Several weeks ago I completed and printed my “in the moment | collection 2” zine. The zine is now available in print for you to order. You can get your copy here. And I’m offering this zine for $5 off for the first 5 days—through 1-20-2023.
This collection of images is in color—my first collection contained black and white photos. The film simulation I used for this collection was not something I normally would have chosen—it was a little bold, intense and flashy for me. Since I didn’t want to spend money on the FIMO app I was using on my phone for this project I embraced the constraints this led to and used this simulation because it came free with the app. This exercise in getting outside my comfort zone was a growing experience for me. I found it interesting how the app made variable, random decisions for me adding elements I had no control over—bright, saturated colors and simulated light leaks—that added an element of joy, surprise and cheer to the pictures I took which I found to sometimes be uplifting and encouraging.
I also tried to embrace my own limitations. Since I was facing the difficult intensity of my mental health struggles I didn’t have the energy, strength or clear thinking to take pictures with my digital or film cameras. So I kept in mind that I generally had my phone nearby, it was very lightweight compared to my cameras and was very simple to use with this app—basically just point and shoot. There was no film development, scanning or post processing involved with my simple phone photography process. So I was able to keep things very basic and focus on the act of seeing, capturing and coping.
I tried to refrain from criticizing myself for not using my “real cameras” that take better quality photos and keep in mind that I can still make images with my phone. During this time, rather than having quality be my main goal, the main goal was survival and taking the healthy steps that could help me press on through the intense difficulties I face.
From the perspective of my practice of therapeutic photography I would consider this collection of my “in the moment” photo project to be a success. It’s certainly not technically perfect and it was helpful in keeping myself in the present moment at times when this felt impossible and too painful. These are just a couple of the positive impacts I noticed so far with this project. I’m sure there are more that I haven’t noticed yet.
Perhaps part of what I shared here is relatable in some ways for you. If so, it is my hope that maybe there can be a little encouragement or some type of benefit for you within this photo project and all that went into it. I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas about any of the content I discussed here or how it may have impacted you—feel free to leave a comment below.
You can view and order my zines at the links below.
Amanda Creamer Photography 