My fascination with photography began in childhood, sparked by flicking through family albums. These albums were not just collections of images; they were visual narratives that told the complex history of my cross-cultural family, which spans Polish, German, and Dutch heritage. This early exposure instilled in me an appreciation for the power of images to convey stories and emotions that transcend words.
This fascination deepened during my first apprenticeship at a creative agency, where I participated in photoshoots and witnessed firsthand how images can shape perceptions and tell intricate stories.
Working as a Marketing Manager, I developed and implemented numerous videography and photography projects that profoundly shaped my understanding of the power of photos and videos. Each project underscored how a well-crafted image or video sequence could convey complex messages, evoke emotions, and influence audience perceptions more effectively than words alone. This experience solidified my belief in photography as a strong tool for visual storytelling, capable of transforming abstract ideas into compelling visual narratives that resonate and inspire.
My journey with photography took a significant turn during a four-year trip around the world, where it became my primary medium for self-expression and reflection. Combining photography with writing allowed me to document my experiences and emotions, helping me to process and understand my journey on a deeper level. I realised that photography has a unique ability to capture the essence of a moment, influencing how we see the world and ourselves.
Since 2008, I have been working as a photo artist, with a particular focus on documentary photography. Through various exhibitions, I discovered that my true passion lies not just in showcasing my perspective as an artist but in the connections and stories that viewers shared with me over my photographs. It is these shared narratives and the personal meanings that people attach to images that intrigue me the most.
The therapeutic potential of photography became evident to me during my Master’s studies in Expressive Art Therapy. Since 2019, I have been incorporating photography into therapeutic and community settings, witnessing its power to help individuals express, process, and reflect on their emotions. This experience has convinced me of the profound impact that structured and intentional use of photography can have in therapeutic contexts.
Today, I mainly use therapeutic photography techniques in my mentoring and counselling online. In my work as an Art Therapist in a psychiatry I facilitate phototherapy interventions whenever a patient struggles to express their experiences or feelings in words or as as a warm-up for patients who are new to art therapy.
Do you want to experience the power of therapeutic photography yourself? Sign up for my 1:1 Mentoring, or book a counselling session with me here.