A NEW Forest photographer is encouraging people to feel inspired by nature and use photography as a means of helping mental health.
Freelance administrator Claire Sheppard "found her passion" for photography again during the first national lockdown in 2020.
Since then, she has been sharing her photography with the New Forest and wider Hampshire community and is keen to show the positive effects of her favourite hobby.
The 49-year-old from Fordingbridge said: "During Covid, I had all this time to think 'what do I want to do?' and I realised life is too short, so just do it.
"I started photography in my late teens but then life just takes over. I found my passion for it again and created Bramble and Beach in August 2020.
"I always wanted to share my work but didn't have the guts to do so, but my friend said I should go for it and it took off. It was amazing.
"I have got three kids, and life has been pretty full-on. It was hard when they were younger but I think if I did photography more at the time, it would have really helped me.
"Going out into the New Forest and taking photos is like walking mindfulness for me.
"When you're looking down the lens, you are not thinking about anything else and your focus is on that moment in time. You completely zone out and you don't think about anything else."
Two of Claire's children are teenagers, and she says she has noticed the impact social media can have on people's, especially young adults, lives.
She said: "The pressures of social media and to look good are there.
"I am starting to feel like more young people should get in touch with doing something like this, by going out into nature and taking photos.
"Social media is all about what people look like, but I think if young people get out a bit more and become more creative, it will help.
"They could get away from technology and get out there and feel like a kid again. It makes you feel good and gets you away from everyday life.
"Plus, teenagers can become more creative and be part of something. I want photography in nature to be seen as a natural and cool thing to do."
To see more of Claire's work, visit https://brambleandbeach.co.uk/
If you love taking photos in Hampshire and the New Forest, join our Camera Club on Facebook - Daily Echo Camera Club
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