Health in every shot
That photography has a good impact on people’s mental health is an indisputable fact. This is true for both photographers and viewers. I have read not few testimonies from persons whose mental issues have been improved due to photography. A trip out with the camera can do wonders.
In addition I have found that photography also can favour our physical health. I am now not talking about the benefits from fresh air. Or that our heart and muscles, for example, enjoy a long trek.
My back, notably my lower back, hasn’t always been very cooperative. It has had its fits where the muscles have been knots of pain. Even though I had problems walking upright I headed out with the camera, and returned home pain free almost every time.
Walking rough terrain and add to that the various movements photography requires and we have a receipt for alleviating back issues. I suggest that it should be mandatory to subscribe photography as a means of relieving back pain. I suspect that’s what we photographers would call a “win, win” situation.
This morning I discovered another affliction photography has the power to heal. It is kind of embarrassing, but the thing is, I didn’t sleep much tonight due to intense stomach pain. Gas was trapped somewhere in the intestines. Most likely due to that kebab I ate a little too late in the evening.
I peeked out the window. It seemed like colours might adorn the morning sky. It struck me that a trip out with the camera with all the movements such an exercise entails perhaps could fix my little problem. When I arrived at the location the pain was still insistent. It wasn’t until I was about to wrap up that I noticed that the pain was gone.
The moral is: If you need any more excuses to head out with the camera I have just given you a few.
The catch (we’re now on the mental side of things — after all it was a beautiful morning):
