top of page
Category: Therapeutic Photography -
The Pinehouse Photography Club
Empowering Youth through Therapeutic Photography:
The Story of Pinehouse Photography Club
Established by Primary Care Nurse Dre Erwin RN(AAP) and teenager Jonah Natomagan, the Pinehouse Photography Club (PPC) offers a unique approach to address the mental health concerns of adolescents in the local community. Since gaining national recognition in 2018 through a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation program called New Lens on Life, the club has become a valuable resource for local youngsters. With its equipment now donated to Pinehouse primary school, the initiative aims to inspire creativity and promote mental wellness among the youth in the community. Join us in empowering the next generation through therapeutic photography.
Therapeutic photography involves taking, analyzing, and utilizing photographs for the purpose of personal healing, growth, and self-discovery. By actively producing, exploring, and reflecting on images and pairing them with creative writing, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your perspective on the world.
From Personal Despair to Community Empowerment: The Journey of the Pinehouse Photography Club
After facing personal struggles and experiencing grief, Dre turned to photography as a coping mechanism. However, it wasn't until he found himself in the midst of a tornado while photographing an old barn that he had a transformative realization. This storm became a powerful symbol of how short life is and the importance of focusing on the positive moments. After moving to a remote, predominantly Metis community, Dre's photography quickly gained attention from local youth who were captivated by his images of the aurora borealis. Though initially reluctant to take on more responsibilities as a nurse, Dre began teaching the youth how to capture their own images. It was then that he realized the transformative power of photography and its potential to positively impact the lives of those who use it.