3 minute read
THE POWER OF PHOTOGRAPHY
BY BRYCE EVANS
NEARLY 10 YEARS AGO, I discovered that practising photography allowed me to start talking about mental health when I couldn’t with words. I began taking photos with an intention, creating a series of images that communicated universal struggles of loneliness. As I looked to challenge wider stigma and silence around mental health issues, in the process, I found my own depression and anxiety came into focus.
After publishing the One series online in 2010, I quickly found that I was not the only person struggling to communicate my feelings and that others could benefit from using photography to help to start real conversations. I never guessed how far this idea would go.
This was the beginning of The One Project.
I saw a need for an online space where people could open up without the fear of judgement or the usual pressures of social media. So, I began working to build such a digital space. Soon an international community of people sharing their stories of therapeutic photography and facing their issues, including anxiety, depression, and postpartum depression, became a reality.
Bryce Evans, “Lonely Surfer,” from the series One, Montreal, QC.
“Globalization has enabled developed nations access to an incredible choice in careers, lifestyles, and activities. We live in a society where you can do anything, anywhere. We find activities that bring us joy in solitude, but fail to fill the void in our psyche that longs for companionship.”
Therapeutic photography involves taking, analyzing, and using photos for the purpose of personal healing, growth, and understanding, whether done consciously or unconsciously. By actively constructing, exploring, and reflecting on photographs, paired with writing creatively, it’s possible to learn more about yourself and how you see the world.
The One Project is a private community; however, registration is open to anyone. You can choose anonymity and keep your stories private within our community or, if you feel comfortable, you can make your stories public. Member access to the community is forever free to reduce barriers for those with financial challenges. We also offer paid subscriptions that include online courses and member opportunities, which help to sustain the project. Participating requires no photography skills or equipment. The community and the techniques members teach are open and accessible to all. The app is available for both iOS and Android.
Habiba, “The Mask,” Egypt.
“Every day, I tried to paint a mask, every minute, every second, to hide my feelings. I didn’t want people to notice then ask how I was because my heart and tongue were heavy. I was afraid to talk, fearful that no one would understand me or that they would start comparing our problems. I was trying to fool myself, make myself feel better, and pretend everything is fine. It will pass. I kept telling myself, everything will be fine. I didn’t know how or when that would happen. I just hoped that something would happen.”
Milestones I’m particularly proud of achieving together as a community include growing to more than 500 members in over 50 countries through our private platform. In 2013, we partnered with LUSH stores on an anti-bullying campaign across 200 retail locations in North America and in the Middle East. Thousands of people took part in interactive art installations on store windows and shared their stories around bullying. In 2016 we were featured in a short documentary by VICE, and last year, the work of The One Project members was exhibited at Sunway University in Malaysia. We’re excited about developing more partnerships and opportunities for our members to expand our impact around the world.
By opening up and connecting with people who have lived experience, I believe that we can help to reduce stigma, to gain a better understanding of these issues, and to support one another. As a community, we’re now aiming to build a library of stories and resources to further inspire, support, and empower more people, and to provide unique opportunities through published articles such as this, as well as exhibitions, campaigns, videos, and more. This encourages members to share and to see the impact that their stories can have on others.
Many of the stories that you’ll find within The One Project are being told for the first time. For some members it’s their first time talking about their mental health and many have mentioned it’s the first time they have felt comfortable enough to begin. For me, this just shows the need and importance of spaces like our community and I hope that more are built so we can end the silence and isolation felt by far too many people.
For people struggling, getting started on a path towards healing can be as simple as sharing one photo. One story. The impact can ripple out into something much bigger than you’d ever expect. I hope you will share your story with us soon.
Andrew Penner Steinbach, MB. “Contrast. Shadows. Highlights. Perspective.
Contrast. Shadows. Highlights. Perspective. All are very important aspects to consider when putting a frame around what you see. All play a critical role. But what if I’m not talking about photography? What if I’m talking about therapy?”
Vicki (last name withheld) “The Tunnel, Pt 3” United Kingdom.
“This image was created in the middle of a crisis that stopped me from being who I am. The power of therapeutic photography helped me to visually express what I could not say.”
Brandon (last name withheld) Vancouver, BC.
“I recently changed my profile picture and while this might seem like just your average selfie, for me, the person in this photo is closer to being his ‘best’ self than any other previous photo of him. Why? For the first time in my life, it’s a reflection of me at my closest to my best self. Now suddenly, I find gratitude and joy in my heart.”
Tiyani (last name withheld) “Endless Privilege,” Sri Lanka.
“I captured this image at a lake on a mountaintop near Sembuwatha. Photography helps me to be present and to notice and narrow everything into one frame. Observing childhood innocence without life’s complications, I felt privileged to be there.”
www.theoneproject.co
Please see members’ full statements and more featured stories from around the world in the PhotoED Magazine Spring/Summer 2020 DIGITAL edition, which will be live online May 1, 2020.
