... and the therapeutic power of photography

My personal experience as a patient in the past - for a good nine years - has taught me how a stay in hospital (but the same applies to nursing homes or old people's homes) is often a stressful and destabilising experience. Health concerns, fears, uncertainties and loss of autonomy are common feelings that patients face during their journey. In this context, art, and in particular photography, can play an essential role in alleviating these emotional states.

Photography, as a visual form of communication, offers an immediate connection to emotions and memories. It can stimulate positive memories, emotions of serenity and even a sense of beauty that seems to disappear in hospital settings.

Scientific studies have shown that exposure to visually pleasing images can reduce stress, lower anxiety levels and promote relaxation in patients, but let us also remember the importance of choosing images: colours have the power to arouse different emotions. For example, warm colours such as yellow, orange or red can stimulate feelings of energy and warmth, while cooler colours such as blue and green have a calming and relaxing effect. In hospitals and nursing homes, the use of soft, natural colours (such as light blue, green, beige or white) can help reduce anxiety, improve mood and foster an atmosphere of tranquillity. Conversely, colours that are too bright or saturated, if not used carefully, may be stimulating or create a sense of disorientation.

Photographs depicting natural landscapes, such as forests, mountains, seas and flowers, are particularly effective in these environments. Nature is often associated with serenity and healing, and numerous studies have shown that exposure to natural images can reduce stress and improve convalescence. Colours such as the green of plants or the blue of the sky, which evoke images of tranquillity, are therefore particularly suitable for environments such as hospitals and nursing homes.

In a hospital environment, every visual element must be considered part of a harmonious whole. The photographs chosen must integrate well with the design and décor of the surroundings. Consistency between colours and styles can make spaces more pleasant and less impactful, creating an atmosphere that does not overpower, but rather supports the healing process.

Nowadays, many healthcare facilities recognise the importance of art in patient care, integrating it into the hospital environment. Photography, in this context, not only visually enriches spaces, but becomes a real therapy tool. The presence of photographs of natural landscapes, animals or relaxing scenes in hospital rooms, corridors or common areas contributes to creating an atmosphere that can reduce the perception of pain and discomfort, promoting psychological recovery.