I discovered my passion and penchant for photography through blogging because blogs with photos are snazzier and I wanted some of that for myself. So I asked for and received a little Cannon Powershot for Christmas in 2004. My husband thought it would end up gathering dust on the shelf being a total waste of a hundred bucks.

Little did either of us know that it would turn into one of my all-time favorite hobbies (dare I say talent?) and marriage saving tactics.

Fast forward almost four years later and whenever I get all wound up inside with stress, pressure, and a bazillion other little things I drive myself crazy with, I turn off the computer, slip my shoes on, and grab my camera. I go outside and look for anything that catches my eye.

I slow down and pay attention to things I normally ignore.

I notice the way some leaves look like dancing clowns…

How dying flowers are still gorgeous…

And water marks on the sidewalk can look like artwork…

Step by step, the pressure falls away and I find myself connecting with this quiet, barely describable part of myself that appreciates everything and worries about nothing. I call these my photo expeditions and I go on them regularly. In fact, I go on them even when I have a ton of work to do because I’ve learned that taking a few minutes to take care of me ends up adding so much more to my productivity and sanity later.

Reclaim Your Sanity and Go on Your Own Photo Expedition
Grab a camera and go for a walk. It doesn’t matter what kind of equipment you have or where you go. It only matters that you take some time out of your life to see what you see.

Here’s everything you need:

1. A camera
2. 20 minutes of solo time – 10 minutes to photo & 10 minutes to write about it
3. An open mind
4. The willingness to play
5. A journal or a piece of paper

Take photos of anything that grabs your attention – positive or negative. In fact, some of the most disturbing photos can be the most revealing.

• Allow yourself to play with it.
• Put your camera on the ground and take photos without looking through the viewfinder.
• Don’t think too much about what you’re doing and why.
• Simply flow with your inspiration.

After your photo expedition, download your photos and describe your experience and your photos in your journal.

• What was it like going on your own photo expedition?
• What did you photograph?
• And what do you think, feel, and believe about your shots?

I hope you enjoyed your photo expedition and hey, now that you have some cool photos why not blog about them?!

When you do, let us know!

Hop over to our forum and share your photo therapy experiences with us!

Cassandra Rae is an author, life coach, mother, and wife who goes on quiet walks with her camera to bring her hectic life back into peaceful focus. She lives with her husband, two teens, a three-legged cat, and the cutest Chihuahua who ever licked your toes. Yes, this provides her with a lot to photo and blog about, which you can check out at www.CassandraRae.com.