Photography as Healer

For the past six or seven years, I’ve driven 125 miles nearly every Sunday to visit my aged parents. For most of those years, I felt honored to be able to help, managing their finances and assisting my sister and brother-in-law with chores around the folk’s house. This year has been a little bit tougher; we moved dad to an Alzheimer’s facility, and mom has become increasingly immobile.We spend a fair amount of our time with mom explaining where dad is, and a fair amount of time with dad explaining where his shoes are.

I’m no spring chicken myself, so the visits have been increasingly draining. I return to Ojai exhausted and depressed.

The last two weeks, however, I chose to visit Bolsa Chica wetlands after spending time with my parents, and found a great sense of renewal in the zen-like stillness required to stalk and photograph birds. Even when I don’t get the photograph, watching the birds rekindles joy in my heart. Here are some examples of the medicine I absorb through my eyes.

I’m still thinking about upgrading to a full-frame camera for greater dynamic range, less noise, and more shallow depth of field. I wonder if I can deduct it as a medical expense?  Nikon D7000, Nikon 70-200 f/2.8, Nikon TC17eII teleconverter.