Veterans learn to see differently through the camera lens

When Army Veteran Corrin Lee Mac heard of the Lebanon VA Medical Center and Lebanon Valley College's The Seeing Lens group, she thought the idea was "far-fetched." The 10-week therapeutic photography group is for Veterans in recovery. However, as Mac–pictured above–went through the program, she discovered that it worked for her. "It promotes mindfulness. Looking through the lens, this second in time, you are here in the moment."

Veterans who participate in The Seeing Lens are issued a camera and textbook for duration of the program. Each week focuses on a different aspect of recovery and ties it to a photographic technique. For example, clarity and attention are linked with the concepts of aperture and depth of field.

Members of the inaugural group had their photos displayed in an exhibit at Lebanon Valley College and the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The exhibit will return to Lebanon VAMC later this year.

Graduates gathered at the college to talk about the impact the program and the exhibit had on their lives.

"Every Veteran can experience it in their own way, but something that would be in common between Veterans was the supportive nature of it, the non-judgmental atmosphere, " said Army Veteran Robin Ann Pottoroff.

You are more thoughtful and creative.

"It makes you slow down and look at the world in a different way," said Navy Veteran Mike Robertson. "You are more thoughtful and creative. It calms a racing brain."

Lebanon VAMC recreation therapist Amy Cook, a founder of the program, was struck by "really seeing what the camera can do as a recovery tool. Once the Veteran picked up the camera, it was life-changing."

Project alumni suggested that other Veterans in recovery give The Seeing Lens a try.

"Give it a shot. It worked for me," said Navy Veteran Patrick Dougherty. "And I was the most negative person, a naysayer. So if it helped me, it can pretty much help anyone."

This article originally appeared on VAntage Point. Follow @DeptVetAffairs on Twitter.