What is Therapeutic Photography?
According to commentary on articles arising from the 2008 international conference in Finland, Therapeutic photography is “using photos and photography as therapeutic activity for one’s own personal insight and self-expression [and a number of related activities for groups or communities], in situations where the skills of a trained therapist, psychotherapist, or counselor are not needed.” Therapeutic photography can be practiced without conscious realization, people who often practice photography do so because of the benefits of reflection and the de-stressing effect it has on them. That being said, people can be aware of the therapeutic benefits and reflect on their work accordingly.
An example of therapeutic photography is a women who lost her mother, who was a schoolteacher, dedicated a whole photo project to the remembrance of her mother and as a way to deal with and channel her grief. She completed a photography series, called Wonderland, which turned into a five-year project. A link to the news article with examples of the photographs used within the photo project is available.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2145760/Wonderland-Kirsty-Mitchell-heart-breakingly-beautiful-photographic-series-memory-extraordinary-life.html
http://petapixel.com/2013/11/19/bts-kirsty-mitchell-begins-final-chapter-wonderland-series/
A link to the photographers website, with a post detailing her emotions regarding completing the last photograph within the Wonderland series.
http://kirstymitchellphotography.com/2013/11/18/wonderland-the-final-chapter-gaiathe-birth-of-an-end/
To view the whole series, link here:
http://kirstymitchellphotography.com/galleries/wonderland/
The benefits of therapeutic photography are the act of learning a new skill can bring a sense of accomplishment, self-worth and empowerment. Engaging in photography can act as a catalyst to meeting new people with a common interest and help initiate conversations. Digital photography allows for instant feedback since you can view and share images so quickly.[1]
An example of therapeutic photography is a women who lost her mother, who was a schoolteacher, dedicated a whole photo project to the remembrance of her mother and as a way to deal with and channel her grief. She completed a photography series, called Wonderland, which turned into a five-year project. A link to the news article with examples of the photographs used within the photo project is available.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2145760/Wonderland-Kirsty-Mitchell-heart-breakingly-beautiful-photographic-series-memory-extraordinary-life.html
http://petapixel.com/2013/11/19/bts-kirsty-mitchell-begins-final-chapter-wonderland-series/
A link to the photographers website, with a post detailing her emotions regarding completing the last photograph within the Wonderland series.
http://kirstymitchellphotography.com/2013/11/18/wonderland-the-final-chapter-gaiathe-birth-of-an-end/
To view the whole series, link here:
http://kirstymitchellphotography.com/galleries/wonderland/
The benefits of therapeutic photography are the act of learning a new skill can bring a sense of accomplishment, self-worth and empowerment. Engaging in photography can act as a catalyst to meeting new people with a common interest and help initiate conversations. Digital photography allows for instant feedback since you can view and share images so quickly.[1]
[1] Phototherapy Introduction and Overview. (1983). In D. Krauss, J. Fryrear(Ed.) Phototherapy in Mental Health (pp. 7,8). Springfield, Illinois: Charles C. Thomas