Photo taken by contributor Samantha Pugsley, a 25-year-old conceptual fine art photographer from Charlotte, North Carolina. She first picked up a camera during her junior year of college. This was right around the time when she was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Things that were once easy became impossible for her. Getting dressed in the morning, shopping at the grocery story, driving her car…just living, was a panic attack waiting to happen. Photography helped her heal. With her camera she could start a conversation about what was going on in her head. She could say things with her images that she didn’t know how to say out loud. She still struggles with anxiety but making art helps her talk about it and manage it. She started a 365 photography project to ensure that she’d be doing what brings her joy every single day. She has noticed that her anxiety level is much lower if she spends time with her camera every day.

About this photo: “I felt so many things as I created this image. Sometimes, when I feel really connected to a location or concept, I get really anxious that I won’t be able to portray exactly what I had in mind. When I felt the anxiety to use this location thoughtfully creeping over me, I threw all caution to the wind and laid down on this beautiful mossy bank. I can see so many different facets in the final result and it speaks to me in so many different ways. I hope others can find their own story here, as well.”

Find more from Samantha at her website or flickr.

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