As part of my own recovery from mental health, addiction and homelessness I have found photography incredibly important in making peace with the past and the present. Having trained as a therapeutic photography practitioner, I have shaped my experiences along with my skills as a photographer and experience as a group facilitator into a course to help others to explore the therapeutic power of photography.
‘Changing Perspectives’ is a fun, interactive, course exploring how photography can help improve our wellbeing, mental health and connection with others and the world around us.
I have delivered my workshops to a variety of groups including; NHS staff, young Disabled people, people in recovery from addiction and people who are experiencing homelessness.
I am taking bookings from individuals and organisations now - Please contact: iamjonrees@gmail.com | +447749 998937
Below is a selection of images produced by the first group I delivered the course to. We quickly created a supportive, safe, creative community together and people started making really interesting work on a wide range of subjects.
PAUL GRIEVE
Jon's Changing Perspectives Photography course exceeded all expectations I had of what a photography course could deliver. I found the nature of the course, the weekly exercises and the coming together as a group to discuss our photos and the themes they explored incredibly therapeutic.
ANNA STORM
AMBER HALL
BEN CAMPBELL-WHITE
ELIZA DOUGAN-CHERRY
Jon's photography course has been one of the best investments I've ever made. Personally, the best thing about the course was the connection we cultivated along our photography journeys with inspirational people I met on the course. I really enjoyed all of the weekly tasks set by Jon, and loved hearing everybody's stories about their photos and what they meant to them. Thank you Jon!
GORDON MUNDIE
THEO MCCARTHY BUDZINSKY
VALERIE STORM
HAYAT BASHAY
I enjoyed being mindful of my surroundings and of nature and expressing myself through photography. A lot of emotions surfaced which at times were difficult. Sharing our photos with each other and talking about them meant each of us in the group were brave to be vulnerable in a safe space. This made me feel not alone. I cherish the support and friendship within the group. I am grateful to Jon for creating this photography course;- Changing Perspectives.
This course helped me to survive and cope when I was feeling I could no longer cope, as I was going through a family crises. After being housebound for awhile, it was good to venture out and focus on the photography task. Walking mindfully in nature I felt so much gratitude seeing the sun, sky, trees, flowers, grass, and enjoyed expressing this through photography. This helped to give me a break away from all the stress at home.
JON REES
