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PTSD: Help for Veterans and Trauma Victims Through Photography

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Some of these fine young men and women, who volunteered to serve their country, won’t come back the same.

Many will come back fighting Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. In fact the numbers affected are staggering.

Currently, (July 2013) more than 850,000 veterans are in a wait state without benefits while the Department of Veterans Affairs decides whether their PTSD disability claims are valid.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Many never seek treatment for their condition or even know they have it.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 7.7 million American adults age 18 and older, or about 3.5 percent of people in this age group in a given year, have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

That means there are an awful lot of people out there who need help, but:

  • Don’t know it
  • Don’t know where to turn for help
  • Are too embarrassed to seek out help
  • Have sought help, but not found the treatments effective
  • Would prefer to help themselves, but don’t know how

For those who aren’t familiar with PTSD, here is an excerpt from a free publication put out by The New York State Office of Mental Health, courtesy of  the National Institute of Mental Health, and the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
PTSD is a real illness. People may get PTSD after living through a disturbing or frightening experience. It can be treated with medicine and therapy.
You can get PTSD after you have been:

  • Raped or sexually abused
  • A victim of emotional or physical abuse by someone in your family
  • A victim of a violent crime
  • In an airplane or car crash
  • In a hurricane, tornado, or fire
  • In a war
  • In an event where you thought you might be killed, or
  • After you have seen any of these events

If you have PTSD, you often have nightmares or scary thoughts about the experience you went through.You try to stay away from anything that reminds you of your experience.

You may feel angry and unable to trust or care about other people.You may always be on the lookout for danger.You can feel very upset when something happens suddenly or without warning. (end of NYS excerpt)

The more I read about PTSD,  it’s symptoms and treatments, and the confusion and mystery over what really helps, the more I am reminded of a study by psychologist and university professor, Dr. Charles A. Rapp.

It was described in his famous book, “The Strengths Model”.  In the section titled, “Talents and Skills” Dr. Rapp told of a man, long hospitalized  with mental and physical abnormalities (pg.95). He descibed how when this man was directed to pursue his passion for photography (even though his photos never sold anywhere) he was released within 2 months from the hospital with a clean bill of health. Even more compelling was the fact that this previously troubled man never again returned to the hospital until his death from pneumonia 20 years later..

Merely pursuing a hobby that interested him, photography in particular, was enough to set this man on a course to a long and healthy life.

Photography helped this man beat both his mental and physical challenges.

This sounds exactly like what our affected veterans and other trauma victims need.

But currently, there is no formal course or structure for making photography available as therapy to those troubled by physical or mental challenges. But there should be. And that’s the focus of my website and this article.

Anyone interested in photography can tell you that there is a calming effect of searching for and always finding the beauty in this world. Any photographer will tell you of the zen-like focus of attention one comes to when consumed with creating an image. You block out all others problems and concerns in your life, you cannot consciously hear the sounds around you, you cannot see distractions beyond the viewfinder. You are consumed by the scene you hope to capture to the exclusion of all else.

As an aside, hundreds of studies can be found that document a viewers therapeutic reaction to pictures (paintings and photographs).

It is widely accepted in psychological circles that colors can effect the mood of the people who view them. Blue is often described as a calming color while red is said to excite. Yellow is cheerful and black depressing.

A persons mood can also be effected by the subject portrayed in the scene. Certain landscape scenes have a calming effect while certain city-scapes tend to increase tension.

It is well documented that viewing finished photos is therapeutic.

What surprised me however, was how little documentation (almost none beyond the case studies and surveys documented on my website and in my book) could be found that gave evidence of the therapeutic effects of TAKING photographs.

Marcia would disagree. Carolyn would disagree. Ken would disagree. They shared their stories of how photography helped them conquer some pretty nasty demons in my book. The hundred or so survey letters I’ve received stating the positive effects of photography would disagree.

I am really surprised not to find more accounts online which tell of the wonderful effects of photography on the human mind and body. I would like to change that. But I need your help.

In order to build a database of compelling information and spread the word on the physical and mental health benefits of photography, won’t you please share any relevant stories of benefits you have received (no matter how big or small) through your involvement in photography in the comments below?

That would be a big help.

Also, as photographers we all love to snap up the latest and greatest new gadgets that promise to take our photos to a whole new level. We spend hundreds, thousands of dollars even on new lenses, lights, tripods and gizmos for just a chance to capture that next awe inspiring, once in a lifetime photo. Won’t you please consider donating just a tiny fraction of that below to help me reach out to the deserving men and women who haven’t yet learned of the benefits photography can bring?

With the help of your generous donations I would like to:

  • Distribute free copies of my book, “Photo Fitness Phenomenon”
  • Initiate photography classes specifically designed to help those with PTSD
  • Collaborate with treatment centers and therapists to offer a “Photo-Therapy” alternative
  • Seek donations of cameras and gear from manufacturers and local retail shops
  • Give informational seminars to local veteran’s groups explaining the benefits
  • Prepare research grant applications for major funding and support
  • Continue hosting this website and raising awareness to help more victims

Any help you can give, to help our troubled veterans see a better world after looking at some of the worst horrors created by man, to help them see the beautiful world that we as photographers see,  will be greatly appreciated and put to good use.

We can all help those who volunteered to serve and protect our freedom, and were harmed in this pursuit. And we should. Share your story. Donate. Tell a vet about this website. It’s the least you can do to help. And might just be the best.

You can make your donation, securely, in any amount, using any card through the PayPal button just below:

 

My sincere thanks go out to all the photographers, and caring Americans just like you, who shared just a little of their bounty so that these brave men and women who’ve sacrificed so much, and seen such horrors, can begin to see a better world today through photography. Thank you for your support.

Bob Schwarztrauber

What Seniors Fear More than Death

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What Seniors Fear More Than Death

Mary’s heart grew unbearably heavy as she watched the last box of her belongings being loaded onto the truck. No cardboard box could possibly hold the lifetime of memories wrapped up in the things she had collected over the years.

Now, all that was left of her life was the memories she carried in her heart, the small box of family photos, and the clothes she had stuffed into that old musty suitcase she had kept from her mother’s estate.

Despite her desire to be strong, a tear leaked out from her eye as the nurse wheeled her down the driveway for the very last time. Goodbye house that raised my children and kept my husband so busy. Goodbye couch and chairs that kept my family so comfortable. Goodbye you miserable old Buick, I never liked you anyway since the night you stranded me on the highway, alone, in the dark for more than two hours.

On the long drive to the nursing home, Mary regaled the nurse with colorful family stories she had collected over the years. Her husband had passed on several years before. Before Mary’s legs lost the strength to hold her any longer. She never had been one to exercise, or even take a walk from time to time. Her legs and bones grew weary from this neglect, and now she was unable to care for herself.

Shame really. Mary’s mind was fit-as-a-fiddle. She could remember back to her high school days when her husband Ed was courting her. They used to roller skate every Friday night down at the Eldridge Roller Rink over on 7th Ave. Ever since the time Ed wiped out on the far turn trying to impress her with some foolish move (as boys will!).

His face was red as a tomato she recalls, and she never let him forget that night. “Who else would marry such a clumsy clown!” she chided him. But through all the jokes back and forth, no love was ever stronger. They were meant to be together. And she was devastated when he left her forever.

Her biggest regret now, was that she never joined him on those long walks to the park once the children were grown and gone. Perhaps her legs would be stronger now she thought. And all the conversations that they missed out on. They sure loved to people watch. Ed used to enjoy seeing all the children, dogs and friendly faces while he sat under the willow in the shade down at Hillside Park. Mary preferred to sit on the porch at home and watch the neighbors go by. She regrets that now. Now that her legs are too weak to hold her.

Mary’s greatest fear now is for the future. She always enjoyed her independence, her freedom. But she can have none of that now. The home that held so many memories must be given up so that she can go to a facility that she can navigate in with her wheelchair. She must have help to get in and out. To do even the simplest things she requires help – which is so frustrating to someone who as always been as self-reliant as Mary.

From sheer neglect, she lost her legs strength, her mobility, and now her freedom and independence.

It is so important for seniors to retain their leg strength. So much of your quality of life depends on it. Fortunately, barring any serious disease or injury, almost everyone can maintain or increase their  lower body fitness simply by walking.

One of the best things you can take with you, to insure you walk on a regular basis, is your digital camera. Having a camera with you reduces your boredom, gives you a mission, a purpose, and allows you to share your photo treasures with friends. When you head out, camera in hand, you’re excited about the next great photo you might find. You’re on a treasure hunt. You’re eager to get up and get out to take new photos.

Don’t lose your freedom, don’t lose your independence. Don’t have regrets like Mary. Decide now that you will add two to three weekly walks to your schedule. Just 30 minutes or so each time will do so much for your overall health. Go everyday if you like. It’s good for you! Take your camera with you and just imagine all the great photos you’ll have to share!

Think of your digital camera as the perfect, hand-held, total mind-body fitness machine!

 

How to Be an Artist, When You Can’t Draw or Paint

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How to Be an Artist, When You Can’t Draw or Paint!

Fifth grade art class. I was only 10 when I got my first painful drawing critique.

I thought I would dazzle my art teacher by drawing from memory a photo I had seen in one of the classroom’s art books.

Well, he wasn’t exactly dazzled. In fact, he made it a point to tell me, in front of the whole classroom,  that I should do my own creative work and not try to copy the work of artists far more skilled than I.

It was embarrassing to say the least. We are all so sensitive about our artistic skills, always wondering if we are “good”.

Artists are their own toughest critics. Our egos are so fragile.

That one comment really put a damper on my desire to draw or paint. Obviously, my childhood ego was bruised. More importantly, I was conflicted now. Isn’t modeling those who are successful the quickest path to success?

I understood the teacher’s point right away. Copying is NOT good. But it took me nearly ten years to figure out that while his point was accurate, his delivery was incomplete.

I had to figure out on my own that trying to duplicate another’s work stroke-for-stroke is bad (plagiarism or copyright infringement). But it IS OK to model what they have done and use the techniques you discover to create your own UNIQUE work.

Great art all shares similar qualities in it’s use of light and shadow and proportion and color. It can be drawing, painting, or photography.

I don’t know if I ever could have developed my drawing or painting skills if I had stuck with it. But what I do know, is all I could ever muster were very elemental sketch drawings and very amateurish paintings. Curse that traitor hand of mine that can’t translate sight onto paper!

Luckily, digital photography came along.

I had been into film photography back in high school, but the cost of film and darkroom equipment prevented me from really exploring the creative side of photography. I was taking snapshots, not something that could be confused with art.

Digital photography changed all that. With the potential to take 1000’s of photos for free without film, I was now free to explore and try new things. Editing programs like Photoshop allowed me to really take my photos to the next level. A level that COULD be confused with art. In fact, numerous first prize finishes in International Photo Competitions confirmed that many of my photos were in fact art.

Glorious day!

Now, some 40 years later, while the admonition from my art teacher still echos in my brain (saving me countless dollars in legal bills!) I no longer look to copy, but to create. And I do.

Digital photography and editing programs like Photoshop (there are also free editing programs available at Paint.org, Gimp.com, Picasa.com) allow even the most frustrated artist to finally develop and share the creative spirit that dwells within us all.

If you have always been all thumbs when in comes to pens and pencils, brushes and clay, why not give digital photography a try?

We all desire to leave our mark on this world. Digital photography, especially with all the neat new automatic features on modern cameras, is probably the easiest, most fool-proof (AND FUN!) way  to leave a lasting legacy of your artistic expression.

Photo editing with Photoshop offers allows your creativity to run wild, even turning so-so pictures into fine art that folks would pay big bucks for.

Plus, getting out and taking photos is GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH!

If you’re just getting started, my new audio CD, “YOUR F-STOP GUIDE TO FITNESS” explains more about the great health benefits of photography and offers some great tips to get you started on a lifetime of successful artist expression.

CreativePhotographyTricks.com also has great tips and resources to quickly develop your skills without fancy equipment.

RobertsPhotoNews.com also has a number of great tips and resources to help you finally release the artist within.

(The award winning photo at top was a Photoshop composite of two so-so photos…a photo of my traitor arm NOT painting…and the dancer I photographed in a parade).

Pay the Rent With Your Camera

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Can you really make money with your digital camera? Yes you can.

Photography has changed in many ways since affordable digital cameras came on the market. The ability to see your results immediately, and correct with another shot, makes it possible for more and more people to become good photographers.

In the “old days”, of film, it could be a week from the time you took your photos until you could see the results. By then, you would have left the location of the photo shoot and forgotten exactly what you did to get the photo. The opportunities to correct and reshoot were gone.

You had to be a good photographer. You had only one opportunity to get it right, the first time.

Now, since you can see the quality of your photo before you leave, you have almost unlimited opportunity to get it right. You can learn, correct as you go. You can be sure that you have a good photo before you leave.

When you use your digital camera as a tool to capture the photos people want, and then combine that with the printing and sharing opportunities available on the internet, a whole world of income opportunity opens up.

How can you pay the rent this month, with your digital camera?

Here are several opportunities for you to consider. None of them are hard to do, but as with any income opportunity, you must be willing to do the “work”. I prefer to call it fun!

Portraits: people and pet portraits are always in demand. Especially if you will make house calls. Many folks dread taking the time and effort to transport their children or pets to a studio. With a decent DSLR camera and just a bit of skill, you could easily pay the rent this month doing 4 or 5 sessions. Realtors, salesmen and other professionals are always needing new headshots.

Stock Photo Websites: With so many people creating websites and advertising there is a constant demand for new photos. Stock and Microstock photo sites like Dreamstime.com let you upload your digital photos for sale. Pictures of the most ordinary things sell there. Like a photo of theater curtains, or a computer mouse, or a keyboard. You upload your photos for free, and if someone buys it, you get a commission. One or two sales won’t make you rich, but once you get a good portfolio up there you can earn money every month from something you did once. That’s called recurring revenue. While you might not earn as much as a rock star would off his song, getting paid royalties like this, doing something fun, is a great way to pay the rent.

For more information on what types of photos are proven to sell, check out: “101 Photo ideas that Sell” available at Kindle.com

Click here for instant access:

101 Photo Ideas That Sell

Robert Schwarztrauber

P.S. No camera, but still need rent money? Here are 20 more ways to pay the rent this month. Click here.

Divorced? Click for New Mate

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One of the more surprising results, in my health survey of amateur photographers, was that people were finding new relationships through their involvement in photography.

That was not one of the specific questions in the survey, but rather was found in comments that were written in when folks were asked to put in their own words how photography had improved their life.

When asked to write in what benefits they got from photography, among other things they wrote:

  • Meet new people
  • Feel more connected to the community
  • Gets me out of the house
  • Don’t feel so isolated, lonely

Those were benefits I had not even considered including in the survey before all the results came back.

But when you think about it, a great deal of our physical health is tied to our emotions. How we “feel” inside is often reflected in our health and in our energy. When we are depressed and lonely, we often don’t feel like doing anything.

To see that photography could help people improve their social lives was a nice surprise. Come to think of it, although I never thought of it as a health benefit, I have met all kinds of wonderful people through my photography too.

One way to get started would be to look at Meetup groups in your area. Meetup.com offers many local community groups who get together centered around a theme. There are writing groups, and sports groups, a host of other groups on every topic imaginable, and there are photography groups.

In my area, the photography groups (there are actually 10 different photography groups in my area) chose some part of town, maybe a historic area, or church, or river walk, or scenic attraction and they all meet up to take pictures for an hour or two and then meet at some restaurant to sit and discuss the outing and share photos.

It’s great way to casually meet new people, without commitment or expectation,  who share a similar interest. It’s a great way for singles to get out, have some fun and social interaction in a safe way.

Photography classes are also a great way to meet new people. It’s easy to suggest meeting up somewhere for a photo walk. Or often times, the instructor will schedule fun outings that give you an easy, informal chance to talk and interact with someone new.

Once I saw the survey results and thought about it, it really made sense. Photography is a great way to meet new people and have something fun to do. There is no end to the adventures you can share and places you could go.

I’ve also noticed, that traveling alone is so much more fun when you bring your camera along. Suddenly, you’re not some lonely traveler wandering around a strange town, but you’re a photographer on a mission to capture great things! You’re on the hunt for cool new photos to share. You’re on safari!

A simple change of thought can do wonders for how you feel.

Not content to just accept the survey results and my own personal experience, I decided to interview a professional psychologist and family therapist who specializes in divorce to get her take on all this.

You can listen to my interview with Dr. Lisa Rene Reynolds by clicking here.

 

 

Low Stress Senior Workout

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Getting older doesn’t have to mean slowing down.

The stereotypical old man or woman sitting in a rocker waiting to die is dead. Thanks to greater knowledge of how our bodies work, modern medicine, and treatments, we can remain active well into our “Golden Years”.

But we can’t do it like we’re 20!

A senior fitness routine must take into account several factors:

  • It should be easy on our joints
  • It should be good for our cardiovascular system
  • It should be something we can do every day
  • It should definitely strengthen our legs and torso
  • It should not leave us sore or ache
  • It should be exciting to increase our dopamine levels ( a natural pain reliever)
  • If possible, we’d rather not sweat

Luckily, there is an activity that provides all these benefits and more – Photography.

Wait. Wait. Wait.

Let’s back up a minute. I took two steps there instead of one.

Walking is the primary activity that covers all of the points listed above. In fact, doctors worldwide recommend walking as one of THE most beneficial exercises. Everyone says we should do more of it.

The problem is, it can get boring to just go out, day after day, and walk.

Let’s face it, we live in a high stimulus world right now. We are a nation of multi-taskers. We need more than just a walk, alone with our thoughts, to keep us motivated to continue.

That’s where photography comes in.

When you bring your camera along, suddenly your boring walk becomes an exciting safari. You’re on the hunt for a great scene to capture…with your camera.

Suddenly, your mind is not thinking of your walk as exercise, but as an exciting adventure. You never know what you’ll see today. What cool photos you’ll take to share with your friends or family.

As simple as it may seem, changing your focus from exercise to adventure can make all the difference between staying healthy or slipping into a sedentary lifestyle that will cripple your health and hasten your demise.

Consider bringing your camera along on your next walk. Look for interesting things to photograph. With the new digital cameras, the satisfaction is immediate. Not only will you go home feeling better because you took a walk, but you’ll have cool photos to share as well. Two for one…what a great deal!

For best results, consider taking a photography class. You’ll learn all sorts of new techniques that will improve your photo taking AND increase your interest. One of the great truths, when we get good at something, we like to do it more!

Stay fit. Stay healthy.

Next time you head out for a walk, leave your dog at home and bring your camera instead. Or bring them both for twice the fun

To learn more about the 24 surprising health benefits not normally associated with photography, pick up a copy of my new audio CD, “Your F-Stop Guide to Fitness”. You’ll listen in as I share 45 minutes of true-life stories, tips and tricks, including the 24 health benefits photography can provide. It’s the perfect senior fitness guide.

Click on the photo below for details…

Senior Fitness

 

 

Photo Adventures and Cash Nearby

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There are many ways to enjoy your photography and create income opportunities for yourself without ever straying far from home.

If fact, on photo selling website like iStockphoto and Dreamstime, food pictures are one of the most needed photos.

Imagine, taking a photo of your spaghetti and selling it over and over again for profit!

But if you have the call to get outdoors and do some walking after your big meal (which is very healthy indeed) there are many places close to home where you can find great photo and cash making opportunities.

Historic places, high schools, churches, local or state parks, main street shops, farms, theaters, sporting events, festivals, flea markets, farmers market, dog park, industrial zones, waterways, city scapes, reflections, art museum, science museum, local business meetings or conferences, college campus, train station, airport, your kitchen, your workshop, your sewing room.

Wherever people create life-long special memories is a great place to start.

People get married in churches. Baptize their babies there. They often want photos of the church.

Flea and farmer’s markets can offer some great fruit and veggie photos (think food). Please be sure to ask the vendor if it would be alright if you take a few photos of his lovely goods. It’s polite. You can offer to send him or her some copies for them to use as a gesture of goodwill.

If you have the itch for some serious travel, here are America’s 15 Best National Parks for photo taking, in no particular order:

1. Yosemite National Park in California

2. Arches National Park in Utah

3. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado

4. Acadia National Park in Maine

5. Big Bend National Park in Texas

6. Mount Rainier in Washington

7. Zion National Park in Utah

8. Death Valley in California and Nevada

9. Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona

10. Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming

11. Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho

12. Great Smokey Mountain National Park in N. Carolina and Tennessee

13. Blue Ridge National Park in Virginia and N. Carolina

14. Everglades National Park in Florida

15. Badlands National Park in S. Dakota

Near or far, there are hundreds of salable photo ideas around you all the time.

For more great ideas on what kinds of photos are in demand, check out my book, “101 Photo Ideas that Sell” available now on Kindle.com

Attract Friends with Digital Tool

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Ever feel like you’re alone?

It’s especially sad when it happens in a crowded place. People all around, like an early morning  commute in a crowded New York City subway train.

Or maybe at a coffee shop when you’re the only one sitting alone. Ever been invited to a wedding reception, but had no date?

 

Sometimes it’s cool to be alone. Maybe you’ve been dying to read a great new book, like The Hunger Games. You prefer to be alone so you can get lost in the story.

While being alone might be OK at times, loneliness is never fun for anyone. You feel isolated, friendless. You wish that someone would notice you, talk to you, invite you out for tea.

As humans, we all crave connection to others. It is essential for our sound mental and physical health. It is a biological and psychological need.

But how do we connect with others?

For some people, making friends is easy. These are most often the Type A personalities who come strolling into a crowded room of people they don’t know and instantly strike up a conversation. Within two minutes everyone is laughing and they’re the center of attention.

Other people go to a party alone, say a few Hi/Hellos to the host or hostess, then sip nervously on their drink and eat food hoping, praying that someone will come over and talk to them. Many times no one will and they’ll make some excuse to leave early.

Why is being social so easy for some and so hard for others?

That’s a mystery far greater than my capacity to solve. Especially since I’m certainly no Type A personality. I’m a bit more shy. I think many artist tend to be that way.

But what I do know is, I have a secret weapon that gets me noticed, talked to. It can make people laugh and I can get them to do things I would never be able to ask them to do without it.

It is my camera.

“Ooh! Let me get a picture of that!” is often met with big smiles. Bring your camera to any event and you’ll have a built in excuse to talk to people. You’re no longer the wallflower, you’re the photographer. The builder of memories and all shots funny to be shared on Facebook later or at the water cooler tomorrow.

You’re no longer talking to people hoping to get their approval. You’re working!

And oh the doors it opens. You can walk right up to the biggest celebrity at any party or event and ask, “May I have a picture?”. The bigger the celebrity, the more likely they are to say yes!

But it works at dog shows too. Flea markets. The city plaza. On the streets and in the parks. You can start a conversation with anyone and it often leads to you learning all about that person and them learning about you.

But you don’t have to instantly start talking to people if you don’t want to.

Start taking great photos of cool things around town and share them on the internet. Facebook is a great place to start. If you have neither your own Facebook page or follower friends, find a local community page and “Friend” them to get started. Share your cool photos and invite other over to your Facebook page.

Meetup.com is a website designed to bring people together who share similar interests. Most towns have a Meetup photography group that plans outings where people gather for a couple hours of photo taking together usually at some fascinating area venue. Join them.

There are many websites that let you submit photos for daily, weekly, monthly or annual photo contests. There is nothing like having your photo chosen and being seen and praised. Todaysphoto.org is a great place to start if you’re new.

Taking photos and having your work seen is great way to build friendships and venture off the lonely isle.

In fact, a recent poll of amateur photographers turned up some surprising results:

Photography Ends Isolation – 8 out of 10 surveyed reported that their involvement in photography had increased their contact with other people.

93 people out of 100 reported that photography made them feel good about                themselves. It boosts your self-esteem.

Being “shy” is often brought on by feelings of low self-esteem. When you don’t feel good about yourself, you often expect others won’t feel good about you either, so you hesitate to approach them. Photography give you a purpose, a confidence beyond yourself.

Photographer’s Contribute – More than half the people surveyed felt more connected to the local community and the world. They felt their photos were a contribution to the people around them and by taking their photos they were helping to beautify the world and preserve precious memories.

When you feel you are a part of something, rather than an observer, you feel much better as a human being. No one likes to feel like an outsider.

Funny thing is, once you feel better about yourself, others find you more attractive too.

I’ve often said, your confidence is the most attractive thing about you. In fact, confidence in who and what you are, and the things you can do are the biggest single determining factor in your success at everything in life.

Think about it. Aren’t you attracted to confident, energetic people? Regardless of any physical attributes they may have or lack thereof?

We just love people who are sure of their abilities and who don’t much care about the opinions of others.

You will be amazed at how confident you can become when you discover the hidden powers of the digital camera.

There are also more than a dozen other physical and mental health benefits you can get from digital photography.

For more information on these and other great tips for better photo taking, check out the special report, “Photo Health Manifesto” and my latest book, “Photo Fitness Phenomenon”.

Photography Next Fitness Craze

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Will digital photography become the next fitness craze?

The signpost are all there.

  • A huge wave of aging baby boomers
  • A powerful desire to stay healthy and active
  • A need for a low-stress, heart healthy program
  • The need for something easy on the joints
  • The need for an all-season program
  • Something that does not require a membership fee
  • Ideally, it must allow for social contact but not require it
  • A desire for immediate gratification must be met
  • Affordable, easy-to-use technology

While many consider photography and art or hobby, new research has shown that it can be used as an effective therapeutic tool to ward of the effects of old age. It has also been shown to help those who are depressed, over-weight, in chronic pain and more.

A powerful combination of simple technologies has combined to offer all sorts of relief to a wide array of physical and mental health problems.

I call these technologies “The Healthy Photographer’s Trilogy”. The “trilogy” is evolved from a combination of digital cameras, digital photo editing, and the internet. Each  element provides a vital component that creates a synergy for improving overall health when combined.

The camera adds a powerful physical fitness component that gets you moving, adds energy, and strengthens muscle and bone.

Digital photo editing is essential for mental health and maintaining sharp and motivated brain activity.

The internet adds a vital social component that keeps you on track to your goals, offers an educational resource, and encourages the commitment that helps you succeed.

Best of all, each component of the trilogy in and of itself is fun!

When done properly, digital photography offers a host of fitness opportunities that were never possible before. Young and old can get surprising health benefits no matter what kind of camera they use and regardless of their skill level.

In my new book, “Photo Fitness Phenomenon” I go into great detail and offer a simple program that anyone can follow to claim all the benefits of a photo-fitness program.

A proper photo-fitness program fulfills all the needs of the aging baby-boomer crowd. I should know,  I am one.

In fact, your digital camera might just be the best, hand-held, portable fitness machine ever invented. And you thought it was just for taking pictures!

Take the Photographer’s Health Test now to see if your digital photo taking is helping or hurting your health now.

Robert Schwarztrauber

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Great News!

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Fans have Made their Choice!

By a rather large majority, Choice E received the highest percentage of votes as the best cover choice in the survey.

Appropriately, it has been selected as the cover for my special report: “The Digital Camera’s Hidden Health Secrets Exposed: Photo Health Manifesto”.

To check your photo health and gain access to the special report, click here to take the short: Photographer’s Health Test.

If you’d like instant access to the “Photo Health Manifesto” you can click here.

A great big thanks to all the photographers and others who contributed their talents in choosing what I think was a great cover choice!

Robert Schwarztrauber

“The Shutterbug Shaman”