# Rehabilitative Underwater Photography Shimoda Submerges Cancer Survivors Underwater to Heal Them By Tiffany | Published 2014-01-15 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shimoda References: [laughingsquid](http://laughingsquid.com/photographer-helps-cancer-survivors-rediscover-their-beauty-through-underwater-portraits/) & [youtube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wpLsDC4BlU) Inspired by her passion for underwater photography and by being a strong supporter of IHadCancer.com, San Francisco-based Japanese photographer Erena Shimoda has combined her two passions and her experience of being a scuba diver for over 10 years to specializing in rehabilitating the mental psyche of [cancer survivors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oncologysafe-products). Shimoda realizes that water is able to heal patients mentally and physically. Through a series of stunningly surreal [underwater portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reef-1) curated over four years, she has helped former cancer patients regain their strength, overcome their fears and any physical or mental limitations they may have such as "feeling lost after a mastectomy and chemotherapy, fear of water, or physical limitations due to cerebral palsy." Through submerging her patients underwater, she helps them [regain their strength and self-esteem](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-therapy-services) as Shimoda shows them their finished photograph. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 11% | Activity: 27% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/stylephotography) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Rehabilitative Underwater Photography:** Using the healing power of water combined with artistic photography to heal mental and physical trauma. - **Therapeutic Photography:** Expanding the use of photography into therapeutic settings to help individuals overcome challenges and promote mental health. - **Art Therapy:** Combining art with therapy to provide a unique form of treatment that addresses emotional, cognitive, and psychological wellbeing. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Healthcare and Wellness:** Exploring the integration of photography and other art forms into traditional healthcare and wellness practices to improve patient outcomes. - **Fine Art and Photography:** Utilizing photography and other art forms to address social and emotional issues and promote mental health. - **Cancer Care and Survivorship:** Developing specialized programs and services that integrate innovative approaches to enhance cancer patients' emotional and physical wellbeing. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Generated Cancer Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gallery-of-hope.md) - [Post-Surgery Friendly Swimwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prettylittlething-and-girlvscancer.md) - [Healing VR Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/healing-vr-experiences.md) - [Uplifting Breast Cancer Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uncovered-project.md) - [Water Immersion Therapy Tanks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/therapy-tank.md) - [Interactive Marine Ecosystem Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marine-ecosystem-sculptures.md) - [Aquatic Sound Meditation Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sound-meditation.md) - [Immersive Wellness Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/othership.md) - [Dreamlike Weightless Therapies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aerial-flow-therapy.md)