By Tyler Wright
A Yarra Valley local is providing a safe space for photography lovers to share their mental health journey.
David Eastham has created Facebook group ‘Shooting the Black Dog,’ in an attempt to share techniques on easing feelings of depression and anxiety through ‘Therapeutic Photography’ after his own experiences with suffering from severe emotional stress.
“I read a fair bit about how people were using creative outlets to manage their mental health and wellbeing and [I] got into photography.
“[It was] probably one of the most significant steps I’ve taken to improve my mental health and wellbeing,” David said.
Shooting an image of an eagle flying into its nest to meet its babies after months of waiting for the event was the tipping point for David to realise he could accomplish what he set his mind to.
The group was created two weeks ago and now has close to 200 members – something he did not expect.
“It’s not about the photos being perfect or anything like that..I’m very clear that it’s for people that take photos with their phones right through to professional setups.”
Having done research about the impacts of therapeutic photography on mental health, David plans to post activities and challenges onto the page to prompt participants and increase involvement.
One of the activities members have tried involves posting a photo of how they felt at that present moment, and contrast that with a photo of how they want to feel.
“Some people are posting photos that are significant because it might be the anniversary of the loss of one of their loves ones, or it might just be that they’re feeling pretty good that day so they’re putting up a nice happy photo.
“I’m surprised how natural it is for people to do it now that the platform’s there,” he said.
“People are embracing photography a lot more.”
