6th Workshop

Date: December 5th, Location: Poland, Project: CREATYIOK

On December 5th, a therapeutical photography workshop titled "Capture the Uncaptured" was conducted as part of the CREATYIOK project in Riga, Latvia. The workshop was attended by 10 participants and aimed to explore the use of photography as a tool for self-reflection, emotional expression, and personal growth. It began with a brief introduction explaining the difference between phototherapy and therapeutical photography. Participants reflected on the general purpose of taking photos, which helped to foster a sense of connection and engagement among group members.

Activities and Their Significance

1. Visualization Exercise: "Safe Place"
The first activity focused on visualization. Participants were invited to close their eyes and imagine their "safe place," paying close attention to details such as colors, light, textures, and scents, engaging all their senses. They were then asked to identify a single object or frame within this imagined space and take a mental "photograph" of it. Upon opening their eyes, participants sketched or wrote down what they envisioned on a piece of paper. In pairs, they exchanged their notes and tried to guess each other's safe place.

This exercise encouraged participants to connect deeply with their inner world, promoting mindfulness and emotional awareness. Sharing and interpreting the sketches fostered empathy and understanding within the group.

2. Emotional Reflection Through Preselected Photographs
In the next exercise, participants selected one photograph of a person from a set of pre-prepared images that resonated most with their current emotional state. They shared their choices with the group and then chose a second image, this time from a set of non-human photographs, that represented the same emotion or meaning. Participants reflected on which selection was more challenging and which image more clearly conveyed their feelings.

This activity helped participants to explore their emotions through visual metaphors, enhancing their ability to articulate feelings. It also underscored the diverse ways emotions can be represented and perceived.

3. "Me Now and Me in 10 Years"
For this task, participants created self-portraits using objects, elements, and frames from their surroundings to represent how they see themselves now and how they would like their self-portrait to look in 10 years. After completing the task, they shared their photographs and reflections with the group. They were also prompted to consider what steps they would need to take for their future vision to become a reality, or what might currently be preventing them from achieving it.

This exercise encouraged participants to reflect on their personal identity, aspirations, and the changes they wish to make in their lives. It provided a creative space to visualize their goals and consider practical steps toward achieving them.

Workshop Summary

The workshop concluded with a group discussion where participants reflected on their experiences and insights. The activities provided a unique platform for self-exploration, emotional expression, and meaningful connections with others. Through the creative medium of photography, participants gained tools to better understand themselves, articulate their emotions, and envision their personal growth.

Overall, the workshop highlighted the transformative potential of therapeutical photography, offering participants valuable perspectives on their inner worlds and inspiring them to take steps toward positive change.