I think photography is one of the ultimate forms of self therapy. Why?
![Cindy with hand on chin. Red. Kyoto, 2017](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/3F2CAD83-CB23-4CB5-B864-6E90E0D3F110-2000x1325.jpeg?resize=2000%2C1325)
For myself, I love photography as the opportunity to explore, empty my mind, and find more joy and excitement in life.
![Selfie in mirror. Kyoto. 2017](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/CE491445-A4F4-4EDB-9B36-FDD05CC73CAC-2000x1325.jpeg?resize=2000%2C1325)
Here are some assignments you can use in photo therapy:
1. Walking meditation
![Walking woman. Kyoto, 2017](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/99152B9C-2E63-454B-8070-C546A5C7BE78-2000x1325.jpeg?resize=2000%2C1325)
Leave your phone at home. Go out for a walk, with your camera on your neck or wrist.
Walk 25% slower than you normally do. Treat this assignment as “taking your camera for a walk”.
Slow down. Walk slowly. Feel the pavement underneath your feet. Enjoy each step, slowly.
2. Creative expression
![Silhouette. Kyoto, 2017](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/8882CFF0-FDCC-4640-960E-87428175E20F-2000x1325.jpeg?resize=2000%2C1325)
Use photography as a tool for creative self-expression.
Use the camera as your paint brush, and seek to abstract reality.
![Dots. Abstract street photograph. Kyoto, 2017](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/E97C2C79-FA0D-4A23-8098-2C1F4828ED33-2000x1325.jpeg?resize=2000%2C1325)
This assignment will help you feel less anxiety and stress, because you are focused on making pictures, and making art.
And yes, photography is art.
3. Simple shapes and forms
![Zen aesthetics. Kyoto, 2017](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ERIC-KIM-KYOTO-PHOTOGRAPHY-2017-0140104-1325x2000.jpg?resize=1325%2C2000)
I find it soothing to photograph aesthetically pleasing forms, like diagonals, triangles, and rectangles.
![Looking up. Kyoto, 2017](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ERIC-KIM-KYOTO-PHOTOGRAPHY-2017-0140244-2000x1325.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325)
Clear your mind by looking for interesting textures, shapes, and forms.
![Textures in wall. With eyes. Kyoto, 2017](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ERIC-KIM-KYOTO-PHOTOGRAPHY-2017-0140087-1325x2000.jpg?resize=1325%2C2000)
4. Honor thy selfie
![Kyoto selfie with Cindy. Reflection, 2017](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ERIC-KIM-PHOTOGRAPHY-KYOTO-0135994.jpg?resize=4928%2C3264)
If you’re uncomfortable with your personal body image, make artful selfies of yourself.
![ERIC KIM SELFIE in broken mirror. Kyoto, 2017.](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ERIC-KIM-PHOTOGRAPHY-KYOTO-0135700.jpg?resize=4928%2C3264)
![](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ERIC-KIM-PHOTOGRAPHY-KYOTO-0135306.jpg?resize=4928%2C3264)
![Eric Kim selfie with flash.](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ERIC-KIM-PHOTOGRAPHY-KYOTO-0134866.jpg?resize=4928%2C3264)
The more comfortable you are photographing yourself, the more you will understand your own self-image.
Also as an assignment, have your partner photograph you:
![Portrait of ERIC in Yukata by Cindy.](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ERIC-KIM-PHOTOGRAPHY-KYOTO-0135103.jpg?resize=4928%2C3264)
![Cindy picture of ERIC sleeping in Ryokan. Uji, Kyoto 2017](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/ERIC-KIM-PHOTOGRAPHY-KYOTO-0135133.jpg?resize=4928%2C3264)
5. Make art everyday
![KYOTO HAPTIC OFFICE at WORK on CREATIVE EVERYDAY](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Kyoto-ERIC-KIM-STREET-PHOTOGRAPHY-2017-6-2.jpg?resize=2000%2C1324)
The best therapy is art. Make art everyday. Learn how to draw, photograph, sketch, write poetry, and just don’t take it too seriously.
![Creative Everyday by HAPTIC](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/CE_FULLCOVER1-1.jpg?resize=3636%2C2554)
Make photos every day. Don’t censor yourself. Treat your photography with fun, enthusiasm, and shoot like a child.
Photography as a tool of self empowerment
![You are creative every day.](https://i0.wp.com/erickimphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/87071A4A-4F15-475C-9036-535AE6B1DEAE-1500x2000.jpeg?resize=1500%2C2000)
Never forget, photography should be used as a tool of empowerment for yourself. Don’t worry about comparing your photography with others. Make photos that bring you more joy, excitement, and enthusiasm for life.
Personally, deleting my Instagram has reduced anxiety, and envy/jealousy in my life.
Ultimately ask yourself the question,
Is photography removing, or adding stress from my life?
BE BOLD,
ERIC
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