Episode 86: Navigating Self Reflection through Photography with Kathryn Chapman

52 Weeks of Me

‘Today’s guest, Kath Chapman, is a photographer based just outside of London who had been depressed since an early age. In her twenties, Kath was hospitalized after trying to take her life and, following 25 years in and out of talking therapy, started using self-portrait photography to finally find her path to full recovery. It was the catalyst for healing, self-care and mindfulness while uncovering her true potential, and she now uses her innovative photography to help others to see themselves better.’
Highlights:

• Self-portrait shoot -- she looked at her images and realized she neither hated nor felt ashamed of the woman looking back at her; instead, she saw her pain and took better care of herself holistically
• Photography works in a visual way -- as opposed to the image in the mirror, picture images are static and therefore do not change the facts; even when you turn away from them, they would tell you the same the next time you view them
• It is not a permanent fix -- photography healing serves only as a starting point; self-care is a day-to-day job that contributes to the success of the healing process

Since women especially wives and moms usually do not find time to take pictures of themselves or do not feel like including themselves in photos, Kath encourages them to take more pictures of themselves. If not for their own, they should do it for the benefit of their loved ones.
Either in Face to Face or in Freedom Shoot, certain preparations are done in order to ensure that they feel safe, held and supported, and in control of the process. She also admits that this may not be for everybody. But if you are someone who had already tried almost all different means to address anxiety and depression, and nothing seemed to ever work, then visual healing is worth the try. As Kath says, "When we step into our greatest authentic selves, we don't have to be anything else... We are enough and we matter." One or more photoshoots may be what you need to see just how amazing and incredible you are. You may reach out to her socials using the link below:
https://linktr.ee/feelmorecreative
Sign up for her newsletter here http://eepurl.com/hGgxVb
-----
52 Weeks of Me is hosted by Jacklyn Osborne and Erika Brooks.
Check out our website - www.52weeksofme.net or follow us on Instagram @fiftytwoweeksofme.
For suggestions and comments, email us at [e-mail].