4 Powerful Ways Photography Changes Lives

Written by: Janice F.

‘We take photos as a return ticket to a moment otherwise gone.’

Sometimes, we wish we could get trapped in a particular moment and never slip away. Photography has the ultimate capacity to capture a present moment and the power to reignite the past. Shooting with a camera empowers an individual to take on the role of a self-directed artist, an observer and a creator. It is no wonder that such freedom that comes with creation has encouraged the curation of a plethora of images on social media.

Apart from posting on Instagram, our selfies and wefies are what we create in fear of forgetting that fleeting moment. These visual masterpieces promote self-expression, artistic experiment and give voice to the voiceless. It also possesses the propensity to inspire and initiate change.

Here are 4 ways that photography impacts our lives while satisfying our visual appetite!

1. Photography restores memories

Photo: Courtesy of Becci Manson

This is probably my favourite reason why I love Photography. Photographs are like pieces of precious evidence that remind me of the experiences once shared and the emotions once felt. When you experience the loss of a loved one, what is left behind are memories. Memories that is occasionally reminisced through visual representations. I love taking a few minutes before bedtime to scroll through old digital copies of photos to savour fond experiences. They serve as a bitter-sweet reminder of how blessed I am.

Becci Manson’s initiative in 2011 in aid of the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami was a true demonstration of this wonder of photography. By retouching photographs of decolourised images left amongst the debris, Becci Manson recovered a sense of connection between the photographs and their owners. It was amazing to learn that 135,000 photographs were fully hand-cleaned and eventually, 90 families had a part of their memories and happiness restored. So amazing.

Inspired by: http://www.ted.com/talks/becci_manson_re_touching_lives_through_photos#t-413170

2. Photography heals and repairs

The satisfaction from capturing a beautiful sunset or a portrait of your loved one can lift your spirits. Photography is a magical therapeutic tool that provides comfort and respite to those feeling challenged, down or lost. Did you know it is a form of therapy to empower patients and accompany them on their road to recovery?

Laura Hospes, a 21-year-old artist documented her stay in a mental hospital while battling depression, anxiety and eating disorder. Her black and white photo series is poignant and personal to her own experience and we feel it. Her pain, anguish and internal battles. Through her ups and downs, we witness the power of healing that photography brings from start to end.

“If I could inspire only one person on this earth to share his or her feelings with his or her surroundings by seeing this series…I would be super thankful.”

Thank you Laura for inspiring us from Printsforgood!

Inspired by: http://www.refinery29.com/2015/08/92461/mental-hospital-self-portraits-laura-hospes#slide

3. Photography gives voice to the invisible

Photo: Courtesy of Kristen Ashburn

Taking us to corners we otherwise find impossible to visit, photography makes visible the invisible communities, individuals and issues that were unreported or unheard of. The marginalised poverty-stricken families, the aboriginal tribes, the silent sufferings and the cries of war. Photography allows these invisible people to unveil their stories in realistic documentations of their lives. In the process of documentation, photography teaches a photographer life lessons. By looking through the lens, into the hearts of people and issues, photographers are invited into a realm of vulnerability and strength.

In a powerful project titled Bloodline: AIDS and Family, Kristen Ashburn recorded the impact of AIDS on African families as the AIDS epidemic continues to rob lives. Through this frightening crisis, Ashburn expresses on behalf of Africans desperate for their stories to be comprehended. Her heartfelt work painted a sea of emotions ranging from pain to grief to hope. She reminds us of how important these shots are in raising awareness of AIDS. More importantly, through photography, she shed light on the personal stories of the families of whom would remain invisible without her.

Inspired by: http://mediastorm.com/publication/bloodline-aids-and-family

4. Photography invites reflection

Photo: Courtesy of Lynn Johnson

Photography opens our eyes to our surroundings which in turn reflects inwards within us. Whenever we look at photographs of natural disasters in reports, we feel our hearts sink. Photography has the power to speak volumes about events which feel so far yet so near. It invites curiosity, reflection and stirs gratitude.

A meaningful art therapy program developed by Melissa Walker served to heal the trauma of soldiers who suffered brain injuries from past wars. The outcome of the art therapy was outlined in a photo essay featuring these soldiers donning striking masks. I was intrigued by the drawings and writings on their masks, each mirroring their own experiences with war.

The photographs shot by Lynn Johnson were in itself, masterpieces which highlighted an issue that we normal civilians cannot relate. It set me thinking about the families of these soldiers. About how comfortable we are with our lives. Sometimes, too comfortable to the point we stop appreciating the companion of our family and friendsß. On the other hand, trauma and fear haunt these soldiers and families everyday with the uncertainty of losing each other.

Photography has taught me to savour the little things in life. To give thanks to our circumstances. To appreciate our haves and have-nots. Instead of just merely accepting the photos as it is, we can start giving, documenting and sharing this magical tool called photography.

Inspired by: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/healing-soldiers/