Family Photography How To

Need an emotional pick-me-up? A study commissioned by Fujifilm suggests that nearly 80% of those surveyed responded that viewing old photos brings happiness and calm emotions, with more than half experiencing reduced anxiety. Over 70% agree that taking photos increases the enjoyment of an activity.

If you’re a photographer you know that there is a nearly indescribable rush of joy that floods your brain’s pleasure receptors when you review a particularly satisfying photograph that you captured. We don’t need science to convince us that this is true—we experience it firsthand.

But it’s fascinating to confirm that this emotional response is universal across our ilk.

Fujifilm partnered with clinical psychologist and mental health expert Dr. Lauren Cook to create Frame of Mind, a survey conducted by MarketVision Research last winter among more than 2,000 US-based respondents representative of the U.S. general population. Along with other findings it reveals photos are powerful tools in promoting positive emotions, connection and resilience.

“Photos act as emotional anchors, grounding us in moments of happiness and connection,” said Dr. Cook. “What we’ve found here is that taking a few minutes a day to look through our photos or snap some pics can be a great form of self-care and bring us more joy than things we’ve turned to in the past like shopping, reading, gardening or even journaling.”

Additionally, 72% of respondents indicated they use photography as a form of self-expression and enjoy capturing and sharing their unique perspectives. 65% of respondents find comfort in photos during times of grief and 42% say revisiting old photos is a go-to strategy for cheering themselves up. Also, 8 in 10 people believe displaying photos in their living spaces contributes to greater happiness and comfort.

Conclusion
What they’re saying here in so many words, at least in my opinion, is that photographs are memories and memories make us feel good.

Artificial Intelligence, for all its power and guff, will never replace photography. It’s lacking one essential ingredient: the memory we experienced.

Photography is a safe and creative hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. For some, it’s a passion. For others of us, an obsession.

No matter where you fit on that spectrum, go out and take some pictures today. It might even make you feel better about the world.

∞ Jon Sienkiewicz