The Learning Curve | Photography, mental health, and soft skills

This edition has been a long time coming. I didn't realise the hidden potential of photography and its impact on well-being until recently.

We're surrounded by screens that, without due diligence, are quick to share negativity.

In this edition I want to share how the positive cycle of physical activity and continuous learning can keep you healthy and open doors you'll have never imagined.

Let's zoom in.

At a glance:

• ​Photography as therapy: Why taking photos can improve your mental health​

• ​Video: How photography can get you anything you want​

• Focus +, a photography competition focused on wellbeing

​Photography as therapy: Why taking photos can improve your mental health​

Discovering the impact of daily walks with a camera during lockdown was an unexpected revelation. At a time of heightened screen time and overwhelming bad news, these walks within the confines of little ol' Manresa became a sanctuary. Shielded from negativity, they nurtured a positive cycle—maintaining physical activity, fostering mental well-being, and sparking a desire for continuous learning.

It wasn't until recently that I stumbled upon this article by Canva, shedding light on the mental health benefits of photography. This insightful piece contextualises the positive influence photography can have on well-being.

Article: Photography as therapy: Why taking photos can actually improve your mental health

Summary of the article

1. Expressive Outlet: Photography allows self-expression, enhancing self-worth, and focusing on positive experiences.

2. State of Flow: Photography induces a focused, immersed mental state, similar to mindfulness.

3. Meditative Observing: The process of taking photos is inherently meditative, fostering a peaceful mindset.

4. Reframing the World: Photography enables the curation and reframing of perspectives, reflecting individual values and desires.

5. Playful Exploration: Photography offers a playful escape, encouraging varied subject matter and creative experimentation.

6. Personal Joy: Brandon Stanton's story showcases how pursuing photography as a passion brings personal joy and global resonance.

7. Stress Reduction: Scientifically proven, photography lowers stress hormones, reduces anxiety, improves sleep, and enhances overall well-being.

​How photography can get you anything you want​

What if I told you that a camera is more than just a tool for taking pictures?

This video below touches on ​my own personal experience from the last few years​, especially when I went for daily lockdown walks with a camera to hand. It led me to unlock a world of experiences and new skills, from social media and events management to digital tools and radio and stage appearances. One action led to the next, and I am convinced that the same can be true to you and your hobby.

From photos of random streets of Manresa to... live on Catalan Radio!?

This is not limited to photography. I can prove it. Here are some none photography examples from people in my professional network:

• ​A healthcare entrepreneur with a passion for gastronomy and wine, whose business skills have led them to owning 50% of one of the town's most wellknown restaurants.​

• ​A marketing educator and consultant with a passion for creativity, who now runs a coworking space for creative professionals.​

• ​A corporate comms manager in the dental industry with a passion for board games, who just launched a game of his own.​

• ​Graphic designer twins with a passion for sports, who run a online shop for 3D models of stadiums and venues.​

• ​A seasoned audiovisual producer whose passion for arts, culture, new technologies, and writing took her to set up her own content writing agency in the Web3 space.​

In this 10-minute video, Peter McKinnon uses his video storytelling skills to drive home the point even more. Enjoy.

Key takeaways

1. Identify passions: Reflect on interests outside of work.

2. Showcase your expertise: Create content to share your skills and start getting feedback on it, especially from this in the field.

3. Network and collaborate: Actively engage with communities related to your passion, and build a network of contacts.

4. Build personal brand: Develop a presence that reflects your blend of interests.

5. Promote yourself: Now you have your unique blend. Let people find you.

6. Evaluate work-life balance: Ensure that the pursuit of your passion remains fulfilling and sustainable in the long run

​Put photography and well-being into practise​

Take a well-being journey through the lens!

Building on the transformative power of photography that we've discussed, I want to invite you to take part in a one-of-a-kind competition centered on positive well-being. It's not just about the prizes (which are epic btw), though they are there to help you improve your mental health.

Source: @litteram IG

This open call encourages the simple but powerful micro actions of

1. stopping what you're doing

2. appreciating what you see around you, and

3. capturing it through the lens of your camera.

The competition, Focus +, created by ​Gemma Calmet​, combines my new interests in psychology and positive habits with photography.

Put into practise the small actions that contribute to wellbeing. Your lens has the potential to be a powerful tool for cultivating positivity!

Check out the ​website to take part​, and ​social media for inspiration​.

Conclusion:

If you got this far, thank you.

Today, we explored the science behind photography's therapeutic benefits, witnessed real-life examples, and sparked ideas for personal and professional growth.

If you know someone who would enjoy this newsletter, please share it with them.

If this email was forwarded to you, please consider ​subscribing​.

See you in two weeks.

​Peace​,

Has