Healing Through Photography: Fotophase Expands the Field of Neuroarts
Apr 7, 2026
David Prochnow
Our resident “how-to” project editor, David Prochnow, lives on the Gulf Coast of the United States in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. He brings his expertise at making our photography projects accessible to everyone, from a lengthy stint acting as the Contributing How-To Editor with Popular Science magazine. While you don’t have to actually build each of his projects, reading about these adventures will contribute to your continued overall appreciation of do-it-yourself photography. A collection of David’s best Popular Science projects can be found in the book, “The Big Book of Hacks,” Edited by Doug Cantor.
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Fotophase is a newly launched nonprofit organization working at the intersection of photography, neuroscience, and the emerging field of neuroarts. Announced in April 2026, this initiative aims to reposition photography not merely as a technical or artistic pursuit, but as a powerful tool for personal transformation, well-being, and human connection.
At its core, Fotophase explores how the act of making images can influence perception, emotional awareness, and meaning-making. Through workshops, educational programming, and community exhibitions, the organization encourages participants to engage with photography as a mindful practice rooted in attention, observation, and self-expression.
The initiative is part of the broader neuroarts movement, an interdisciplinary field that examines how artistic experiences affect the brain and body. Research in neuroarts suggests that creative engagement can shape cognition, support emotional regulation, and enhance overall well-being. By focusing specifically on photography, Fotophase contributes a unique perspective to this growing discipline.
A World in which Photography-Based Neuroarts is Established
Founded by a multidisciplinary team including photographer James Rice, physician Gene Beyt, photojournalist David Butow, and innovative marketer Kiran Karnani, Fotophase is also deeply influenced by personal experience. Rice’s return to photography after decades away inspired the organization’s mission of healing and rediscovery through visual storytelling.
A key component of Fotophase is the Marilyn Rice Fund, which expands access to photography-based programs for individuals affected by illness or trauma. By prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility, the organization seeks to ensure that the benefits of creative expression reach diverse communities.
Ultimately, Fotophase reflects a broader cultural shift: recognizing the arts not as a luxury, but as an essential contributor to health, resilience, and human flourishing. An annual membership to Fotophase costs $99.
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David Prochnow
Our resident “how-to” project editor, David Prochnow, lives on the Gulf Coast of the United States in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. He brings his expertise at making our photography projects accessible to everyone, from a lengthy stint acting as the Contributing How-To Editor with Popular Science magazine. While you don’t have to actually build each of his projects, reading about these adventures will contribute to your continued overall appreciation of do-it-yourself photography. A collection of David’s best Popular Science projects can be found in the book, “The Big Book of Hacks,” Edited by Doug Cantor.
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