313: TJ Thorne - Ebb & Flow

<p>Using 2019 data, according to the <a href='https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt29393/2019NSDUHFFRPDFWHTML/2019NSDUHFFR090120.htm'>Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration</a> (SAMHSA), 14.2 million adults over the age of 18 had a severe depressive episode in the past year, and 14.4 million struggled with alcohol abuse disorder in the past year. Clearly, both alcoholism and depression are quite prevalent in our society and it is something a lot of people struggle with. Finding ways to cope with these ubiquitous challenges can be crucial for the survival of so many of us, and <a href='https://www.bphope.com/nature-photography-focusing-on-the-positive/'>nature photography</a> is one such way that has been shown to help. </p> <p>As such, it was a real honor recording a podcast with <a href='https://tjthornephotography.com/'>TJ Thorne</a>, who first joined us way back on <a href='https://www.mattpaynephotography.com/gallery/tj-thorne-interview/'>Episode 22</a>! TJ has been battling both depression and alcoholism for quite a long time and he has found nature photography to be one way that he is able to fight back. In this episode, TJ and I talk about this journey and his relationship with the subject of water specifically, which is the focus of his new book.</p> <p>On this week's episode, we discuss:</p> <ul><li>TJ's journey into photography.</li> <li>How working in the food industry began to shape TJ's struggles with addiction.</li> <li>TJ's struggles with addiction and depression and how nature photography has helped him.</li> <li>TJ's inaugural book, <a href='https://tjthornephotography.com/product/ebb-and-flow/'>Ebb & Flow</a>.</li> <li>The role that water has played in TJ's photographic journey.</li> <li>TJ's search for emotional and mental freedom through photography.</li> <li>How TJ's friendships with other photographers have aided him.</li> <li>TJ's process for curating images for his book.</li> <li>How tangible photography projects like a book differ from digital form