in, and they can share their experiences by taking photos of all the unique and extraordinary things they encounter.
Photographers give a glimpse of what’s out there through the images they capture. Somehow, people who see their photos get a sense of motivation and inspiration. They would realize they have something to look forward to – to be at the same place, at a perfect moment, and experience the same happiness they see in photographs.
There are millions of photos we see on the internet every day, and some of them are undeniably stunning. Photos have the power to influence the mind of a person just by looking at it, and some have mastered the art of capturing the best scenes and moments.
How To Capture The Best Shots:
Great photographers know that every space in the frame should capture something meaningful. If you are trying to catch an emotion or an action, make sure your distance is just about right to be able to get it. Don’t be afraid to move closer to your subject. See and feel the moment you want to capture.
Whether the light is coming from the sun, lamp, or what not, remember that you can use it to your advantage. Get the right place and position to create highlights and dramatic shadows that can add magnificence to your photos. Light is essential in creating a masterpiece.
You can use the flash during the daytime, especially when the sun is strikingly bright. When there is too much light coming from the sun, there are uneven highlights and shadows on the subject. Use the flash to eliminate shadows and create a balanced exposure.
When you’re trying to capture a smile, you can bring out some humor and tell a joke. Nothing beats a genuine smile that comes from laughter.
Don’t just invest in expensive gears. Instead, invest in your knowledge. Read and learn from photography books. You can also search for the works of famous photographers, so you can get an idea of how they make amazing photos.
Observe your subject through your eyes. Feel the message you want to convey. Sometimes, the key to capturing the best moments is to look at them with our lenses down and our eyes focused.
You don’t have to carry your bulky camera with you all the time. There are smartphones on the market right now which can do just about what a professional camera can do. Always be ready to take photos, because you may never know when and where the lightning is going to strike.
Make it as simple as possible. Avoid trying to capture multiple elements in a photo. Focus on one or two subjects.
Make the camera an extension of your body. Practice your reflexes to respond to what you see by using your finger to click and capture a moment.
Know all the rules in photography then break them. Learn your techniques and develop your style. You don’t have to follow every photographer. You can have aspecific eye and mark in seeing and capturing the best photos.
Life consists of photos taken every millisecond that can only be remembered by our mind, and being able to capture an extraordinary moment is just priceless!
Photography is one of the many hobbies that can foster happiness. While this practice used to be expensive during the time of film cameras, camera phones have made it significantly more accessible. But how exactly do photos bring us more joy? Let’s find out.
Fosters Creativity
Creative activities like painting, pottery, and music can be very expressive. They can help reduce stress and anxiety and make us generally happier. Photography is another one of these practices that can help those creative juices flow.
A good challenge to keep you active is to take or post one picture a day. It pushes us to find something worth capturing every day. “When you challenge yourself to learn a new skill, you are building your intellectual health. People who pay attention to their intellectual wellness often find that they have better concentration, improved memory, and better critical thinking skills,” says Marjie L. Roddick, MA, NCC, LMHC.
Acts As A Journal Or Diary
Another expressive activity is journaling. Alison Stone, LCSW states that “Journaling is great for enhancing self-awareness through helping us detect and track patterns of behavior, thoughts, and feelings.”However, not everyone is fond of or comfortable with writing. As an alternative, a visual diary can help you document memories and special occasions.
On days where we feel a bit down, our photo journals can remind us of better times. Even pictures of everyday life activities can boost our mood. Our collection of photographs can also serve as something we can share with others.
Reminds Us Of The Things We Love
As many people say, nothing is truly permanent. Our loved ones will pass, events will end, and memories can fade. However, a photograph can be somewhat more lasting. Even when we graduate from school, move to a new city, or find a new job, our photos will remain unchanged.
While it does not bode well to cling to the past, looking back helps us remember the good moments. Moreover, it helps us realize how far we’ve come since then.
Connects You To Others
If you’re looking to get into photography, you’ll be glad to know that the community is vast and very welcoming. From online groups to neighborhood gatherings, you’re sure to find people who are always willing to share.
Many participants find that the community provides a sense of belongingness. You can exchange tips on how to take better photographs and even collaborate on shoots. This social aspect of the hobby allows people to feel more connected to others and, thus, happier as a whole.
Makes Us More Engaged And Attentive
Most people say that those who frequently take photos aren’t “living in the moment.” However, according to a study from the University Of Southern Carolina Marshall School Of Business, photography can create a better experience.
During their research, they asked two tour groups not to use their phones. Then, they encouraged a different set of participants to take photos. They observed the latter explored and looked at museum exhibits longer. Likewise, the third group also felt more “immersed” in their meals during lunch.
Researchers say that asking people to take photos makes them actively look for things they want to document. In this way, they can find things that make them happy and want to hang onto. As Roya R. Rad, MA, PsyD advises, “Give yourself permission to do some serious emotional healing to become your happiest self and remember, it is a process more than a destination.”
Seeing a camera can often prompt a smile from the person who has their picture taken. However, we don’t always get to see the person behind the lens. Photography doesn’t just bring happiness to those in the front of the camera but also the photographer. Taking pictures can bring about greater creativity and remind us of things that bring us joy. It connects us with others and keeps us engaged with life. By looking through the lens of a camera, we capture moments, memories, and happiness.
Learning about photography is not an easy task. It is even more difficult if you are just starting out and you have no idea where to begin. Taking pictures here and there may improve your photography skills to a certain extent. However, you will be unable to advance your shooting techniques without proper guidance. Since that’s the case, we are more than happy to provide you with what you need to be able to start your venture in photography.
Things Beginners Should Do
The tips and essentials in this article will help shape the knowledge you need for taking pictures. It will also aid you to proceed in the right direction rather than making blind attempts. We will also give you the necessary techniques to boost the results of your shots.
Getting the Right Equipment: Buying expensive equipment will not make you a better photographer. What you need to do is find the right camera for the kind of pictures you will take. It is better to start with beginner-friendly cameras considering that this eases the difficulty of the shots you make. Complicated cameras have numerous features, but you also need sophisticated skills to use them. As a result, beginners will only end up impairing their shots if they try to use them.
Read About Your Cam: Getting to know your camera is a fundamental step. It will allow you to see its strengths and weaknesses then use them to your advantage when taking photos.
Take Lots of Photos: This is self-explanatory. Taking lots of shots will improve your skills little by little. After a long time, you will be able to see your improvements when you browse the old pictures you made. Using a digital camera will be efficient for this step due to its ability to show your shots instantly rather than wasting precious film.
Associate With Other Photographers: Getting together with other photographers is advantageous in every angle. Joining local camera clubs, competitions, and conventions will promote your competitive spirit. Additionally, you will be able to exchange information, techniques, and opinions with other photographers.
Try Everything And Ask for Opinions: It is a reasonable thing to focus on one kind of aspect in photography. However, it would be excellent to try different things from time to time to give yourself room for improvement. It is also a marvelous idea to ask friends and family members for their opinions regarding the photos you made. It will surprise you with the amount of information it can give you for self-improvement.
Enjoy Every Moment: Don’t stress and force yourself for quick improvements rather than enjoy every moment you capture in film. Photography is about the heart and mind going hand in hand to produce the best photo results. Take your time to look around because stimulus and inspiration are everywhere for you to find.
Learning photography has its essentials. The step-by-step process can help an amateur photographer experience the benefits of enhancing their knowledge and skills. You can never run out of ideas and things that you can learn about photography.