The Benefits of Wildlife Photography on Health and Wellbeing
The Benefits of Wildlife Photography on Health and Wellbeing are numerous. Research indicates that a vibrant, wildlife-rich environment significantly enhances both physical and mental health. Individuals with easy access to nature tend to be more active, mentally resilient, and enjoy better overall health. However, only 35% of households with annual incomes below £10,000 are within a 10-minute walk of a publicly accessible natural green space.
In today’s world, where mental health awareness is crucial, finding effective and accessible ways to support our wellbeing is essential. One surprising method is photography. This creative outlet not only fosters artistic expression but also serves as a powerful tool for improving mental wellbeing.
Let’s have a look at how wildlife photography can positively impact our wellbeing and why picking up a camera can enhance our lives:
- Boosts Overall Health and Happiness: Engaging in photography is excellent for maintaining general wellbeing. Creative hobbies like photography offer numerous psychological and physical benefits. It can improve cognitive function, physical health, and happiness. Immersing in a creative activity like photography lowers stress hormone levels. The focus required in photography aligns with mindfulness principles, helping to quiet the mind, reduce stress, and break free from constant mental noise.
- A Creative Outlet for Emotional Expression: Wildlife photography provides a unique way to express emotions that might be hard to articulate. Whether capturing a beautiful landscape, a moody black-and-white portrait of a swan in the rain, or the excitement of young birds being fed in spring, photography allows us to channel our feelings creatively. This form of expression can be incredibly therapeutic, offering an outlet for emotions and a way to process and understand them better.
- Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem: Engaging in photography can significantly enhance self-esteem and confidence. Mastering the technical aspects of a camera, developing an eye for composition, capturing a sharp image of a bird in flight, or seeing improvements in your work overtime provides a sense of achievement and accomplishment.
- A Great Form of Exercise: Besides reducing stress and improving cognitive function, photography is also a good form of exercise. Whether you are in good physical shape or require mobility assistance, photography encourages movement and boosts fitness levels.
- Unlimited Avenues to Explore: Photography not only benefits health and happiness but also offers endless opportunities to advance your skills. Taking on new challenges and experimenting with different styles can improve confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
- Enhances Social Life: While some may prefer to keep their photography private, it also has a fantastic social aspect. Photography can be a very social hobby with camera clubs, social groups, and online communities. With 1.2 million older people considered chronically lonely in the UK, sharing your hobby with like-minded individuals and building lasting friendships is a great reason to start taking photos. Sharing your work and receiving positive feedback can also boost self-worth and encourage further pursuit of photography.
- Easy to Get Started: One of the best things about photography is its accessibility. You don’t need the latest, most expensive equipment to begin. All you need is a camera, and the skill lies in the person behind it creatively composing the shots. Most mobile phones come with excellent built-in cameras, and entry-level DSLR cameras with a lens can be purchased second-hand for under £200.
- Benefits of Nature: Spending time in nature has been shown to help with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Research into ecotherapy, a formal treatment involving outdoor activities, has demonstrated its effectiveness in alleviating mild to moderate depression. This may be due to the combination of regular physical activity, social interaction, and being outdoors. Natural light exposure can also benefit those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons. Many people report that spending time in nature has helped them with various mental health problems. Combining nature with photography amplifies these benefits. As you seek the perfect shot of a sunrise, a new species, or wildlife in their habitat, you immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquillity of the natural world. This connection to nature can have a grounding and calming effect, promoting overall mental wellbeing.
Over the past year, more attendees have enjoyed the social aspect of my workshops, the opportunity to experience nature, and the added bonus of improving their photographic skills. Notably, 79% of my workshop attendees have returned for a second workshop or booked multiple sessions. Several have formed friendships and now go out together to take photographs. Many have commented on how their mood has improved, their mental health has benefited, or their physical fitness has increased.
A lot of my workshop clients have their own inspirational stories as to why they have started wildlife photography, everyone has a different reason or a different motivation to get started.
I urge anyone reading this who hasn’t discovered the benefits of wildlife photography to give it a try. There are so many advantages, even beyond what I’ve covered here, but the hardest part is getting started. If you’re looking for something different, why not join me on one of my wildlife photography workshops and experience first hand how this powerful practice can transform your outlook on life and improve your mental health and wellbeing.
In the future, I hope to offer free workshop places and work in partnership with local charities to benefit the community. This is a work in progress, but it’s a goal I’m aiming to achieve.
If you’re struggling with your mental health and need support, please check out the links below:
Mind website: Mind
Or speak to the Samaritans: Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen
If you are older and feeling lonely or need some help: Age Scotland | The Scottish Charity for Older People