Therapeutic Photography Community Experience

What is Therapeutic Photography?

In this group experience, “therapeutic” means embodied creative processes that help us express beyond words, release what’s held in the body, and practice being authentic and witnessed by community. The role of photography here is not performance, but ritual mirror: the camera helps alchemize raw truth into art. We’ll weave play, ritual, and imagination into a brave container where images can hold what words often cannot.

What to Expect

We’ll move through three stages: (1) warm-up with gentle connection games + agreements, (2) discover themes of community—strengths, vulnerabilities, and dreams—in meditation + small groups, have a break, and then (3) bring your group's theme to life through collaborative photoshoot planning and then having the photoshoot. Each group translates their theme into visual metaphor and embodied expression; I join your creative visioning so the way I use my lens amplifies what you’re expressing.

Limited props will be provided (normal + dressup clothing, candles, decor, mirrors), and you are encouraged to bring your own props to use or donate (for future groups). Reach out to me with any further questions.

*We will be outside as weather permits

My Role as Photographer & Space-Holder

As your facilitator and photographer, I’ll guide you in a creative process—teaching how to translate ideas and emotions into visual language. Together in small groups, we’ll explore metaphor, story, mood, movement, color, and ritual imagery. As a photographer, I will make artistic choices (close vs. wide angles, motion blur vs. stillness, composition, light focus) to translate your felt story into images. I hold the container—pacing, consent, grounding—and offer prompts when needed, then step back so your authentic expression leads.

Consent is central: you choose how you’re photographed and what (if anything) can be shared publicly; we’ll revisit this at the start and end.

You’ll leave not just with photos, but with the lived experience of co-creating art from your truth—together. I'm excited to create with you!

To see more of my work as a Therapeutic Photographer, visit Instagram @JuliaArborPhotography https://www.instagram.com/juliaarborphotography/?hl=en

More Details

Suggested Donation: $20-60 to cover food, the space, and facilitators. No one turned away for lack of funds: your presence is valuable!

Break: snacks such as fruit, veggies, and chips will be provided.

Parking: park alongside the house in free street parking. Come along the side of the house to the backyard.

Host or Publisher Julia Arbor Photography