Meet the Photo Family

A couple of years back I started a Facebook Group called PhotoCoach Community.” I was so glad I did and the group has grown from strength to strength. But what has pleased me most is the true community that has emerged, like-minded people not only sharing images but also our lives - getting to know each other as real people and friends. 

Each month we have a different theme and the theme this September (2024) was “Trees.”

Why did I start it?

I am not sure what led me to start the group, I was probably thinking of it as a support to my main business, which is to coach people in photography.. It was in the years that we were encouraged to offer something “free” to get the business.” But over the years, it has become a great delight and I always look forward to seeing how photographers interpret the themes. 

My evolution in thinking 

My thinking on the subject of photographic coaching has evolved since then, with the help of this group. The old way of having a guru at the top “criticising” the images as if they were in some way superior, breaking down instead of building up and maintaining their sense of superiority - this was not the answer.

Kindness was. Letting go of ego. And there was more to learn…

Don’t divorce your life and your story from your images. 

Images on their own are sometimes quite empty, Allowing your life story into the images adds a depth that is hard to beat. Like our resident poet/photographer, Ally Nelmapius, who adds her poetry. Or Ruth Alliston with her way with words. And all the other precious people and their growing skills.. Sharing lives visually and in words. 

This photo was submitted by Lynne Dunham who lives in a tiny village called Sechelt a few hours by sea from Vancouver, British Columbia. There's huge depth in this image - it's the Fall season there and the tree leans over an inlet where salmon swim upstream to reproduce in freshwater.. 

Estelle Lawrence is a busy medical practitioner - yet she is one of the most creative souls I know and is always able to come up with incredible images. This month she managed to send in her full quota, five images in all - she knows how to balance her pressured work-life with creative activity.

Take time over each image 

This is probably the backbone of PhotoCoach… The skill of the power of slow observation can only come through practice and patience. And while that’s good for your photography, it’s also good for your daily life. When you are able to slow down - to meditate, to rest the restless thoughts, and to search your context in a peaceful state, well, this is a good thing to do in photography and in life - your persona becomes deeper and more fruitful - and your photographic creativity flourishes.

Slow down, you move too fast.So goes the old song.

Don’t fall for the lies of social media.

The mantra on Social Media is a lie to start with.

“Come and see how happy we are.” Really? The Social Media sickness. Selfies of grinning Cheshire cats. The thesis that the more we are able to connect people, the better our lives.

That has led to shallower lives, shallower friendships, the in-genuineness, quickly liking the posts we read and not really taking it in. Or caring for the other much. Not really friends.

And the quality of photography has decreased exponentially since this movement has started and proved to be wanting. We are a counter group to this jagged and insincere culture. We are realists. We are not out to impress the world with our so-called “happiness.” 

We would love it if you are able to join the group and participate in the monthy themes. It all free-of-charge (see link below) and if you decide to strengthen your photography by doing our courses, then the cost is minimal.

Hope to see you soon

Charles the Light Coach