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Through analog photography and happy face symbols, Dana Stirling captures the paradox of depression—finding beauty and meaning in the visual language of sadness.

A Visual Journey by Dana Stirling
Photographer Dana Stirling's new book, Why Am I Sad, is a deeply personal collection of analog photographs that examines the complexities of sadness. Shot on a Mamiya RZ 67 camera with Ektar 100 film, the book combines Stirling's striking visual storytelling with an intimate essay about her experience with depression. Stirling, also the editor-in-chief and co-founder of Float Photo Magazine, brings a unique voice to the conversation about mental health.

Dana Stirling's photography has always been an extension of her inner world. In moments of isolation, the camera became her lifeline. She describes it as a way to give form to emotions she couldn't articul...

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Jon 'Swindy' Swindall, based in Atlanta, GA, is a seasoned photographer, cinematographer, and skilled drone pilot, known for his dynamic visual storytelling and passion for capturing the world's diverse beauty through his lens. Sr. Editor Click, connect, and create at Luminous Landscape.
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