NCFE Level 2 Photography
I am a psychotherapist with a keen interest in photography. Maybe one day I shall describe myself as a photographer with a keen interest in psychotherapy!
The level 2 photography course has certainly enhanced this ambition.
When we were all meeting in person (and it is a cause of huge regret that this was stopped by the Covid19 crisis ) I would arrive rather pleased with my work on a given topic. Then I would be humbled by the superb standard of many of the images taken by my fellow students! The choice was then whether to be discouraged and give up or to accept the challenge of improving my own work.
In Lockdown we have had to produce a photobook to represent something of what the situation has been like for us. Some of us took beautiful shots representing peace and beauty and mindfulness. I chose to home in on loss and isolation and anguish. Maybe this reflects something of what my own patients are communicating to me.
Photography has a lot to contribute to therapy, whether it represents peace or pain. Beauty can be seen in all things. Both therapy and photography are in essence about communication.
JOHN TAGGART
Psychotherapist in private practice in Battersea SW11.
John1tagg@btinternet.com