Amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding avenues for relaxation, exercise and enjoyment is important for maintaining mental and physical health. Photography is a practice that is not just a hobby or profession but also a therapeutic tool. This article discusses how photography can add value, peace, and happiness to your life.
More than ever, stress, anxiety and depression have crept into the daily lives of many people around the world. Are we just talking about it more now or have the pressures of modern life caught up with human nature? No matter who you are or what you’re going through, everyone needs an outlet to relieve stress and exercise their mind. Need to get outside to restore some balance.
I’ve always loved photography and I’ve always loved walking, although I’ve never really combined those two activities. A few years ago, two important life events happened in quick succession, when my daughter left the family home to make her own way in the world, and soon after, her beloved German shepherd Ours, Indie, passed away at the age of 14. I was lost in the midst of Empty Nest Syndrome combined with grief. One thing that makes this worse is that I have lost the habit of walking along with losing the habit of providing for a child and a dog. I didn’t realize how severely it affected my physical and mental health. I have no motivation to go out for a walk alone; I haven’t walked on my own in over 18 years, always with a little hand to hold, and then a dog at the end of the leash, going on adventures together. Our walks never felt like exercise; it’s all about fun, fresh air and adventure. When I try to walk alone, it actually makes things worse because all I can think about is the fact that I’m alone.
That all changed when a friend suggested I take my camera with me on a walk. This is advice I readily give to others, but it’s funny how we tend not to follow our own advice. It makes perfect sense; I have a lot of options when it comes to photography equipment between film and digital. I started exploring the world and going to places that I would have felt awkward going alone. I’m looking for seasonal changes in forests, small details and textures in cities, and finding a place to watch the world go by. There are no expectations surrounding these images; I often go out without any plans other than a destination, which means I’m free to shoot whatever I want. The walk again had a purpose as I pieced together images depicting some of the things I noticed on my walk.
Whether strolling the streets of your nearest city or meandering along nature trails, the act of walking and taking photos encourages physical movement and interaction with your surroundings. Through photography, walking goes beyond exercise. It can be a sensory experience, when you stop and really look looking for objects and scenes to photograph, you engage in a process of observation and interpretation as you explore with your camera on hand.
In a world full of stress and distractions, getting out into the world with your camera can be a mindfulness practice and help you become healthier and happier. Maintaining a positive outlook can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, however, photography has the power to change our perspective. By training our eyes on the beauty and wonder that often goes unnoticed amidst the chaos, even the most mundane scenes can be transformed into worthwhile photographic acts, reminding us Look for moments of joy and appreciation in the smallest things.
Cameras have the ability to give us access to places and moments we might not otherwise dare to venture into. There may be public places where you wouldn’t consider going alone due to embarrassment, such as a crowded market. The thought of the experience being limited without companionship may make this seem less than an ideal day out. While navigating crowded stalls alone can seem daunting, the presence of a camera can give you purpose in your presence, turning the experience into a visually engaging playground. Photography not only allows us to explore new places and perspectives, but it also gives us a sense of purpose and belonging – a reminder that our presence in the world has just existed. value is both meaningful.
The device you use doesn’t matter. Whether you choose to carry multiple devices with you, limit yourself to one lens, or even shoot with a smartphone, it’s all about the experience. Take the pressure off and just focus on what will be in front of your lens and think about how to compose that shot at that moment.
Okay, walking with a camera won’t heal the world and cure depression. While the path to happiness may be different for each person, research shows that engaging in creative activities like photography can significantly contribute to overall happiness. Whether it’s the satisfaction of taking a beautiful photo or the sense of accomplishment of sharing your work with others, photography has the power to infuse our lives with small moments of satisfaction.
I admit, photography is not always relaxing! If you’re still learning how to use a new camera or trying to learn the basics of photography, you may experience some stress and frustration. However, it is in these moments of struggle that we find opportunities to grow. Whether it’s experimenting with different camera settings, adapting to changing lighting conditions, or finding creative solutions to unexpected obstacles, by facing photography challenges head-on, We truly hone our problem-solving skills, gain a deeper understanding, and ultimately overcome the problem the other side feels happy to have overcome the challenge, armed with more knowledge.
The simple act of taking a leisurely walk with a camera to capture the world around us has more power than you know if you’ve never tried it. So the next time you want to relieve stress or forget about something negative, pick up your camera and step outside.
