I’ve been asked many times if photographing wild animals has any benefits for our mental health and wellbeing. The answer is a resounding ‘YES’ and although, at times, wildlife photography can seem rather chaotic, once you’ve learned to embrace the chaos then the magic starts to happen. Wildlife photography not only allows you to capture the beauty and diversity of nature, but is also a powerful tool that can improve your mental health and well-being.
Many studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and improve mood, attention, and memory. But what if you can’t always access natural environments, or you want to enhance your experience of nature? This is where wildlife photography comes in. It’s a form of nature-based therapy that can help you cope with various mental health challenges, such as:
Focus and concentration: Wildlife photography requires you to pay attention to the details of your surroundings, such as the light, the colours, the shapes, and the movements of the animals. This can help you distract yourself from negative thoughts and emotions, and improve your cognitive abilities.
Creativity and expression: Wildlife photography allows you to express yourself artistically and creatively. You can experiment with different techniques, angles, compositions, and styles to create unique and original images that reflect your personality and vision. This can boost your self-esteem and confidence, and give you a sense of achievement and satisfaction.
Learning and curiosity: Wildlife photography can teach you a lot about the natural world and its inhabitants. You can learn about the behaviour, ecology, and conservation of different species, as well as the challenges they face in their habitats. You can also improve your photography skills and knowledge by studying the work of other wildlife photographers and getting feedback from peers and experts. This can stimulate your curiosity and interest, and keep your mind active and engaged.
Adventure and exploration: Even though Wildlife photography can take you to amazing places and expose you to new experiences, you can also discover new aspects of your own local environment and appreciate the wildlife that lives there. This can expand your horizons and perspectives, and enrich your life.
Connection and contribution: Wildlife photography can connect you with other people who share your passion and values. You can join online or offline communities of wildlife photographers, exchange tips and stories, collaborate on projects, and support each other. You can also share your work with others and inspire them to appreciate and protect wildlife. This can enhance your social skills and relationships, and make you feel part of something bigger than yourself.
Wildlife photography is not just an activity in the most obvious sense, but also a therapeutic activity that can benefit your mental health in many ways. By immersing yourself in nature through the lens of your camera, you can experience its healing effects on your mind and body.
So grab your camera, head outdoors, and start taking some amazing shots of wildlife!
Happy snappin’ folks
Meter The Light 