Photography as Therapy: A Conversation, a Camera, and the Power of Looking Properly
I was recently invited as a guest on the SheClicks Podcast, and I must admit, I was both delighted and a little daunted. Speaking about photography is something I do all the time without even realising — it’s my native language, after all — but to sit down and speak about it deliberately, with intention, made me reflect on what this practice truly means to me.
At its heart, photography has always been more than just a creative outlet — it is a form of therapy. A way to reconnect with the world around me, and with myself. It gives structure to chaos, softness to sharpness, and often shows me what I didn’t know I needed to see.
The Women Who Paved the Way
During the podcast, we touched on some of the artists who continue to inform my own work, both consciously and instinctively.
Lee Miller, with her unflinching courage and her ability to move seamlessly between fashion, war zones, and deeply personal work, reminds me that the camera is not only a mirror but a tool of defiance. Her story, once sidelined, is now rightly celebrated — but there’s always more to learn from her.
Madame Yevonde, ever the innovator, pushed boundaries in colour portraiture long before it was fashionable — or even fully accepted. She gave glamour, humour, and originality to her subjects, always insisting that creativity was not to be restrained by convention.
And Mildred, the Honourable Mrs Bruce. My forever favourite. Adventurer, record-breaker, racing driver, aviator, and mystery. She remains a constant inspiration to me — an example of how to live boldly and on one’s own terms. I’ve made it something of a mission to keep her spirit alive in the work I do.
LEICA: The EXTENSION TO MY EYES
Something that came up in the conversation — almost offhandedly, but it stuck — was how my Leica Noctilux F1 50mm has become more than just a tool. It sees for me. Or rather, with me. Sometimes I review a set of images and realise I’ve captured something I never even consciously registered — an expression, a flicker of light, a fleeting exchange.
That’s the gift of Leica: it doesn’t interrupt your vision, it enables it. The lens doesn’t just observe, it participates. It has trained me to slow down, to trust instinct, and to know that the moment is always there if you’re really looking.
What I’ve Learned (By Listening to Myself Talk!)
Recording the podcast was a rare chance to pause and reflect — not just on the how of photography, but the why. And when I listened back, I was surprised by how much clarity surfaced in hearing my own thoughts spoken aloud.
I realised just how deeply I believe in the power of photography not just to record, but to restore. For me — and for so many of the people I teach — it is a process of healing, of reclaiming attention in a world of distraction. It’s also a way to have conversations without words, to say what needs to be said when we might not be able to articulate it any other way.
Workshops With Purpose
Which brings me to something I’ve been quietly building behind the scenes: a new series of photography workshops, both group-based and one-to-one, available now via my website. These sessions are rooted in the same philosophy I shared on the podcast — that photography can offer perspective, peace, and possibility.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a curious creative looking to reconnect with your practice, my workshops are designed to be:
- Grounded in observation and real-world experience
- Sensitive to emotion, memory, and mood.
- Structured enough to give you tools — but spacious enough to let your creativity lead
I offer:
- One-to-One Private Tuition – Ideal for individuals, including A-Level Photography students who want to deepen their work or prepare for university. I tailor the sessions completely to your level and goals.
- Group Workshops for Organisations – Designed for teams looking to reconnect with their creativity, reduce stress, and cultivate visual awareness. These are particularly popular with businesses who want to offer something different – something truly memorable.
- Elevate your brand with our one-day hands on photography workshop designed for businesses. Using smart phones or in-house cameras, your team will learn to take eye-catching, professional images. Upskill your staff to create stronger, smarter marketing campaigns, Save on outsourcing and content costs — all in-house, all in a day.
- Creative Retreat Days – Coming soon, a chance to spend time outdoors, camera in hand, slowing down and seeing with fresh eyes. Keep an eye on the shop or drop me a message to express interest.
All bookings and details can be found in the shop section of my website. You can also message me directly if you’re unsure where to start — I’m happy to chat and guide you.
Why It Matters Now
In a time where we’re constantly scrolling, posting, and reacting, taking photographs with intention is a radical act. It invites us to look more closely, to sit with our subjects, to be still. It also connects us to the stories of those who came before — like Lee, Yevonde, and Mildred — whose lives were shaped by their gaze.
Photography continues to teach me that the act of looking — really looking — is never passive. It is a quiet discipline, a conversation between you and the world, and at times, a mirror. It asks for presence, not perfection. It is non-judgemental, objective — a way of seeing things as they are, without interference. In that clarity, we find not only beauty, but truth. And often, a deeper understanding of both ourselves and the world around us.
Thank you to SheClicks for having me — and thank you to everyone who has taken the time to listen.
If any part of this resonates — whether you’re a student, a parent, an educator, a company looking to bring something meaningful to your team, or simply someone wanting to reconnect with the world through a lens — you’ll find my workshops and one-to-one sessions in the shop section of my website.
Have a look. And perhaps I’ll see you, camera in hand, very soon.
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