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A local surfer turned professional photographer has found a way to use his breath-taking photos to help patients in hospitals find comfort and healing.
World-renowned photographer, Aaron Chang, grew up in Imperial Beach where he spent most of his childhood days surfing.
The sensation of riding a wave and tapping into that energy was life-altering. It became the entire focus of my life.
At 17 years old, Chang moved to Hawaii to pursue surfing but quickly found a new passion for surf and ocean photography. He spent more than 25 years working for Surfing magazine as a senior photographer, capturing images all across the globe.
Of all assignments, the harder they are the more exciting it is for me. Last month, I presented over 300 images to the Sharp Hospital art committee and I think this may be my most challenging and gratifying commission ever.
That commission will directly benefit Sharp Chula Vista’s new hospital set to open next year. Given the healing nature of art, Chang was tasked with capturing the beauty of San Diego’s South Bay.
There have been a lot of studies done recently about how art, particularly water and nature photography can really help transport someone out of a state of chaos and fear to a quiet, happy place.
Chang’s artwork is featured in several medical facilities throughout the county. While his art provides patients with an escape, Chang says its the testimonials that continue to encourage him to help others with his fine art photography.
From patients who were in extreme trauma and stress that use the art to help themselves psychologically to pull themselves out of that situation have reported that it was the art that was key in their decision to fight for their lives.
That is a very humbling experience for an artist.