Don't Worry, Be Happy - How Photography Can Increase Your Personal Happiness
From my iPhone Smiles Collection
Go on a photo shoot walk.
Go out and have fun. You do not have to bring home the best composed pictures. In fact, put that right out of your mind. Even if you take no photos, you will likely feel better because exercise alone relieves stress.
Create a joy collection.
Dogs make me happy. I am always trying to get street photography shots that include dogs. Most of my efforts are unsuccessful because I have set a high bar for myself about what constitutes good composition in my street photography. A dog is often on a leash and separated in space from its owner. That never goes well for me. I end up with disconnected subjects. I think I need to just take pictures of dogs and enjoy them. In fact, the pictures of dogs do not even need to be mine to make me happy.
Photo by Jill Hempsall. Used with permission. This is my favorite dog picture of all time. You can see Jill’s Instagram galleries at @jill.hempsall, @jill.hempsall.petphotography and on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/jillsg3shots.
Smiles also make me happy. I got in my mind that the way I would learn to judge distances in street photography would be to use my iPhone to take pictures without looking at the screen. I have cut off my fair share of heads. To reward myself, I specifically try to take portraits of people smiling. I do not have a big collection, but it brings me joy.
This is another picture in my iPhone Smiles Collection.
Use photography to reframe your world
If there is anything that drives my photography it is taking pictures that emphasizes our similarities across cultures. No matter where I am, as an example, children play and mothers and fathers nurture. All over the world, our expressions can be similar when we are happy or sad or anxious. In that regard, photography helps me re-frame the world so that “others” are not so scary.
I suppose this lady and I do not have much in common. And yet, her business is making “Papusas”, an affordable fast food meal in El Salvador, and my business was making Subway sandwiches, an affordable fast food meal in the U.S. I hope I welcomed my customers as she welcomes hers.
I like this observation written by Ros Brennan, in her blog post, Photography as a therapy: Why taking photos can actually improve your mental health, “Photography can be a place to reflect your own values, thoughts, and desires, and to manifest the kind of world you want to see. In short, you can choose what you focus on and what you leave out of the frame.”
Use photography to focus your attention outside of your mind.
I call them “bad” thoughts. Worrying forward or being resentful never helps me. I cannot think bad thoughts and at the same time do research or write a photography blog. I probably could think bad thoughts when I am out shooting, but I don’t. Engaging in photography can stop negative thoughts and you will be less likely to think about the stress and anxiety you may be feeling.
Practice gratitude.
Note things big and small that please you. Take a picture of them. I happen to be fascinated by reflections. Finding a bit of unexpected light always makes me grateful.
I came on this scene on the first morning of my most recent trip to San Salvador. The only reason I went outside early was that breakfast was delayed. I just had my iPhone, but it was enough. I am deeply grateful that I was treated to this moment of beauty.
Connect with like-minded people.
You can do this at camera clubs, with travel, or even at home online. My Instagram and Facebook community provide a lot of support, inspiration and lots of smiles for me as we share photos and art work.
Water color drawing by Dieter Hantke. Used with permission. I have followed Dieter on Instagram for a long time. His pictures always delight me. You can see his gallery on Instagram at @dh_aus_a.
Exercise
Do you ever think about how photography can increase your personal happiness?