John Schaefers recently stopped by the News-Herald with a copy of a book he produced that depicts his nature photography. John hopes those suffering from PTSD can benefit from the pictures in this book as a way to relieve stress. Staff photo/ Brian Larsen
John Schaefers has spent a lifetime taking wildlife photography, and now he has compiled 70 of his best pictures into a book that he hopes will help those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“Getting out into nature has helped me,” Schaefers said, a Navy veteran who watched his only brother, age 26, take his life when John was 23.
“I can still remember that heartbreaking side of him taking his life, as if it just happened. I am 70 years old now, so it’s vital to turn off those horrific times, and events and tragedy. We all have times of bad things that have happened. We can all have times of anxiety, depression, grief and times of stress.
“I don’t go to nature farms to take my pictures,” he said. “I get out and study an area, get familiar with the land and the animals and then work to find the best spot to get the picture I want. It takes a lot of time, but I love to work this way, and I think it is reflective in my pictures of nature.”
There are 70 pictures in John’s book. Most are of animals shot in their natural setting. John will often take days to plan and set up the location to take the best photo he can of a subject. Photos courtesy of John Shaefers
The process has also allowed John to slow down and find relief from PTSD, and he’s hoping that people who can’t get out outside can find help from the photographs of the animals and nature he has captured.
“There are no words on my book, just the pictures. I hope people can look at them and get a mental escape from reality,” he said.
“My goal is to help save the lives of those who have served and suffered, with their loss of limbs, health and sanity because of PTSD and other medical problems.
“Our nation is losing heroes every day. This is very heartbreaking and is a needless loss of life. We’re losing over 600 veterans a month to suicide,” John said.
While he noted his book is meant to help, it’s not a solution for the illness.
“This PTSD Mature Relief photo book is not a cure for PTSD, but it could be a very big help in giving much-needed relief to veterans, police officers, first responders, anybody, really, that works in a stressful environment” Schaefers said.
John has a website set up that displays his pictures found in his hard cover book. If you are interested in purchasing a book or learning more about his work, you can find it at www.wildsie.photos.
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