Introspection through fine art photography
Kalliojärvi, Saija (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025051210961
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025051210961
Tiivistelmä
This thesis studies the benefits of photography and the impact it can have on mental health and self-image in the context of art therapy. By exploring different aspects of using art therapy as a method for improving mental well-being, this thesis and the included case study in the form of photography series justifies the benefits of utilizing photography as a method for healing.
Aiming to prove the restorative effect of artistic process and portrait photog-raphy, the thesis focuses on to young generation’s mental health issues and investigates how fine art photography can be a considerable way of improving these mental struggles.
The included process of the photography series was conducted together with several participants. By photographing and interviewing these participants whilst considering their personal wishes regarding how they wanted to be pictured, the research concluded positive effects on the participants.
The series consists of portrait photographs and written statements revolving around the personal themes of the participants, creating a strong yet gentle composition of the important subjects and underlining the healing power of pho-tography.
The photography series was exhibited in the Fine Art Degree Show in Gallery Himmelblau in Spring 2025. Photographs and the texts were hung simplistically on a wall, the minimalistic composition giving room for the important subjects in the photographs.
Aiming to prove the restorative effect of artistic process and portrait photog-raphy, the thesis focuses on to young generation’s mental health issues and investigates how fine art photography can be a considerable way of improving these mental struggles.
The included process of the photography series was conducted together with several participants. By photographing and interviewing these participants whilst considering their personal wishes regarding how they wanted to be pictured, the research concluded positive effects on the participants.
The series consists of portrait photographs and written statements revolving around the personal themes of the participants, creating a strong yet gentle composition of the important subjects and underlining the healing power of pho-tography.
The photography series was exhibited in the Fine Art Degree Show in Gallery Himmelblau in Spring 2025. Photographs and the texts were hung simplistically on a wall, the minimalistic composition giving room for the important subjects in the photographs.