Belfast Exposed launches ground-breaking conference exploring the mental health benefits of therapeutic photography

On 7 and 8 April 2025, hundreds of mental health practitioners, clinicians, leading academics, educators, photographers and those with lived experience of mental health issues will gather at Belfast’s MAC theatre, as Belfast Exposed hosts its second “Healing Through Photography” conference.

Designed to inspire and equip attendees with practical tools and meaningful insights into the potential of therapeutic photography to heal trauma, the event will be hosted by award-winning comedian, BBC presenter, and TEDx speaker Emer Maguire and will feature world-class speakers, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking panels.

Highlights of the conference will include keynotes by global authority on PhotoTherapy techniques, Judy Weiser, and renowned artist-photographer and pioneer of re-enactment phototherapy, Rosy Martin. With two packed mornings of speakers and panels, the afternoons offer a chance for attendees to join experts and practitioners to get hands-on experience of techniques in a range of iconic settings including the Maritime Mile, the Belfast School of Art, Belfast’s peace walls, and the Ulster Folk Museum. For early risers, there will also be a sunrise walk at Cavehill.

Belfast Exposed will also host special exhibitions at their gallery in Donegall Street from 3 to 25 April, giving conference-goers a chance to experience work by Northern Irish photographers who have used photography to reflect on their mental health. This will include a compelling collection of work by Ballymena’s David McKinney which aims to foster awareness, dialogue and stigma reduction around suicide, following the loss of his three friends to suicide and his own personal experience of being a missing person with suicidal intent.

Deirdre Robb, CEO of Belfast Exposed, said: 

“After the success of our 2023 conference, we’re delighted to be welcoming back speakers and delegates from all over the world to Belfast. Northern Ireland’s past has left us with a legacy of mental health issues, and this conference is all about exploring how recovery and resilience can be aided by looking at things through a different lens.”

Belfast Exposed is a Northern Ireland-based organisation dedicated to supporting communities through photography. Engaging up to 1,000 participants and partnering with 80 community and statutory agencies annually, the organisation uses photography as a therapeutic tool to promote mental health and wellbeing. Belfast Exposed is the only organisation providing therapeutic photography services in Northern Ireland and the only arts organisation delivering this work at a community level across the UK and Ireland, offering innovative methods such as distraction, disruption, and resilience-building to support individuals of all ages.

Responding to Northern Ireland's significant mental health challenges—where prevalence is 25% higher than the UK average—Belfast Exposed addresses issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, loneliness, and other barriers to wellbeing. Their programmes work with marginalised groups, people with disabilities, those with addictions, and carers, fostering self-healing, confidence, and creative expression. By opening dialogue and providing a safe space, they help participants overcome isolation, build skills, and create opportunities for growth and recovery.

As part of his mental health journey, Aidan Murray regularly attends therapeutic photography sessions at Belfast Exposed. Aidan also chooses to wear a rainbow of suits every day to celebrate his progress and to bring a smile to the faces of those he meets. Speaking about his experience of working with Belfast Exposed, Aidan said:

“Belfast Exposed have been a great help and support to me with my mental health issues. My photography skills have improved a lot and I have studied a wide range of photographic subjects. When I go out on a project I lose myself in what is around me. It’s like meditation - I feel relaxed and calm. My mind is clear and focusing on what is around me. I take it all in.”

Host of the event, Emer Maguire, said of the conference: 

“When it comes to mental health, we’re often encouraged to get outside, meet people, and stay busy. However, for those suffering from trauma, these seemingly small goals can be overwhelming. Belfast Exposed’s work helps people use creativity in a really unique way to support them on their journey. I’m delighted to host this event and can’t wait to meet everyone in April.”

Tickets for the conference are now on sale from www.belfastexposed.org