Wellness through the Healing Power of Photography
Photography is More Than Just Clicking a Camera
Photography is often seen as a hobby or a side hustle. We admire the Instagram accounts, browse portfolios of professional shooters, and think, "Nice, but what's really going on?" We don’t hear a lot about photography being a method for wellness, mindfulness, and overall holistic well-being. However, the reality is clicking a shutter can actually change your brain chemistry and bring you peace in this over-caffeinated, under-rested, anxiety-ridden ride of life.
Photography: A Modern-Day Meditation
Mindfulness is all about staying present, observing the world without judgment, and immersing yourself in the moment. And isn't that exactly what photography demands?
When you're looking through a lens, you're forced to focus (pun intended). You start noticing details you normally ignore—the way light hits a tree at golden hour, the texture of the sidewalk, or the shadows that buildings cast. You’re not thinking about your inbox, your to-do list, or that person that cut you off in traffic. You're in the moment, fully present, observing and capturing.
Real Life Example: Street Photography in New York
Let’s talk about Vivian Maier. You may not know her name, but she's one of the most famous street photographers who never got famous in her lifetime. Maier spent decades photographing life in New York City while working as a nanny. She was fascinated by the everyday, taking pictures of people and moments that would otherwise go unnoticed. Her photos are raw, capturing the grit and the beauty of daily life.
For Maier, the act of taking pictures wasn’t about the outcome; it was about the process. Her photography was meditative—a way to engage with the world and, perhaps more importantly, with herself. She found solace in capturing moments, which we now recognize as timeless.
The Science: Why Photography Lowers Stress
Here's some data for the number-crunchers: Research shows that creative activities like photography can reduce cortisol, the stress hormone. According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, people who engage in creative activities feel more relaxed, enthusiastic, and less anxious. Creativity allows you to step outside of the usual stress cycles that come with modern life and immerse yourself in something known as a flow state.
Another study by Frontiers in Psychology backs this up, showing that immersive creative activities in photography can put people into a state of “relaxed alertness,” similar to what happens during mindfulness or meditation. This means your brain can recover from stress while still staying engaged and active. In short, photography gives your mind a break, without turning it off entirely.
Boosting Mental Health Through Creative Expression
Photography isn't just about mindfulness; it's also about self-expression. We're caught up in routines, responsibilities, and stress. Photography lets you break free from that, giving you a creative outlet that’s both visual and emotional.
Take Ansel Adams, for example. The legendary landscape photographer once said, "You don’t take a photograph, you make it." Adams didn’t just capture nature—he connected with it. His process of setting up a shot was slow and methodical, giving him time to reflect on his relationship with the world. His photography was not just about documenting nature but expressing how he felt about it.
Studies have shown that creative outlets like photography can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even PTSD. When you're engaged in a creative process, you're not just observing life, you're shaping how you see it. And, when you control your perspective, you start to control your mental health.
Social Connection: It's Not Just About You
Another underrated aspect of photography is its ability to create connection. Whether it's sharing your shots on social media or joining a photography group, the act of showing your work fosters community. You may start seeing the world in new ways, but you’re also sharing that vision with others, sparking conversations, and building relationships.
For example, platforms like Instagram or Flickr aren’t just about likes—they’re about building communities around shared interests. Sharing your photos gives you a way to connect with others who see the world like you do, or, more importantly, see it in ways you don’t. It opens you up to perspectives you hadn’t considered, creating empathy, understanding, and—yeah, I’m gonna say it—more holistic wellness.
Conclusion: Photography as Wellness Practice
Photography isn't just a tool for capturing beautiful images—it's a practice for your mind, body and soul. It helps you stay present, express yourself, reduce stress, and connect with others. So next time you pick up your camera, realize you’re not just taking a photo; you’re investing in your own well-being.
And, the next time someone tells you they "don’t have time" for a hobby like photography, tell them they're skipping out on a mental health hack that's been hiding in plain sight. And then—hand them a camera.
The DEI of Photography
These following individuals are only a small representation of people who through the healing power of photography transformed their lives. Photography is a medium for self-expression, allowing people to process the world around them in their unique ways. It not only provides an emotional outlet but also fosters social connections and confidence, allowing people to transcend the barriers they face in everyday life.
Anthony Schmidt – A Young Photographer with Autism
Liam Bairstow – Using Photography to Cope with Social Anxiety
Rosie Barnes – Capturing the World of Autism Through a Mother’s Lens
Oliver Hellowell – A Photographer with Down Syndrome
Lori Fry – Transforming Social Anxiety Through Wildlife Photography
Joel Anderson – From Autism Diagnosis to Professional Photographer
Giles Duley – From War Photographer to Amputee Advocate
David Jay – The Scar Project
Theresa Meacham – PTSD Recovery Through Photography
Anne Geddes – Healing from Miscarriage Through Baby Photography
Danielle Hark – Battling Depression and Anxiety Through Self-Portraits
Troy Colby – Coping with Grief Through Family Photography
Michael Stokes – Veteran Amputees Through Artistic Photography
Angelo Merendino – Photographing the Love and Loss of His Wife
Cami Ostman – Photography and Running to Heal from Divorce
Richard Wainwright – Rebuilding Lives After Natural Disasters
Tina Picard – Healing After a Fire Through Visual Storytelling
Sol Neelman – Photographic Recovery After a Life-Altering Injury
Paul Nicklen – Overcoming Personal Loss Through Conservation Photography
Sources:
Conner, T. S., DeYoung, C. G., & Silvia, P. J. (2016). Everyday creative activity as a path to flourishing. Journal of Positive Psychology, 11(3), 255-263.
Bell, B. T., & Dittmar, H. (2011). Does media literacy mitigate risk? The impact of social comparison on body image and body change behaviors among adolescent girls. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 40(4), 430-444.
Frontiers in Psychology. (2017). Flow and creativity in daily life: A diary study. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1-10.