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WELL LIT PHOTO BOOK
Case Study : Eddie Sarsfield
Well Lit Photo Books use traditional photography to improve wellbeing and mental health.
Our current project involves Hollywood stuntman Eddie Sarsfield, who was injured on set and is undergoing therapy for both physical injuries and PTSD. Together, we are creating an autobiographical photobook that addresses some of the most traumatic moments in Eddie's life.
Eddie Sarsfield, six weeks after the explosion.
Photography has a long history of being used for therapeutic purposes. One notable method is photovoice, where participants express their thoughts and feelings through photos. This approach has demonstrated significant therapeutic benefits for those suffering from PTSD. According to Abigail Rolbiecki, Ph.D., a researcher at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, combining photovoice with other traditional PTSD treatments can lead to a more complete recovery for trauma survivors.
Therapeutic photography, a concept dating back to the work of Hugh Welch Diamond in 1865, uses photography to aid mental health by allowing individuals to express feelings, emotions and thoughts that might be other-wise too challenging to articulate in words. Techniques such as self-portraits, capturing daily life or visualising emotions through images can provide profound insights.
Photography serves as a therapeutic tool by enabling individuals to explore their inner world, process emotions and gain a sense of control and understanding of their experiences. Psychologists and therapists have recognised the power of photography in improving lives, supporting self-awareness, confidence and emotional release.
Photography as Therapy
"I remember hearing my
own death rattle."
Eddie Sarsfield’s Journey
Our project with Eddie Sarsfield tackles the traumatic moments in his life through the lens of photography. By documenting his journey, Eddie not only confronts his past in a supportive environment but also gains a sense of control and understanding of his experiences. This autobiographical photobook serves as a testament to Eddie’s resilience and growth, and offers a source of inspiration and strength to others facing similar challenges.
"I was remembering that noise for years later. I’d be in my car and hear it, get flashbacks from it. For well over ten years."
Benefits of Well Lit Photo Book
Creative Expression
Photography offers a non-verbal outlet for expressing emotions and experiences that might be difficult to articulate, expressing yourself creatively natutrally improves your mental health.
Skill Development
Engaging in photography can help develop new skills and interests, providing a further sense of achievement and purpose.
Mindfulness and Focus
The process of traditional photography is meditative and slow-paced which promotes mindfulness and encourages people to engage with their environment in a new way.
Visual Storytelling
Our Well Lit Photo Book visually documents Eddie’s journey in a collaborative way, adding a powerful self-reflective dimension to his story in a supportive setting.
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