therapeutic photography

Photo Reflections

“I really enjoyed this program and how it gave me an opportunity to slow down to be mindful and appreciative of the world around me, and how I feel in the moment, as well as meeting like-minded people in an inclusive, safe space.” Photo Reflections Participant Headspace Wollongong 2023

“It helped with self reflection, happiness and finding beauty in small things. “ Photo Reflections Participant Headspace Wollongong 2023

“I greatly enjoyed interacting with the others and getting feedback on my work. As well as help with a camera I’ve never really touched before and skills I hadn’t had a chance to develop.” Photo Reflections Participant Headspace Wollongong 2023

“I have learned so much during the workshop , it has given me such an insight.” Pop In Program Participant 2022

“It was excellent, connecting more to community has been a huge missing to me and in creative hands on environment like any time I think has people connect more and let's let our guards down because we are with people who can relate.” Pop In Program Participant 2022

Photo reflections is a therapeutic arts program that uses photography as a creative tool for reflection and exploration. The program is designed and delivered by our director Natalie who is a professional photographer of more than 15 years, and trained therapeutic arts practitioner.

What can I expect?

The program is run in small groups either face to face through health and community organisations, or online, and aims to provide individuals with the opportunity for self reflection, awareness, processing of emotions, connection to community and peers, and overall improved mental health and wellbeing.

Delivered via one 2 hour session a week over a six week period, you will be provided with photography and writing or audio prompts to guide you through a personal exploration. You will be invited to share your work with the peers in your group, however this is completely optional. the program works on three layers that build upon each other, the self, relationships and society.

Participants are provided with a handbook, and can use whichever device or camera they are most comfortable with.

The focus of the program is on creative exploration and improved health and wellbeing, not technical proficiency. You will however be taught introductory photography skills that will assist with your personal expression. It is open to all skill levels.

For organisations optional outputs are creating a Zine and/ or an Exhibition of works. This program can be linked in with an advocacy or mindfulness framework into one of our custom programs, or be delivered purely on its own.

Is it for me?

Photo Reflections is suited to a wide variety of people, but often works best when the group is part of a community or peer group. This strengthens connections particularly among marginalised or isolated people, and also provides an opportunity for supportive and empathic group discussions. If you enjoy creativity, or are willing to be challenged, and are looking for personal growth and improved wellbeing, Photo Reflections would certainly be for you.

Next Steps

If you are an organisation looking to run Photo Reflections for your community, services users or staff, please contact us to book a discovery call.

If you are an individual interested in participating in a program, please join our mailing list to keep up to date with upcoming face to face and online programs.

You can also visit our Case Studies page to see real life examples of our programs.