Photography helps Veteran with PTSD

Navy Veteran Walter Smith’s art teacher is just a hop, skip and a jump away from the front door of his childhood home.

His fondest times there have always included creativity in one form or another. As a child, he dreamed of the day he could have a camera in hand, using photography to explore the vast wildlife of nature. Now as an adult, you can spot him across Delray Beach nature trails and parks capturing the essence of mother nature.

With the help of VA’s Veteran Readiness and Employment program, the aspiring photographer was able to make his childhood dream his new reality with the deluxe gift of a Sony camera, laptop and Photoshop software.

For over 15 years, creativity has been at the tip of his finger with every photo capturing what lies behind the breezy trees and trails of South Florida. The camera was Smith’s key out of the door. He still remembers the days he would approach his front door and twist the lock open to immediately twist it back to seal it shut.

“That moment is my PTSD therapy.”

“As a PTSD Veteran, every day is a challenge. Photography helps my PTSD by allowing me to get out of my home and express myself without encountering too many people. When I take a picture, I practice mindfulness. I focus on the moment and focus that energy to capture my surroundings. It is that very moment that is my therapy for my PTSD,” Smith said.

Leaving his home to venture out into the unknown was something he would have never fathomed but is now his daily routine with not just the equipment of his dreams but also the support behind him.

“The Creative Arts team at West Palm Beach VA has become my little mini-family. They have changed my life and have opened so many doors for me. What really matters to me is that I know somebody believes in me and supports me,” he said.

This support has evolved into the display of his captured moments. His artwork speaks for itself. “It allows me to introduce myself without having to speak. I just share a picture. It is my way of expressing myself. My creativity has always been my inner voice. The feedback I get from pictures is so satisfying and just so great to hear.”

With every adjustment to the lens to see the picture clearer, Smith replaces difficult battle images in his mind with new peaceful images of his South Florida explorations.