When you have mental health problems it can be hard to think of ways to cope and things you could do to help yourself feel better. Because of our Angus McFlourish project we know that taking photos can be a fun thing to do when you have mental health difficulties. That’s why, when I heard about a learning session on wellness through photography, I was intrigued and went along to find out more.

The session was led by Laura McGlinn, with help from Rosie McIntosh from Mind Waves. Laura shared how she had always taken photos as a child and found this to be a helpful form of escapism. After having a successful career, mental health problems meant Laura was forced to leave her job. Despite being unable to leave her home, Laura continued taking photos and shared these on Facebook where they were seen by a photographer who urged her to sell her photographs online.

For a long time, Laura had a goal that by retirement age she would be selling her photos. To have this dream realised had, and continues to have, a hugely positive impact on Laura and her mental health. Laura’s interest in mindful images, using photography as a form of mindfulness, came when Laura realised her love of photography was a real benefit to her mental health. Laura described her camera as her safety blanket and explained how less self-conscious she feels when she is out and about holding her camera. With her camera, Laura shared, she does not feel alone.

Laura uses mindful photography to help her to lose herself in the moment. She explained that when she is taking a photo her mind is clear as she is only focusing on one thing. Laura shared some advice on getting started with mindful photography. She urged that people should take photographs of things that make them happy and to not worry about whether they have a good camera, whether other people will like their photo or whether the subject matter is right. As long as it makes you feel happy, it’s worth taking a photo of. Whether you have a fancy camera or just one on your old phone, it doesn’t matter as long as you’re able to take photos which make you feel happier.

The session, which was Laura’s first, was a huge success. Laura taught us all techniques (like how to focus on colour, texture and people in photography) and we all had some time to go round Kelvingrove Art Gallery to take some photos of our own – and the ones I took are in this blog.

Thank you to Laura for sharing her inspiring story, and to Mind Waves for the amazing work they do.