How photography helps my mental health

How creativity helps my overall well being.

Welcome once again to my regular Sunday long form post. This week, I’m talking about how photography, and generally being creative, helps my overall well being - both physical and mental. As someone who never thought of himself as overly creative, I will always be thankful for finding photography, or perhaps it found me, as it has delivered so many happy memories, taken me to some wonderful locations and of course helped my own personal struggles more than I ever could have imagined.

My relationship with photography has changed a lot over the past few years. Grown deeper than I thought possible. It crowds my mind. Awake in the darkness. Looking for light. Sometimes the need to create can be suffocating. If only it was as easy as 'the gram' would have you believe. But then if it was, I don't think I would be in love with it as much as I am. 

I find it challenging to articulate my thoughts on my relationship with photography. So I make images. Constantly. Often no more than moments of time that perhaps one day, as I look back, will help me understand the why. Or perhaps they will forever remain just that, moments.  I'm okay with that either way. 

This is also about recovery—my own. 

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Photography and Mental Health

More than the image

In today's fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety have become commonplace, finding solace in nature has become a crucial aspect of maintaining my own mental well-being. Landscape photography, beyond the obvious artistic merits, has also provided me with many health benefits, both physical and mental. By immersing myself in the beauty of the natural world and capturing it through the lens, landscape photography, on a personal level, promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and emotional rejuvenation.

A connection with the natural world

Landscape photography has allowed me to forge a deep connection with nature and the natural world in a number of ways. For starters, the simple act of being outside more, come rain or shine, is always time well spent, irrespective of whether I make an image or not. The ongoing search for a scenic location, exploring off the beaten track, often with no plan but to walk, sit, and observe. To help me get the most from a location, I will often leave the camera in the bag and instead choose to engage all of my senses to get a better feel for a place. Taking time to properly connect often reveals hidden beauty that many will simply walk on by. It’s little moments like this which fill my soul.

Learning to be present

I used to think that multitasking equaled a higher level of productivity, when in fact, it often results in the opposite, at least for me. I have long since realised that to make the most of my time in the field with the camera, I need to focus 100% on photography, learning to leave the phone and all of its distractions in my pocket. I used to listen to relaxing music while in the field, but even that I found was pulling me out of the moment.

In other words, I now appreciate that my best work, or at least getting close to that, requires me to be present in the landscape. To observe and appreciate the intricate details in front of me, the interplay of light and shadow, and the ever-changing weather conditions, no matter how subtle. This process has, without a doubt, helped me cultivate a more mindful approach, which in turn I have been able to transfer over into other aspects of my life. Practicing mindfulness through landscape photography has reduced rumination, improved my focus on the task at hand, and enhanced overall well-being.

Stress Reliever

I realise that people looking from the outside at our current nomadic lifestyle would perhaps be thinking, "What does he have to be stressed about?" However, I can tell you that living on the road, being primarily responsible for the logistics of the trip, as well as our well-being and that of the van, can lead to some pretty stressful moments. I find that time in the field with the camera offers me respite from this stress. The process of planning a photo shoot, setting up equipment, and waiting for the right lighting conditions encourages a slower pace of life. This slower rhythm helps reduce stress and allows me to experience a sense of calmness. The only other thing that comes close to this experience is when I'm out running, especially on longer distances. The rhythm of the trail almost becomes hypnotic. The more complex the scene, particularly when focusing on a more intimate frame, the better, as I find that time itself almost becomes meaningless, with hours sometimes passing without a thought of anything other than the present moment.

Emotional expression and creativity

Before picking up the camera, I never really thought of myself as a creative person. I was close to the bottom of the class in art, often left playing the triangle in the school band, and once my voice had broken, I was encouraged to pursue other interests outside of singing.

Landscape photography has served as a creative outlet, allowing me to express my emotions and perceptions through my images. By capturing the beauty and grandeur of nature, I can experience a range of emotions, from serenity to awe, from joy to contemplation. This process of emotional expression can be cathartic and therapeutic, helping me process my feelings, gaining gain a deeper understanding of myself.

In conclusion

Landscape photography, with its ability to connect me with nature, promote mindfulness, reduce stress, and encourage creativity, has proven a powerful tool for improving my mental health. The therapeutic benefits of this art form extend far beyond the final image, encompassing the entire process of engaging with the natural world along with expressing myself creatively.

By embracing landscape photography, I find solace, relaxation, and emotional rejuvenation, ultimately enhancing my overall well-being in an increasingly hectic world.

I don’t always get the. balance right, but I can certainly tell when it’s been too long without a camera in hand, with my mind crowded with more negative thoughts.

Speaking of which, the colour in the woods that I’m parked beside just now are rather spectacular so I’m away to practice what I preach.

Thanks for listening …

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Latest vlog

Join me for some of the best light so far along the incredible Brittany coastline

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What’s been

Other bits you may have missed this week

• Locations - The Isle of Harris

• Other images from The Outer Hebrides

• Creative journal from the past 7 days

Once again thank you for allowing me a few moments of your time. I trust you have a good weekend and until next time,

Happy Pixels