Healing through photography
PHOTOGRAPHY is not just a creative outlet for the photographer – it is also very therapeutic. The act of taking photos whether it’s on an expensive DSLR camera or the simple smart phone, provides a shift in perspective – you are literally looking at your world differently – through the lens. Why is photography so healing? It gives people the motivation to get outside. People dealing with grief and loss, depression, stress and anxiety, can often find it extremely difficult to get the motivation to get outside, to exercise and enjoy their environment.
Photography is an accessible means of communication, for people to share their thoughts, viewpoints and frustrations.
In 2015, the NALAG Centre for Loss and Grief, began the annual Photo Treasure Hunt. The event is NOT a photography competition per se. It is a treasure hunt where participants are given a mission of four themes that they need to capture and return, so their photos can be printed, judged and displayed in a pop-up exhibition.
NALAG volunteers and coordinators of the event, Kerry-lyn Strain and Paula Hanson, have watched the event grow in the last three years.
“Our first year we started with 15 entries. It has now doubled each consecutive year with over 60 entries this year – we are excited that it’s reaching the epic stage and we are reaching so many in the community,” Kerry-lyn Strain said.
“It was a pleasure this year to see so many families engaging in the hunt. The themes this year were Anniversary, Tribute, Loss and Togetherness.
“Engaging children and young people in talks about loss, grief, tributes and the anniversary of loss is exactly what this event is about.
“We don’t want it to be sad conversations, we want it to be “open” conversation to normalise the talking about loss and grief,” Paula Hanson said.
“Through photography you seek the beauty in the world so your focus is shifted from a negative perspective to a positive perspective.”
Judge of the Pop Up Exhibition Jen Cowley said the event is a wonderful photographic display of how healing photography can be. Photography acts as non-verbal communication, which can be huge when dealing with issues like loss and grief.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of NALAG’S creation following the Granville Train Disaster that claimed the lives of over 80 people.
“This year is very special for NALAG, and we are delighted that so many people in the community engaged in our Grief Awareness Month events.
The NALAG Centre for Loss & Grief held a Remembering Ceremony at St Brigid’s Church on Sunday, August 27 to conclude the Grief Awareness Month activities.