272: Andrew Baruffi - Overcoming Depression Through Nature Photography

According to a study in the Archives of General Psychiatry, nearly 1 in 5 American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year, and 46 percent of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life, and half of those people will develop conditions by the age of 14. Other studies have shown that engaging in nature photography can help those struggling with mental health challenges.  As such, it was a true honor to sit down and chat with this week's guest on today's episode of my podcast, Andrew Baruffi.  I actually learned about Andrew and his work after seeing his submissions to the Natural Landscape Photography Awards last year and since have followed him and his journey closely. On this week's episode, we discuss: Andrew's journey into photography as a way to cope with depression and suicidal ideation, How Andrew's photography has changed over the years, The book-making process, And a lot more! Other topics discussed on the podcast this week: Purchase Andrew's book, Heal. Join me over on Nature Photographer's Network. Enter the Natural Landscape Photography Awards. Support the podcast on Patreon. Here is who Andrew recommended on the podcast this week: Eric Erlenbusch. Loren Root. Martin Gonzalez. If you enjoyed the conversation with Andrew, you can find our bonus recording over on Patreon where we discuss his strategies for naming his photographs, which is something I know a lot of photographers struggle with a great deal! I love hearing from the podcast listeners! Reach out to me via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter if you'd like to be on the podcast or if you have an idea of a topic we can talk about. We also have an Instagram page, a Facebook Page, and a Facebook Group - so don't be shy! Did you also know we have listener after-parties on Twitter Spaces? This is a great opportunity to interact with other listeners, guests, and the host (when I can) regarding your thoughts on the episode. We also have a searchable transcript of every episode! Thanks for stopping in, collaborating with us, and listening. See you next week. P.S. you can also support the podcast by purchasing items through our B+H affiliate link.

Om Podcasten

This photography podcast takes you well beyond camera gear each week with weekly interviews and panel discussions with professional photographers, industry insiders, enthusiasts, and hobbyists alike. Our candid but laid-back conversations deeply explore the craft of photography, and psychological drivers relating to creativity, motivation, inspiration, and workflow. We also discuss social media, photography business practices, marketing, sales, and hot topics impacting photographers from all genres, with a particular focus on landscape, nature, and wildlife photography. The show is hosted by Matt Payne, a professional full-time nature photographer and the co-founder of the internationally renowned photography competition, the Natural Landscape Photography Awards. Matt is also a mountaineer, climbing the highest 100 mountains in Colorado. Matt leverages skills he gained in pursuit of his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology to dig deeply into the hearts and minds of his passionate guests, revealing secrets and inspiration in every episode.