Photography is just a hobby for many people, but it can also be a career choice. For those who suffer with ADHD, you may find that photography presents a lot of elements that could make it a career that benefits you mentally in addition to providing for you financially.
There are some features of work that can be good for ADHD symptoms like restlessness, disorganization, and inability to concentrate. Photography plays towards strengths that are common among those who have ADHD.
Passionate
Photography is a passion for a lot of people, and this can be beneficial to someone with ADHD. This is because if you are passionate about something, it will be much easier to focus on the activity or task at hand.
Finding a career that ignites joy and happiness within you can be highly beneficial for anyone, but it can be more crucial for someone who has trouble concentrating on things they do not love. While virtually any career will have components that are boring or frustrating, photography can be one that many people adore and enjoy more than others.
Plays Towards Strengths
Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, but there are some things to look for when you are deciding on a good job or career when you have ADHD. Boredom can make it difficult to function when symptoms of ADHD are gnawing at your thought process. If you find something that you are good at that also poses a challenge, you will be less likely to become bored.
Variety
A lot of careers involve repetitive behaviors each and every day. While this can be beneficial for many personalities, someone with ADHD may find that boring. This can make it harder to focus. Photography offers a lot of variety and allows you to be out in the world experiencing different things during the workday. You can also talk with different people and develop new skills regularly.
Creative
People with ADHD often thrive in creative vocations that require problem solving and innovation. With photography, you get to expand your creative skills throughout your life and thinking outside of the box can be rewarded with unique opportunities and outstanding photos.
Continued Growth
Photography offers unlimited education, and you can always learn more to expand your skillset. This keeps you focused on growth and fulfillment instead of falling into a mundane routine that can be boring. Instead of becoming restless, you can put your energy into continued photography education, new skills, and improved mindsets.
Independence
Photographers are highly independent which can be great for releasing hyperactivity and allowing more movement and freedom. You can walk around the city looking for great urban pictures or take a hike in the countryside to snap some shots of a natural environment. And you can change up your perspective and approach to the career as you learn and grow.
Quiet
While social interaction is important, it can also be distracting for someone who has ADHD. Photography can allow you to do your job without much noisy distraction (depending on the assignment or your style of photography at least).
Disorganization
People with ADHD often find that they have trouble staying organized. This can be harmful to performance in some careers, but with photography you may find that it is actually beneficial (as long as you still get the necessary amount of work completed of course!). Photography allows you to see your progress in the form of pictures that may allow you to stay on task. It may also allow you to get good shots that are not the frame that you were actively seeking which can keep you on-task and productive.
Tips for Managing ADHD
It is important to note that learning coping techniques and finding out how to manage your symptoms of ADHD is important regardless of your career choice. If you find that you are struggling to properly function, you may benefit from getting in touch with a therapist at BetterHelp.
A lot of people with ADHD struggle the most with disorganization. Taking the time and effort to organize your schedule and work area can be highly beneficial for your productivity (even if you don’t have ADHD, this is a good tip!). It may take some getting used to but reminding yourself to organize your work area each day before you go home can help you feel and stay organized.
Time management may also be important because it can be hard to stay focused if you suffer with ADHD. You can plan each day and mark off tasks as they are completed, which also provides a nice sense of accomplishment. If you need to, set alarms on your phone to stay on task (I like to put motivational messages that get sent every hour).
Finally, do not take too much work at once. This can leave you feeling overworked and stressed which can reduce productivity. Only take as much work as you are able to comfortably complete at one time. Then, prioritize those tasks by writing them down.
Conclusion
The symptoms of ADHD can be frustrating, but they do not have to hold you back from doing what you enjoy, and you may find that you are more successful when you follow your passions. If you enjoy your work, you are less likely to get bored or distracted. Photography offers an exciting hobby or career for anyone, including those with ADHD.
About Author: Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
