The Healthy Photographer

I had the pleasure a few weeks ago to attend a very informative event held by APA|NY (www.apany.com)at 20/20 Kre8tivHAus STuDios–a professional organization sponsored by Adorama. This seminar, calledThe Healthy Photographer, focused on providing tips, tricks, and lifestyle adjustments that pertain to the struggles and physical demands of typical photographer life. Not only was it a great and entertaining event (watching a bunch of inflexible camerafolk trying to do yoga was a wonderful laugh at times), but it gave me invaluable information about small adjustments and changes to incorporate into my lifestyle that would exponentially improve my quality of life as an active and busy photographer.

One of the biggest elements that they covered was regarding nutrition. With the long hours, the busy schedules, and constantly running from one gig to another, finding a time to eat, and eat healthy, is a constant struggle for many photographers. I know I often end up skipping breakfast because I feel I don’t have time to incorporate it into my morning routine. Andrea Moss, a fabulous nutritionist, presented 3 healthy 5 minute breakfasts (which you can see here), and not only are they quick and easy, but pretty delicious too!

She also recognized that as shoots often are long hours with little to no breaks, photographers often need protein-packed snacks that are also non-perishable. (Watch video here.) She had a broad range of suggestions;from crunchy or creamy foods, to sweet or salty foods, and there was a wide variety of options that I had never before considered. Some popular favorites included organic dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), protein bars (such as Kind bars), hummus with cut veggies (not more than 4-5 hours of non-refrigeration), canned of smoked fish (such as trout, wild salmon, or mackerel), and fresh fruit with cashew or almond butter. She also showed some interesting products like Calm , a magnesium and calcium based anti-stress drink, to replace the one or two beers that a stressed photographer might like to knock back after a particularly rough day.

The seminar also provided us with a fantastic selection of simple and fast workouts that specifically target the physical stresses that many photographers are faced with. From simple but effective stretches to working out those inevitable shoulder kinks, Brittany Crosby, a pilates instructor, and Sofia Negron, a yoga instructor, have provided some pretty fabulous videos that you can work out alongside of in the comfort of your own home. They also have a great article from physical therapist Jemina Cassis Hart on proper posture to use when shooting as well as editing, and I can personally vouch for the improvements it’s made to my chronic back pain; you can check it out here.

While there are many elements to learning and producing a successful photography business, taking care of your mind and body is just as important for professional growth, and is easily the most common thing forgotten. Check out The Healthy Photographer to see even more of the wonderful ways they help photographers help themselves!