Vicki Hannan of South Caringbah was always fascinated with how the brain processes visual images.
The photographer and former teacher of physical development, health and physical education, has launched into an idea that she hopes will get teens off social media and back into nature.
After noticing that there was a lack of school holidays activities for teenagers, she started to trial run photographic and well-being workshops at North Cronulla Surf Club with young people and hopes to introduce them into schools.
The workshop incorporates components of the new Schools Curriculum in Visual Education.
'The Art of Seeing' aims to inspire youth to log out of Facebook and Instagram and use their mobile phones in a more active way.
After two decades of teaching PD/H/PE, I decided to combine my life long love for education and photography into one," she said.
"I've always been fascinated by the connection between creativity and well-being. The idea that I could pass on my photography skills as a form of emotional therapy was the spark that motivated me to create the mindful photography workshops I conduct.
"I'm an advocate to help empower young people to be involved in their community."
Melanoma survivor Jay Allen from Melanoma Institute Australia also jumped on board the initiative, to tell students about his health journey.
They shared his message about sun protection and learnt how to take close-up images of their moles as part of sun safety education.
"Whether a picture is destined for the fridge or straight for the poolroom, the real lesson I teach in my workshops is how to create your own calm photo album," Ms Hannan said.
More details here or email hello@vickihannan.com.au