Many who are out there every day with their cameras already know this, but probably others don’t. That photography, particularly nature photography, is good for the mind, the body and the soul. It connects you with nature, takes you away from whatever may be troubling you and allows you to just take in your surroundings and be really mindful of the present moment.
I’ve been doing serious nature photography for many years now and have my doctor to thank for it. You see, I’d been running an online business via my computer for many years (not photography related) and rarely went out for walks. I knew I had to take regular breaks and thought walking around my house, doing housework would help but it didn’t. My doctor told me I had to go out a minimum 3 days a week, in the fresh air, get some vitamin D and walk for at least 20 minutes. I actually found walking for that particular purpose boring and I would constantly check my watch to see if it was time to turn back and go home yet.
Then, one day, it occurred to me perhaps I should take my camera with me. That was a turning point. 20 minutes became an hour or more, and 3 days became 5-6 days a week, sometimes 7. I began to notice nature around me, the shape of trees and bushes, the changing colours through the seasons, the movement of birds and so on. Before I knew it I was becoming addicted to walking, always with my camera with me, and my photography grew in leaps and bounds. I became much better at it.
Over time I began to realise that going out regularly freed my mind up from things that were bothering me in my business or daily life – it gave me permission to take time out, and in doing so, often my mind would work on whatever it was in the background and I’d come back refreshed, sometimes with the problem solved, and often with renewed vigour to get my work done. Walking wasn’t just good for my physical health and well being, it was good for my mental health too, well the photography in particular is good for that. It sits well with my soul, being immersed in nature, in the world around me. Other benefits? I sleep well and I’ve also lost weight over time too, without having to do fast diets. I can actually walk for many kilometres without getting too tired. I enjoy walking very much.
I’ve also learnt a lot about the beautiful Australian birdlife in our region, and in other areas too. I get excited seeing a ‘new’ bird, hearing a ‘new’ call, becoming familiar with the sound of a particular flap of wings knowing which bird it is before I see it. My mind keeps active, which must be a good thing as you grow older too.
I also meet many locals when I’m out and about at some of my favourite parks and lakes here in the Dandenong Ranges. It seems many locals know who I am through the sharing of my photos online and I love stopping and chatting with them about different birds or life in general.
If you are taking up photography, or been doing it for awhile and have been challenged with mental health issues, then this Facebook group, Shooting the Black Dog may well be of interest to you. If you live here in the hills and would love to learn about photography then my local club, the Hills Photographic Society is very welcoming of new members, no matter where you are in your photography journey. If you like to hang out at Birdsland Reserve, then this Facebook group may well be the group you need.
And I’m always up for a chat too. Love to share with others, encourage them, support where I can. I’ve been blessed by others being there for me when I have had the need and I like to do the same for others.
What has been your journey with photography? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.
Excellent blog Kathie. Great truths.
I’m a psychologist – there is an entire area of psychology focused on the importance of connection with nature called Ecopsychology.
There’s also good evidence about birding specifically as being good for mental health, especially when we reflect on the joy of seeing birds. Photography also has been used to support mental health!
As a clinician, I’ve used exposure to nature and to nature photography as a practice to enhance mindfulness and well-being.
As a person who haa always loved nature, my interest in bird watching and nature photography had increased as my mobility has gone downhill (I’m disabled and terminally ill). Time in nature focused on the present is so good for me, and photography helps me to capture the moments. Then when I’ve had long periods in hospital I’ve been able to look at my photos, remember them and get a little boost.
Thank you so much for sharing Ceara. So good to hear this from a professional to confirm what I’ve felt for such a long time. I note there has been a recent news article on this topic too. I should share my post more often.
So sorry to hear of your own health challenges and I hope you get to do birding for sometime yet.
I am a doctor and wholeheartedly believe that time in nature is very therapeutic. It is wonderful to hear your insights Ceara. It is clear that science supports this but interesting that there is research about birding. It is truely a mindful activity!
Photography and time in the garden/green spaces has been key in my own self care after a stressful decade of medical training. In the past year I have been doing more birding, it is certainly a source of happiness. As Kathie points out, fresh air, exercise and vitamin D are cherries on the cake.
Thanks Nish, appreciated. And yet another article has come to light – Birdlife Australia has just highlighted it in a newsletter. https://theconversation.com/the-joy-of-birdwatching-research-shows-it-can-improve-mental-health-and-foster-a-sense-of-wellbeing-229139
Seems science is catching up with what regular birders already knew!