{"id":72512,"date":"2017-12-09T09:32:14","date_gmt":"2017-12-09T17:32:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=72512"},"modified":"2017-12-09T09:32:42","modified_gmt":"2017-12-09T17:32:42","slug":"5-photography-therapy-assignments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/12\/09\/5-photography-therapy-assignments\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Photography Therapy Assignments"},"content":{"rendered":"

I think photography is one of the ultimate forms of self therapy. Why?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"Cindy
Cindy with hand on chin. Red. Kyoto, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For myself, I love photography as the opportunity to explore, empty my mind, and find more joy and excitement in life.<\/p>\n

\"Selfie
Selfie in mirror. Kyoto. 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Here are some assignments you can use in photo therapy:<\/p>\n

\n

1. Walking meditation<\/h2>\n
\"Walking
Walking woman. Kyoto, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Leave your phone at home. Go out for a walk, with your camera on your neck or wrist.<\/p>\n

Walk 25% slower than you normally do. Treat this assignment as \u00e2\u20ac\u0153taking your camera for a walk\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n

Slow down. Walk slowly. Feel the pavement underneath your feet. Enjoy each step, slowly.<\/p>\n

2. Creative expression<\/h2>\n
\"Silhouette.
Silhouette. Kyoto, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Use photography as a tool for creative self-expression.<\/p>\n

Use the camera as your paint brush, and seek to abstract<\/a> reality.<\/p>\n

\"Dots.
Dots. Abstract street photograph. Kyoto, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This assignment will help you feel less anxiety and stress, because you are focused on making pictures, and making art.<\/p>\n

And yes, photography is art.<\/p>\n

3. Simple shapes and forms<\/h2>\n
\"Zen
Zen aesthetics. Kyoto, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I find it soothing to photograph aesthetically pleasing forms, like diagonals<\/a>, triangles<\/a>, and rectangles<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Looking
Looking up. Kyoto, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Clear your mind by looking for interesting textures<\/a>, shapes, and forms.<\/p>\n

\"Textures
Textures in wall. With eyes. Kyoto, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. Honor thy selfie<\/h2>\n
\"Kyoto
Shot through the reflection of an aluminum espresso machine. Kyoto selfie with Cindy. Reflection, 2017. Orange and Blue.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re uncomfortable with your personal body image, make artful selfies of yourself.<\/p>\n

\n Honor thy selfie.<\/a>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"ERIC
Kyoto selfie, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Selfie with your life partner, will bring you joy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Eric
Eric Kim selfie with flash.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The more comfortable you are photographing yourself, the more you will understand your own self-image.<\/p>\n

Also as an assignment, have your partner photograph you:<\/p>\n

\"Portrait
Portrait of ERIC in Yukata by Cindy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Cindy
Cindy takes a picture of ERIC sleeping in Ryokan. Uji, Kyoto 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. Make art everyday<\/h2>\n
\"KYOTO
KYOTO HAPTIC OFFICE at WORK on CREATIVE EVERYDAY<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The best therapy is art. Make art everyday. Learn how to draw, photograph, sketch, write poetry, and just don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t take it too seriously.<\/p>\n

\"Creative
Creative Everyday by HAPTIC<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\n CREATIVE EVERY DAY BOOK<\/a>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Make photos every day. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t censor yourself. Treat your photography with fun, enthusiasm, and shoot like a child<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Photography as a tool of self empowerment<\/h2>\n
\"You
You are creative every day.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Never forget, photography should be used as a tool of empowerment for yourself. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t worry about comparing your photography with others. Make photos that bring you more joy, excitement, and enthusiasm for life.<\/p>\n

Personally, deleting my Instagram<\/a> has reduced anxiety, and envy\/jealousy in my life.<\/p>\n

Ultimately ask yourself the question,<\/p>\n

\n Is photography removing, or adding stress from my life?\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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

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\"CREATIVE<\/a>
CREATIVE EVERY DAY: Mobile Edition<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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  3. Enter code “creativeeveryday” at checkout<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Special limited time offer to spark your creative spirit this holiday season.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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