the healing power of Photography
Welcome to some Thursday Therapy where I wanted to recap on my amazing conversation a few weeks ago with Jimmy Nelson on The MOOD Podcast. Our chat got me thinking again about how photography can be so powerful in many ways, but one way in particular resonated with me having gone through some recent personal issues myself, but more so in Jimmy's life, where he has battled trauma since an early age, and used photography to help heal is scars and find his inner beauty.
Many of the best photos in the world evoke deep emotions from both the photographer and the viewer. They tell stories, capture raw human experiences, and connect people across different cultures and backgrounds.
Often, we as photographers struggle to capture this emotional depth in their work. The pressures of perfecting techniques, managing equipment, and meeting client expectations can overshadow the emotional and therapeutic aspects of photography. This often leads to a disconnect from the true essence of the craft, resulting in technically perfect but emotionally flat photographs.
Photography isn’t just about capturing images; it’s about capturing emotions and experiences that can lead to profound personal healing. Here’s how you can channel the therapeutic aspects of photography into your own practice:
Wear you camera with a purpose: Plan regular walks or outings with your camera and have clear intent; think about a specific emotional theme. It could be gratitude, love, healing or any time of feeling. Focus on capturing moments that reflect this theme and later review how these images make you feel.
Embrace Vulnerability: Don’t be afraid to capture raw, unfiltered moments. Vulnerability can (and usually does) lead to the most authentic and powerful images.
Connect with Your Subjects: Whether it's people, landscapes, or objects, build a connection. Understand their story and let that guide your photography before you even pick up a camera.
Reflect on Your Work: Take time to share your photos with others - could just be close friends and family - then review and reflect on your photographs yourself, as objectively as possible. I like to give myself some emotional space between snapping and viewing/editing. Then think, what emotions do they evoke? What stories do they tell? Use this reflection as a tool for personal growth and connection with your inner feelings.
Here are some resources to help you on your healing journey:
Listen to the Episode: For a deeper dive into Jimmy Nelson's journey and insights, listen to our full conversation on The MOOD Podcast here.
Books: 'Photography as Meditation' by Torsten Andreas Hoffmann – a guide to using photography for personal reflection and emotional exploration.
If you're as inspired by Jimmy Nelson's story and photography as much as I am, come join my community here and we can chat more about all this! Also, join the waitlist for my upcoming photography course where we'll dive deeper into the artistic and evocative aspects of photography. And don't forget to follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration and behind-the-scenes content!
Happy Shooting,
