Therapeutic Eco-Photography

"Sometimes a tree can tell you more than can be read in a book.“ ~ Carl Jung

Therapeutic Eco-Photography is the name and process associated with a nature-based photography-as-therapy activity which can often result in positive change ('healing").

Essentially, it’s about the process of taking photographs. Carrying the camera, feeling it in your hands, hearing the click, looking through the lens, and the process of walking/driving around to look for wildlife, scenes or situations to capture – all these make photography therapeutic.

It can be conducted by oneself, or as part of an organized group. No therapist or counsellor needs to be involved.

Therapeutic Eco-Photography is done for the purpose of (but not limited to):

increasing self-knowledge, awareness, and well-being
activating positive change
assisting rehabilitation
producing other kinds of photo-based healing and learning

Therapeutic Eco-Photography by oneself, or as part of an organized group, may actually precipitate the need for a therapist to help “finish” what has come to light during activities that took place without one.

How Taking Photos Can Improve Your Mental and Emotional Health

We all deal with mental or emotional struggles at one time or another in our lives. Whether it's stress from work, situational depression or anxiety, or full-on mental illness, it helps to take time to refocus and gain perspective.

By picking up a camera and using any or all of these simple tools and techniques, you are not only being present and creative, but you are actually practicing mindfulness, which reduces stress and helps leave you balanced and ready to take on the rest of your day.

It has been proven time and again that creativity and art therapy are valuable tools for emotional wellness. Photography is one such tool that you can utilize without going to art school or being professionally trained. Modern technology provides easy-to-use options including a variety of automatic modes on point-and-shoot cameras, digital SLRs (single-lens reflex cameras), and even camera phones. Now anyone can take photos - and just by taking a photo, you are taking a moment to stop and look at your environment through a new lens. This moment can be the moment that changes your day from a negative to a positive - or at least gives you a momentary distraction and calm.

Here are some simple ways to get the creative juices flowing:

Observe before you shoot - Look all around you. Study the movements and behaviours of animal/bird/insect subjects, or the relationship between the flora and geology.
Take a slow drive/walk - Explore your environment. Find locations where you will feel safe and enjoy the privacy you are comfortable with.
Close your eyes - This one may sound counterintuitive, but by focusing on what you hear and smell, you can discover new subjects to photograph all around you
Pick a color, a landscape, a feature - Perhaps select a color that is prominent in your living space, so you can print out any good photos and hang them on your walls. Surrounding yourself with your art can help you feel good and inspire you to create more.
Carry a prop - Take an item with you, especially something you find calming or comforting, and photograph it in different locations and ways.
Don't focus on the finished product - While it's nice to end up with photos you can appreciate and feel proud of, it is actually the process of taking the photo and not the result that is therapeutic.
Stop and breathe - If you feel stuck or stressed, put your camera aside and concentrate solely on breathing for 10 seconds, then look around and start again from a fresh and balanced place. You may see things that you missed just moments before.