Early on in my journey

I started photographic journey in high school through classes and discovered my passion while shooting for the yearbook. After graduation, I continued my photography journey by concentrating on my daily life capturing simple scenes to record my life as it unfolded.

My mentor and friend Laurin

In my late 20s, I worked with Laurin, a portrait and wedding photographer. He taught me about lighting, capturing subjects naturally, and composition, as well as how to interact with people. We became good friends and often went on photo walks in local parks and the countryside. Those years shaped my path in photography, and I still explore and document my local area. I had to put my camera down for several years due to family obligations but never stoped having the urge to create. Eventually I was able to start up again and have continued to this day.

Photography, an alternative to prozac

Most of my adult life I have suffered from major depression and anxiety. Along with therapy, photography has served as a vital tool in my journey with mental illness, offering an outlet for expression and a means of coping. When experiencing episodes of anxiety or depression, the act of capturing images allows me to focus my thoughts, redirect my energy, and find beauty in moments that may otherwise feel overwhelming.

Engaging with photography encourages mindfulness, as it requires me to be present in the moment. Whether I'm exploring nature or photographing everyday objects, I find myself becoming absorbed in the details of my surroundings. This practice of observing and appreciating the world around me helps alleviate feelings of despair and disconnection.

Moreover, photography has helped me communicate my emotions when words fall short. A photograph can express complex feelings, conveying what I may struggle to articulate. Sharing these images with others fosters connection and can spark conversations about mental health, allowing me to feel less isolated in my experiences.

The creative process itself is therapeutic. The challenge of composition, lighting, and editing provides a structured focus that diverts my mind from negative thoughts. Completing a photo project gives me a sense of accomplishment, which contributes to improved self-esteem and a more positive outlook.

Overall, photography has become an integral part of my self-care routine. It offers not only an escape but also a way to document my journey, capturing moments of resilience and hope amid the challenges of mental illness.

Today and Tomorrow

Today I am still working on my mental health and photography continues to help me with my self-care. Mental health is a life long journey in it’s self and looking at every day life around me helps me stay grounded. This is why photography had been a integral part of my recovery and allows me to appreciate the every day things that I see. Capturing them and sharing them helps me remember the good in life and hopefully will helf someone else with their journey in life with or without a mental illness. As you look at my images on the site, I hope brings a smile