Kathryn is a photographer based in Somerset with a passion for capturing the beauty in life’s everyday moments. With over ten years of experience photographing families and small businesses, Kathryn brings a deeply personal and joyful approach to her work – celebrating quirks, connections, and the little things that make each story unique. Her lens is guided by heart, humour, and a love for the perfectly imperfect.
Sometimes, when life feels a bit overwhelming, it’s the small things that can bring unexpected comfort. Photography doesn’t just capture what we see; it preserves what we feel. Here are three simple ways Kathryn suggests photography can bring a sense of ease and comfort during life’s more difficult times.
1. It gives you peace of mind
I visited my family home recently and gave myself the task of clearing out all of my childhood belongings ready for the sale of the house. I found myself sitting on my old bedroom floor looking through photos of my life, so well documented by my parents. I felt overwhelming gratitude that they prioritised documenting our memories throughout the years. I was able to sift through visual mementos that not only sits in the archives of our family history, but it took me back to the best and most comforting times of my life.
Whether you book a professional photographer, or you consciously photograph your friends and family, it can bring you peace of mind that not only can you revisit those memories, but you’re giving that gift to your family and future generations. Life certainly has its ups and downs, but the best of times can be revisited anytime through photographs.
2. It makes you grateful for what you have
It’s quite the feeling looking at yourself from the outside in. Day to day we live our busy lives getting the children out the door for school, cooking meals, bath times, giving cuddles, being a cheerleader or just simply showing up for the people that we love. But have you ever seen yourself be that person?
It can be emotional in a beautiful way, looking at photos of yourself in your parent role. To see the role model that your children see is really special and gives you a wonderful feeling of gratitude. Or maybe it’s the photos of you and your parents or siblings that really makes you feel part of something.
Looking at photographs can create gratitude for how far you’ve come during the hardest and most rewarding times and ultimately – gratitude for what you have.
3. It can be a creative outlet
Being creative, especially during difficult times can help shift perspective and provide escapism. Bring your phone or your camera on your dog walk and really take in your surroundings. Capture the sunset over the hills, local flowers, historical buildings, the way light creates shadows or your dog joyfully running into the distance.
Photography encourages mindfulness. Not only does it inspire you to notice the beauty around you, but it can trigger the release of oxytocin, leading to a sense of well-being.
Print the photos that bring you joy or save them as a screensaver on your phone/desktop to give you the kindest reminder that you are loved.
Photo credit:
www.kathrynannephotography.co.uk
www.instagram.com/katannephotography
www.facebook.com/katannephotography