12/27/2024
How Photography Helps Train Your Brain to Find the Light
In a world that often feels overwhelming, the practice of photography offers a simple yet profound way to reframe how we see life. It trains us to focus on beauty and positivity, even in the most challenging times. For many, photography is more than an art form or a hobby—it’s a tool for building resilience and finding light in every moment. Here’s how this practice can literally rewire your brain for positivity and transform your perspective.
The Science: How Photography Changes Your Brain
Our brains are incredibly adaptable, thanks to a concept called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to form new neural connections in response to experiences, thoughts, and actions. When we repeatedly focus on something positive, like the beauty in a sunrise or the intricate patterns of a leaf, we strengthen the neural pathways associated with those observations.
Photography amplifies this process. By actively seeking light, patterns, textures, and moments of beauty, we train our brains to scan the world for the good. Over time, this practice shifts our default mode of thinking. Instead of dwelling on stressors or negativity, we naturally begin to notice the small joys and wonders around us. This isn’t just feel-good advice; studies show that practices like gratitude and mindfulness—both integral to photography—can lead to lasting changes in mental health and well-being.
A Personal Journey: Finding Light Through the Lens
For me, photography became a lifeline in my life when the stress of caring for a sick husband and holding family, life, home and career together became more than I could handle. Caring for a loved one battling mental illness left me feeling depleted, lost, and overwhelmed. Feeling the weight I think I wanted an excuse to go outside. I had always felt better if I got outside. I picked up my camera and went. I didn’t know what I was doing or what I was looking for, but I began noticing how the sunlight played on the edges of leaves and dandelion seeds look if you look closely. For the first time in months, I felt a spark of something—hope, perhaps, or even just presence. For a long time I thought I was escaping or hiding. Whatever it was I felt better when I did it and I wanted more. It was Like a drug.
That day marked the beginning of a transformation. As I continued to take photos, I realized I was rewiring how I saw the world. Instead of fixating on the heaviness of life, I found myself searching for light—literally and figuratively. Photography gave me a sense of control, a way to create beauty even when circumstances felt chaotic. It wasn’t about taking perfect photos; it was about noticing, about being present, and about finding a moment of peace in the act of seeing.
How to Train Your Brain to Find the Light
You don’t need to be a professional photographer or have expensive gear to experience the benefits of photography. The act of seeing—really seeing—is enough. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Look for the Light
Light is one of the most powerful elements in photography. Notice how it changes throughout the day, how it filters through trees, or reflects off surfaces. Train your eyes to seek out where the light falls and how it transforms ordinary scenes into something extraordinary.
2. Embrace the Details
Beauty often hides in the details. Pay attention to the small things: the textures of bark, the symmetry of a flower, or the glint of sunlight on water. By focusing on the details, you not only improve your photography but also cultivate a sense of gratitude for the little things in life.
3. Practice Daily
Make photography a daily habit, even if it’s just snapping a photo on your phone. Commit to finding one thing each day that catches your eye. Over time, this practice will train your brain to automatically seek out and appreciate beauty.
4. Photograph the Mundane
You don’t need to travel to exotic locations to find inspiration. Some of the most meaningful photographs come from the everyday moments: light streaming through your kitchen window, the pattern of shadows on a sidewalk, a bird or animal you see often can lift your mood just by watching them and being in the moment. I often think of them as visits from a friend. Photography teaches us that the extraordinary is often found in the ordinary.
5. Be Present
Photography requires you to slow down and be present. Put away distractions, take a deep breath, and focus entirely on the moment in front of you. This practice of mindfulness not only improves your photos but also helps reduce stress and increase overall well-being.
Takeaway: Building Resilience Through Photography
Photography isn’t just about creating beautiful images; it’s about changing how we see the world. By training your brain to find the light—literally and metaphorically—you build resilience and a greater capacity for joy. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is beauty to be found if we look closely enough.
So, pick up your camera or phone and start noticing. Let photography be your guide to finding the light, both in your surroundings and within yourself. Who knows? You might just discover a whole new way of seeing the world—and your place in it.
