Images of inspiration
Now you’ve learned some tools for more ‘mindful’ photography, Geoff Harris shares inspiring stories of photographers who are surmounting a range of personal challenges
As we’ve seen in Tracy Calder’s wide-ranging feature starting on page 14, there are a lot of practical tips and techniques that all photographers can use to become more mindful. But can photography still help if you are facing a full-blown mental health crisis, or having to deal with the psychological impact of a serious health condition, such as ME, Long Covid or chronic back pain? Judging by the case studies we’ve put together over the following pages, the answer is a resounding yes. Following a call-out on social media, a variety of photographers came forward with their stories, of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels.
It’s not only rewarding to read their stories but also inspirational, and if anyone was still in doubt about the healing power of photography, these case studies should settle the question. Ten or 15 years ago, the subject of mental health and photography was rarely discussed. Yes, you had Don McCullin and other traumatised photojournalists talking frankly about the therapeutic benefits of swapping images of war and chaos for those of rolling countryside, but when it came to mainstream photography, it simply wasn’t discussed that much. Furthermore, you wouldn’t have landscape photographers like the excellent Paul Sanders building much of their business around mindful photography workshops (see www.discoverstill.com). The fact that more and more people are happy to discuss how photography has helped them with their struggles reflects a wider recognition of the importance of talking about mental health in our society, and this is surely to be welcomed. Much of the stigma around the subject has gone, and rightly so.
Our case studies here are certainly not the last word on the subject, however, so do keep sharing your personal experiences of the many benefits of photography on our social media pages. You can also keep sending your stories in to ap.ed@kelsey.co.uk.