Dre Erwin Photography™
Art as a Lifeline. Discover the award-winning photography fueling a non-profit movement to heal, empower, and amplify youth voices across the North.
"Photography saved my life!"
-Pinehouse Photography Club Youth Members
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A New Lens on Life:
The CBC National Award Winning Documentary
Discover the intersection of intention and creativity. "A New Lens on Life" explores how therapeutic photography empowers individuals to heal, rediscover joy, and overcome profound challenges.
Witness the transformative stories of youth breaking free from addiction to find solace and happiness through the lens. Join the journey and see how photography is changing lives—and how it can change yours.
Learn more about the youth, the club, and the the documentary:
Discover Healing Through the Lens
Latest News
Photography as a Lifeline
As a Primary Care Nurse and Veteran, I have spent over two decades witnessing how trauma and isolation affect the nervous system. Therapeutic Photography is the evidence-based bridge I built to help individuals move from a state of survival into a state of mindful observation."
- Dre Erwin
My mission is grounded in the Pinehouse Protocol, a four-year longitudinal study (2016–2020) that reached 200-300 youth daily in Northern Saskatchewan. This work demonstrated a near-universal shift in emotional regulation and happiness.
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Documented Impact: Youth happiness scores jumped from a baseline of 2.2 to 4.8 during outings.
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Clinical Foundation: A nurse-led intervention utilized as a "diagnostic bridge" for mental health triage.
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Visual Sovereignty: Empowering Indigenous youth to reclaim their narrative through the lens.
When you look through a camera lens, you block out the rest of the world—the misery, the agony, and the grief. It’s just you and the moment. Practice focusing on that one shot, and you'll find that even when the camera is down, you’ll start seeing the good in life a lot more clearly."
- Dre Erwin
Coming Soon
Returning to the North. Follow the journey as I head back to Sandy Bay on June 8 to launch the new season of the Therapeutic Photography.
The Story Behind the Shutter
Photography saved my life; today, it’s a lifeline for others. After seeing how the camera helped First Nations and Métis youth in the North reclaim their stories and navigate addiction and depression, I’ve dedicated myself to a bigger picture. I now advocate for the voices that often go unheard, educating others on how to use photography as a tool for healing and resilience everywhere.
Got Questions? View our Therapeutic Photography FAQ
Bizmuth
ATR-BC Board Certified Art Therapist (13+ years experience in Inpatient Psych & Medical Hospitals)
You are doing amazing, much-needed work... doing exactly what an Art Therapist would do.
Beth Ladwig
The photography Dre Erwin has shared with us is beyond words in its beauty. The emotions he invokes are so deep and intense, especially since it uses only our sense of sight. I am always awed by his posts. He has been so generous with his skills and his time.
Louis Iron
Amazing northern lights and mentor! Helped a lot of youth learn to use a camera to help with their depression.
Marilyn Biletski
Spectacular photos that literally leave me with goosebumps or speechless. As a lover of nature, the perspectives and colors and subjects thrill me when they are posted. For anyone who is interested in photography showing the beauty of nature, you needn't go farther than Dre's page. Beauty, absolute beauty!
While You Were Sleeping:
Therapeutic Photography Clubs Across Canada
To have your own club added to the map, please email us at @dreerwinphotography@gmail.com