In today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming world, it can be hard to find time for yourself. That’s why taking up a creative habit – such as photography – can help improve your mental health and give you an outlet to express yourself.

Let’s take a look at how you can benefit from taking up photography as a hobby, and how you can maximize the creative results of your shots.

One of the main benefits of engaging in photography is that it builds confidence. Whether you’re taking photos of nature or trying out different angles for self-portraits, honing your skills is both inspiring and empowering. You will gain a greater appreciation for your Self and the world around you, while also learning how to capture the perfect moment through photography.

Taking self-portraits can provide an opportunity to look at yourself in a different light and appreciate who you are as more than just one piece of this puzzle we call life. The act of capturing your image allows you to discover parts of yourself that may have gone unnoticed before, while also providing an opportunity to explore your emotions and feelings without judgment or fear. This emotional exploration will ultimately allow you to develop a better understanding and appreciation for yourself.

Now, you probably think your photos are far from perfect and you couldn’t shoot any meaningful images to express your feeling or emotions. Or, you think you can’t process your photos to make them look as you think they should to better convey their significance.

Perhaps you fear that photography may be too expensive a hobby. In reality, today any smartphone is equipped with excellent cameras and software is also available online for free or at incredibly low prices. I currently use Adobe Express tools as an easy way to enhance photos with automatic features such as colour correction and white balance adjustments, crop images quickly without losing any quality, and even add text (or stickers) with ease. With Adobe Express tools at your disposal, there is no limit to what kind of photographic projects you can create.

Once your images are edited, you can start sharing them on social media to build up a following or just show friends and family the results of your new hobby. Make an Instagram collage that highlights your favourite shots. You can customize it, personalize it, or even use it for professional projects. You don’t need design experience to make an eye-catching visual that can be used across all of your marketing materials and social pages.

Many photographers start blogging about their experiences. Not only is this a great way to express one’s self, but it’s also beneficial for those who want to share their mental and physical health journey with others. Create a stunning blog post with your images or self-portraits and start telling your story.

If all goes well with your newfound passion for photography, then why not take it one step further? Becoming self-employed as a photo therapist gives you the freedom to make money doing something that not only makes you feel fulfilled but can help other people in distress. Go check Anna Fabroni’s website to understand how this can be done.

Taking up photography can have many positive effects on mental health, from building confidence through creative expression to exploring emotions through self-portraits. With free and low-cost online resources like Adobe Express, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to foster this new journey. Not only that, but you can also find tutorials and even mentors online who can help you along the way.

I currently use phototherapy techniques both to investigate my moods and as a therapeutic tool for my patients and I can tell you that it is an extremely powerful and transformative strategy. Try it and you will be won over!