Welcome to Henes Photography: Where Art Meets Healing
Hi, I’m Tslil Henes
A professional photographer and lifelong mental health warrior. PTSD and depression have been my companions for as long as I can remember. Healing through photography became my therapy long before therapy was trendy, a sort of invisibility cloak that helped me observe the world without feeling like I had to belong to it.
Camera: Canon 6D | Lens: Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM | Settings: 24mm, ISO 100, f/16, 0.6 Sec
There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.
-Leonard Cohen
From Coca-Cola to Canon: How a Camera Saved Me
My journey with cameras began in my childhood. I experimented with various film cameras - even one with a nostalgic Coca-Cola label, that first ignited my passion for photography. No matter how simple, each camera opened up a new world for me. Later, my dad bought me a Canon - a gift symbolizing hope and possibility. Although that camera’s fate turned traumatic when it broke before my eyes (a story for another time), it was a pivotal moment that ultimately reinforced how deeply therapeutic photography saved me.
Why This Blog Exists
There’s no better time to talk about emotional well-being in a world that seems to be losing its compassion. Insensitivity and ignorance about mental health issues are everywhere. For too long, I’ve experienced it firsthand - from society, from strangers, even from those closest to me.
After enduring one of the hardest experiences of my life - a trauma rooted in betrayal by family - I knew that staying silent was no longer an option. I had to transform my pain into something meaningful.
I created this blog to raise awareness about our inner battles, to break the silence, and to help others find their clarity and strength through reflective photography.
My message is simple:
You’re not alone.
Even darkness can be beautiful.
Everyone has their path and pace toward healing.
What to Expect from This Blog
This blog is a safe space - judgment-free, warm, and supportive. Together, we’ll explore how photography and mindfulness can be powerful tools for self-discovery and connection. By finding courage behind the lens, here’s what you can look forward to:
Photography Techniques & Editing Tips
Learn to capture light, detail, and emotion through portraits, macro shots, long exposures, and night photography. You’ll pick up therapeutic photography techniques that can enrich your creative process.
![Tslil Henes demonstrating how photography helps mental health.”]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/646bb5cd32bb127ba259b946/a7ecb241-c1d3-4468-ad88-a482047cc8dd/therapeutic-photography-mental-health.jpg)
Camera: Canon 6D | Lens: Samyang 14mm F/2.8 | Settings: 14mm, ISO 3200, F/2.8, 20 Sec
Personal Stories & Reflections
I’ll share pieces of my journey and insights on using photography as a form of self-expression. We’ll keep it real - no sugarcoating, just honesty and hope.
Traveling Solo, Shooting Brave
For those of us with anxiety, travel can feel impossible at times. My camera became my anchor - a way to find calm in unfamiliar places and reclaim the joy of exploration.
I’ll share peaceful nature routes, calming destinations for those with anxiety, and practical advice for solo travelers - especially those dealing with tinnitus or hyperacusis.
No matter why you’re here - whether for photography tips or healing inspiration, you’ll find something to take with you.
In upcoming posts, we’ll explore how photography can transform pain into beauty - from mindfulness techniques to the science behind its healing power.
Join the Path to Light
Camera: Canon 6D | Lens: Samyang 14mm F/2.8 | Settings: 14mm, ISO 3200, F/2.8, 210 Sec
This blog isn’t just about photography, it’s about creating a community of resilience and creativity.
A place where we can share stories, learn from each other, and find light in even the darkest places.
Community Connection & Photo Challenges
This space is for you, too. I’ll encourage readers to engage in the comments and share their work on social media. Use #HealingThroughPhotography to connect and inspire others on the same path. Your stories matter here - I’ll share how self-care photoshoot ideas have shaped your journeys in future posts, creating a community built on creativity and shared experiences.
This is just the beginning. Each month, we’ll delve into new themes - like how to turn your camera into a mindfulness tool or why science backs photography as therapy. Let’s discover how healing through photography can transform pain into beauty, one frame at a time.
“Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”
-Thomas Merton
Final Thought
If you’re a photographer, a mental health warrior, or simply someone who loves beautiful things, you’re in the right place. Together, we’ll celebrate the imperfect and the extraordinary, the quiet moments and the wild ones, and everything in between.
I’m excited to share this adventure with you.
I hope every post will remind you that you’re not alone and that healing, like photography: takes time, patience, and a bit of magic.
Camera: Canon 6D | Lens: Samyang 14mm F/2.8 | Settings: 14mm, ISO 3200, F/14, 1/4 Sec
Like this forest waterfall, healing flows gently-
one frame, one breath at a time.
Stay Connected & Get Your Free eBook
Want to be part of this community?
Leave a comment below - share your story or tell me what brought you here.
Follow along on Instagram, and don’t forget to use #HealingThroughPhotography to share your photos and reflections.
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