A little background about me and Calming Captures:
Back in 2018, Milky Way photography became a favorite hobby of mine in college with my best friend, Dustin. After a few years of practice, we set a goal to travel to Utah and capture the Milky Way at an International Dark Sky park. Once I was in Utah (2021), I realized how much stress and anxiety I lost while seeing various beautiful and unique landscapes. After that, I was hooked and wanted to focus on traveling and photography more in my life. Cue Calming Captures is where I can share my landscape photography and the beauty in the world! I want others to feel what I feel at the moment. Peace, beauty, awe, and a moment of feeling stress-free.
🧠 My journey to mental health:
Aside from my PTSD experience, throughout my childhood I struggled with untreated anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. It wasn't until my adult life that I had a huge scare and realized that these issues weren't normal behavior. I was so stubborn and refused help because I thought I was "fine" or couldn't afford the appointments. Thankfully, after finding the right psychiatrist, a few recommended self-help books, and support from friends and family, it motivated me to get onto medication and bettering my mentality with the work of mindfulness.
Of those hobbies, photography, and travel felt the most healing for me, and I've always wanted to find a way to be able to help others who struggle with mental illness or are on their journey to mental health. As Calming Captures photography and products are a simple tool for your mental health journey, to help you focus on mindfulness and calming the mind. I hope my story can encourage you to find the support you need. It is possible to see the light in darkness and discover the beauty in life again.
🌄 How do landscapes help your mental health?
The book "Chatter" mentions that viewing landscape photography releases stress hormones, and words of affirmation help you feel more present. The use of affirmations can help change your mindset, and while absorbing the natural beauty, you learn to appreciate the simple things and the beauty of life surrounding you. While working as a producer (an extremely stressful job), I printed out my Utah Milky Way landscapes and bought a coaster that said, "Be the good." When I felt stressed from a task, I took a minute to read the affirmation, recite it, and observe my photography. Suddenly, a wave of cortisol was released from my body, and I could finish my tasks without having a mental breakdown.
My goal for these photos is to help you be more productive, relieve stress and anxiety, and be your step to your mental health journey.
💜 I appreciate you reading part of my journey and supporting Calming Captures. If you have any suggestions for landscapes you want to see in the future, feel free to send a message! I'll happily do customizations as well. Thank you so much for your support!
Stay groovy,
Erica, Founder of Calming Captures
