{"id":70052,"date":"2017-11-19T12:31:12","date_gmt":"2017-11-19T20:31:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=70052"},"modified":"2017-11-19T12:31:12","modified_gmt":"2017-11-19T20:31:12","slug":"how-to-conquer-depression-with-photography-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/11\/19\/how-to-conquer-depression-with-photography-2\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Conquer Depression With Photography"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Cindy
Cindy and red scarf. Berlin, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Photography is the exilir of life.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Cindy
Cindy. Saigon, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

First of all, realize to be alive is a blessing. The world is such a marvelous, beautiful, and exciting place.<\/p>\n

We have access to the internet (the sum of all human knowledge), we have loved ones (fellow colleagues, friends, family), and we have our artistic outlet \u00e2\u20ac\u201d which is photography.<\/p>\n

\"Flowers<\/p>\n

To me, making photos is an affirmation of life. Whenever you point and click your shutter, you are blessing life, and your subject. By taking pictures you are saying:<\/p>\n

\n You are beautiful. This is why I photographed you.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

CINDYPROJECT<\/h2>\n

\"Kiss.<\/p>\n

\"Cindy<\/p>\n

If there is one project I want to be remembered for after I die \u00e2\u20ac\u201d it is the CINDYPROJECT<\/a>. The basic idea is:<\/p>\n

\n Photograph your loved ones, because they are the most important thing in your life.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The first step to conquering depression is to realize that YOUR LIFE HAS MEANING AND VALUE!<\/p>\n

The best way to see your purpose in life: see how many people depend on you, how many of your loved ones who find joy in your pictures (your visual art).<\/p>\n

\"Cindy
Cindy in blue Yukata. Uji, Kyoto 2017. Low Perspective.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Picture
Picture of me sleeping by Cindy. Uji, Kyoto 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Purposeful photography<\/h2>\n
\"Cindy
Cindy touching glass in wedding dress.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For me, I find purpose in my life through my photography.<\/p>\n

My goal is to empower other photographers.<\/p>\n

When a man has a purpose, he no longer concerns himself with feeling \u00e2\u20ac\u0153happiness\u00e2\u20ac\u009d in life. He disregards pain and pleasure. He is a warrior of purpose \u00e2\u20ac\u201d fighting for something greater than himself. He is fighting for society, and future generations.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Cindy flexing muscles.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Your photography has meaning and purpose<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Consider, if you make a picture that brings a smile to at least one other human being on planet earth, you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve done your job as a photographer.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Dynamic<\/p>\n

That means, make more positive pictures. Take pictures of what brings YOU JOY \u00e2\u20ac\u201d and that joy will transmit to your viewer.<\/p>\n

\"Madison,<\/p>\n

Have fun like a kid<\/h2>\n
\"Kid
Kid with teeth. Saigon, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Like a child,<\/p>\n

\n Treat your play very seriously.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

To me, I see photography as playing and having fun. Children are never depressed \u00e2\u20ac\u201d they are like sponges: constantly learning, playing, evolving, and exploring the world.<\/p>\n

I love photography because it allows me to have more fun as an adult. I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t take myself too seriously. Also, I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t take my troubles too seriously.<\/p>\n

When I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m in the zone of taking pictures, all my stresses, cares, anxieties, and regrets disappear. No more regrets of bad business or financial investments in the past. No more worrying about family drama. No more anxieties about saving more money for the future, or taking care of my present or future family.<\/p>\n

\"My
My mom. Spiral staircase. Marseille, 2015<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Smile<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Make pictures which bring joy to you, and make you<\/em> smile.<\/p>\n

Too often we focus on making \u00e2\u20ac\u0153artsy\u00e2\u20ac\u009d pictures to impress our peers, or rack up \u00e2\u20ac\u0153likes\u00e2\u20ac\u009d on social media.<\/p>\n

By smiling, making pictures for yourself \u00e2\u20ac\u201d you will feel less social pressure and anxiety to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153succeed\u00e2\u20ac\u009d in an extrinsic sense.<\/p>\n

REFLECT AND JOURNAL<\/h2>\n
\"My
My mission statement: PHOTO JOURNAL<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cindy and I made PHOTO JOURNAL<\/a> as a way for us to find more meaning and purpose in our photography.<\/p>\n

\"Who
Who am I? Prompt from PHOTO JOURNAL<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the best ways to find more meaning in your life, and to conquer depression, is to be brutally honest with yourself, and journal, reflect, write, and meditate about your creative and artistic life.<\/p>\n

\"YOU
YOU ARE A VISUAL ARTIST \/\/ MODERN PHOTOGRAPHER<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I personally think the purpose of ourselves as visual artists is to MAKE LIFE-AFFIRMING ART. To make pictures that are positive, uplifting, and encouraging.<\/p>\n

Also, I recommend for you to share your personal wisdom and knowledge on photography \u00e2\u20ac\u201d by starting your own photography blog. WordPress.com or medium.com for free photo blogs, or make your own photography blog with 1and1.com and WordPress.org. By sharing your knowledge on photography, you will reach an audience that is looking for your knowledge.<\/p>\n

Another idea: make your own YouTube channel, and share your progress in photography.<\/p>\n

Life is a beautiful struggle, and sometimes to live is even an act of bravery.<\/p>\n

You\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re stronger than you think you are.<\/p>\n

Become a STOIC STREET PHOTOGRAPHER<\/a>, and grow a hide of thick bronze. You can take anything life throws at you. You can withstand the fire \u00e2\u20ac\u201d the fire will only make your bronze armor glow brighter. Your challenges will make you stronger. You can overcome ANYTHING IN LIFE!<\/p>\n

BE BOLD AND STRONG,
\nERIC<\/p>\n

STOICISM<\/a><\/h1>\n

\"eric<\/p>\n

Become invincible:<\/p>\n