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Creative Soundscapes with Margaret Soraya (Margaret Soraya)

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Pub. DateTitleDuration
12 Jul 2020Welcome to Quiet Landscapes00:00:46

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Quiet landscapes is a show where I will be bringing you stories and thoughts from photographers, sharing quiet, peaceful moments and stories with you brought to you from the Scottish Highlands. Inspiring you to live life on your own terms and to nurture your creativity. 

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04 Feb 2022Emma Davies, supporting and uplifting other photographers00:32:47

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Emma Davies is a photographer and instructor with a Master's Degree in Psychology and currently studying for an MA in Photography.

This fascinating chat gives an insight into Emma's philosophy and examines the two strands to Emma's photography which are instructing and her personal practice. Having spent the last few years developing and setting up her successful photo school she now hopes to focus on her own personal work. 

Have a look at Emma's 'A Year with my Camera' which is a year-long online beginner's course. It's free by email and perfect for beginners who find getting off manual control difficult. She has also written a number of workbooks which can be found on her website.

Emma is unfailingly supportive and generous towards other creatives and her website is crammed full of tips and encouragement. Her lockdown project "The Edge Online Gallery' was a great way to share other people's work.  She is passionate about sharing artists' work, believing 'a rising tide raises all ships'. She sees the gallery as a visual equivalent of a podcast. 

Explaining how her personal work is constantly changing, she describes herself as a landscape photographer moving towards creating images that have feeling and meaning. Thomas Joshua Cooper's atmospheric images were inspirational to her. She aims to capture a sense of attachment to a place, where there is an emotional connection.  Hear how she decided to walk and cycle photographing the coast of England  during lockdown and 'go to the edge'. When she's free and has the time she goes out and shoots whatever the weather.

It's interesting to hear Emma explore her next steps. She is very inspirational. A book of images is a couple of years down the road. It will be worth waiting for.

www.instagram.com/emmadaviesphoto

www.theedgeonlinegallery.com

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22 Apr 2022Imposter syndrome discussion with KJ Nasrul00:27:06

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KJ Nasrul is a clinical psychotherapist, writer, musician and avid traveller.  She loves helping others find their voices through turning inward, and finding their resources for inner healing and resilience.

Fascinatingly, Margaret and KJ chat about imposter syndrome.  One definition is 'A false and sometimes crippling belief that one's successes are a product of luck or fraud rather than skill, a pervasive feeling of self-doubt insecurity or fraudulence despite often overwhelming evidence to the contrary.' Does this feel familiar? Are creatives/artiststs  especially prone?

Further discussion explores where the feelings of vulnerability, exposure and rawness originate. Sometimes we listen to our culture or may be affected by the environment we are born into or by conversations, judgments and evaluations by teachers, peers or family members. 

An interesting debate followed about the part social media can play in influencing imposter syndrome and the importance of switching off when feeling vulnerable.

Listen in for inspiration and to hear about the importance of moving forward and just 'doing' even though you're scared. Movement is the catalyst. Take action even though you're fearful. Fear of failure is closely tied to imposter syndrome. Turn it around  and learn from it - failure actually moves you along.  We should also pay attention to how we talk to ourselves. Would your inner voice speak to a friend or a child like you do to yourself?   Speak kindly and encouragingly to yourself!

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13 May 2022Take a breath - ending season 200:04:03

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05 Aug 2022Sean Tucker - Meaning in the Making00:43:47

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Sean Tucker is a photographer, filmmaker, author, and speaker based in the UK.  His popular YouTube channel is inspirational to other creatives.

Join Margaret whilst they chat about his book, Meaning in the Making.. This powerful book has clarity and is very relative to today's world. He explains how the book came out of a retreat he took to Iceland for four days - sitting in an ice cabin for days.

They also talk through thoughts around the why of photography.  Along with subjects such as  life philosophies, writing together with photography, metaphors in photography, introversion and the concept of retreats to find creative inspiration.

Sean Tucker Website
https://www.seantucker.photography/

About "Meaning in the Making" book
https://www.seantucker.photography/the-meaning-in-the-making

Sean's YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/SeanTuckerphoto



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16 Sep 2022Shona Perkins, Scottish Abstract photography00:31:35

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Shona Perkins is a Scottish Photographer who specialises in Seascape and Abstract Photography. Heavily influenced by abstract minimalism, she has spent the past few years developing her love for intentional camera movement (ICM). 

Margaret & Shona chat about the positive benefits of social media, especially Instagram, and the joy to be gained from the interaction within online communities.

Shona's absolute priority in life is work-life balance and she beautifully explains the transition from her busy career in retail to full time photographer.


Shona's Instagram

Shona's Website

My beautiful Scotland Shop

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02 Sep 2022Rachael Talibart on encouraging and supporting others00:42:18

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Rachael Talibart is a professional seascape and coastal photographer. Join Margaret and Rachael whilst they talk about finding the balance between alone time when shooting and people time. Rachael explains her lack of competitiveness and how she encourages and celebrates the success of others.

Talking about the 'Why' behind her work, Rachael tells how she loves teaching and helping others progress and is invested in her client's successes. 
Rachael Talibart website 
https://rachaeltalibart.com/

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19 Aug 2022Wendy Bagnall - developing as a photographic artist00:45:46

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Wendy is a photographic artist, who lives in Surrey. She feels most at home with her camera in the natural landscape, where she finds a quietness that serves her creativity.

Join Margaret as she chats to Wendy about her life as a photographer, exploring what drives and motivates her. She beautifully illustrates her approach as 'seeing silence'. The next 12-18 months will hopefully see Wendy become a photographer full-time.

Currently Wendy is concentrating on getting established for print sales and exhibiting.  She has recently had a piece exhibited in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. She explains how she is working with a mentor to articulate her artist identity and compile a collection of work for exhibiting in the future.

Wendy shares her thoughts on social media and believes that for her, the purpose of Instagram is to share, explore and connect with other photographers. Although it is a bit of a double-edged sword, she loves the sense of community and belonging she gains.

This interesting exchange gives a beautiful insight into Wendy's philosophy.

https://www.wendybagnall.com/

https://www.instagram.com/wendybagnall_/


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12 Aug 2022Thoughts on location - making creative Space00:08:09

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My own thoughts during a new series of  solo podcast episodes recording during my trips. This was recorded during a trip to the Hebrides with Skye - a first trip away with my new whippet. Making some space for being creative, or simply having some breathing time always pays off for me. I always have the most powerful thoughts that go on to become reality and change things for me. Whether that is writing pieces that will eventually form a book, having the idea of a creative festival or beginning new projects. Its always worth consciously taking a break. 

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30 Sep 2022Bringing yourself to your work with John Barclay00:46:46

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Join Margaret chatting with John Barclay on how you bring yourself to your work. He describes how to 'show up' as a human being because the more we understand and connect to that the stronger the photograph will be.

It's fascinating to hear john articulate the process of opening up the dialogue of what we are bringing to the creative activity.  His enthusiasm is infectious, and he tells how the contemplative photography retreats offer alternative photography education.

If you would like any advice or tips, listen in to hear John explain the process of GAP and FUD. 

https://www.instagram.com/johnbarclayphoto/

https://johnbarclayphotography.com/

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09 Sep 2022Thoughts on Location - making decisions00:03:38

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Listen to Margaret's thoughts on how to make decisions during times of change and are struggling how to find an answer.   She quotes Glennon Doyle's 'Be still and Know' when you are trying to find answers ........'.  Stop, rest and process the change.  Let her know what your 'Be still and Know' looks like ....

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14 Oct 2022A love of the Scottish coastline and underwater images from Mark Kirkland00:52:39

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Mark Kirkland is a Social Worker based in Glasgow and combines his demanding, full-time job with scuba diving, snorkelling and creating the most wonderful underwater photography. 

He beautifully articulates how he has learned how to differentiate between coping with the pressure of the work and stress.

His passion for Scotland and the sea was ignited during family holidays in Dumfries and Galloway. From a very young age, he felt a connection with the remote, rugged Scottish coastline and the power of the sea, which drove his desire to show off Scotland. He finds people are astonished to see what we have in our seas and enjoys bringing something different to the table. It is truly fascinating to hear him explore why he is motivated to shoot in Scotland. He took up scuba diving years ago, and his passion for underwater photography really took off about 4 years ago.

He has loads of ideas to develop his work in the future and longs to put 'more' into his photography. He'd like to introduce something a bit more creative and add layers to his photography over the next few years.

Mark feels his split photography invites people in who don't dive and explains how he plans and does research for his diving.  Finally, he  explains the background to his amazing frog photograph! Hearing his research for the shot is incredible. The frog is a lit underwater split photograph with Glasgow tenement flats above.

Mark's Instagram

Mark's Website 



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21 Sep 2022Thoughts on location from the Hebrides: Introversion and listening00:04:46

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Listen to Margaret's thoughts during some downtime  after photographing a  Lews Castle wedding.

She reflects on introversion and not having a voice in her younger days.  She remembers that no-one listens to the quiet, softly spoken ones. Never assume that quiet means unconfident or lacking direction.  There's a very big difference between shyness, confidence and introversion. She explains how over the last few years she has learnt how to educate herself to speak out. To be unheard is upsetting on a personal level and when we are listened to it builds self-esteem we feel valued confident and valued.  

This is an open invitation:

  1. Share your thoughts via email and I'll read some out
  2. if you've ever felt unheard and struggle with  being listened to
  3. Do you feel like you have talent that goes unnoticed because of your quiet nature 




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25 Nov 2022How to navigate a busy, creative life with Mali Davies00:57:02

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Mali Davies is a talented photographer, YouTube filmmaker, podcaster and graphic designer.

Despite a love of photography from the age of 6, he explains how he felt pushed into the commercial world of graphic design as it's difficult to earn a living as an abstract artist. It took him many years to realise that photography was the one thing he really wanted to do. His photography picked up about 10 years ago when landscape photography began to surface and feels this grew from YouTube channel.

Mali's enthusiasm is highly infectious, and he loves finding something enthralling and inspiring in the work of others - there is no room for competitiveness. Margaret & Mali chat about the  rise in expressive photography and creativity at the moment and the  channels available for inspiration.


Mali's website

Mali's Instagram

Mali's YouTube Channel

Mali's Podcast



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28 Oct 2022What gets in the way of our creativity and how to find more time with author Chloe Heuch00:34:13

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Chloe Heuch is a writer living in North Wales and has just published her debut novel, Too Dark to See. Having always had a passion for writing. she completed an MA in creative writing and has had short stories and poems published. Currently, Chole divides her time between her family, writing and  teaching part-time.

Longstanding friends since university, Margaret and Chloe explore living as a creative in the world today. They discuss how real life can interrupt and delay creative output. The interruptions can be in the form of motherhood, being a primary care-giver. financial problems, health issues, single parenthood, etc.

It's interesting  to hear them discuss how Tilly Olsen's book, Silences, is still relevant today. Among other things Tilly talks about how female writers in the past have had other roles such as motherhood, partners, carers, etc and how these roles took precedence and society valued them more than seeing women as a writer. These roles create a 'silence' in terms of creative output. They also explore how it is possibly less gender-related in today's world - really any primary carer will experience these constraints .

Do their thoughts on materialism and what is important to lead a happy, contented and fulfilled life resonate with you?

If you'd like to hear some tips on how to carve out time for your creative self without feeling guilty, take the time to listen in! It is important for your well-being!

Chloe's Website

Chloe's facebook page

Buy the book " Too Dark to See"


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11 Nov 2022Living in line with your values and passion with artist Ellis O'connor00:47:19

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A contemporary landscape artist from Scotland, Ellis O'Connor works in the field of painting and drawing.  She's been a practising artist for 7 years and during that time has been quite nomadic, living in Iceland, Noth Uist and recently Skye and is drawn to elemental, atmosphere places 'on the edge'.  She is one of 10 artists worldwide chosen to sail around the Archipelago of Svalbard in the High Arctic on a research led residency with a group of artists and scientists.

Ellis beautifully articulates how the hard or difficult times in her life have helped her grow as a person and learn how to move on. Describing how choosing to embrace fear is the most liberating feeling helping her discover how resilient she is and how much she loved spending time travelling on her own.  

Listen in to Margaret and Ellis chat about art being like a therapy, an essential part of living for them.  Ellis finds her art becoming more and more abstract, much more about her experience of being in the environment and then translating the emotion on to the canvas. 

This is a fascinating insight into Ellis' life and thoughts. One not to miss!


Ellis O'Connor Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ellisoconnor/
Ellis O'Connor website https://www.ellisoconnor.com/

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07 Oct 2022Fitness & nutrition for an outdoor lifestyle00:17:37

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Talking about nutrition and fitness as part of a creative lifestyle and how Tamsin us currently helping me on the road back to fitness

Tamsin's Instagram account
https://www.instagram.com/i_am_tamsin/

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04 Nov 2022Creative light festival roundup plus speaker clips00:25:55

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Margaret Soraya's first ever, highly successful, Creative Light Festival was held in the Highlands of Scotland at the end of October 2022. Her vision was to provide an environment where creatives could gather, face-to-face, and be around people who are bold, uplifting and supportive - a deeper experience than a typical photography 'conference'.  Listen in to hear her reflect on the weekend with 2 of the speakers, KJ Nasrul and Carien Borst.

KJ describes how she feels after meeting up in person at the Festival, after a long period of online communication.  She experienced  a freedom and joy - not felt for a long time - something has opened up!

Listen to Carien explain how she felt moved by the experience of sharing creativity, feeling the connection of like-minded people and hearing so many different stories.

Whilst  the Festival was a mix of outdoor and indoor Masterclasses and talks, continue listening to get a flavour of the talks and hear clips of some of the speakers - Bill Ward, KJ Nasurl, Justine Ritchie and Kim Grant.

Dates for next year's Festival at Aviemore will be released shortly.  There is a already a waiting list so be sure to get in early if you are keen to attend!

https://creative-light.co.uk/


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17 Nov 2022Your downtime can be your most productive time00:16:56

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01 Jan 2023Be kind - A New Years message00:03:47

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27 Jan 2023Simplyfying life to make room for creativity and time with loved ones - with Maria Murray00:17:40

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Maria Murray is a multi-talented and passionate artist who uses whatever media is appropriate to create the image she wants to produce. 

Based in the beautiful village of North Waltham, she is described as a nature-obsessed, flower-loving, story telling artist.  She explains her deep understanding of the why behind her work - a blend of a love of gardening coming from covid and a deep and long interest in relationships leading to the creation of her flower scanography .

As she chats with Margaret, we learn how a number of recent life changes led her to reassess her life.  It is refreshing to hear her views on simplifying her life, generating more room for creativity and spending more time with loved ones. The bottom line is that we can choose how to spend our time and she doesn't want to look back and have spend 80% of her life working. Home is with your people.

Change is something that Maria advocates.  She eloquently tells how she has needed time to absorb the feelings of loss experienced this last year. After consciously deciding to scale down work, hear her philosophy on how she has adapted and embraced this next stage of her life and simplified her life.  She is happy now to 'thrive rather than strive'.

https://www.instagram.com/mariamurraycreative/

https://bio.site/mariamurraycreative


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20 Jan 2023Bill Ward on editing styles and the Creative light festival 202300:46:37

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Bill Ward is a photographer and actor living in Bristol, specialising in creative landscape photography. His photography is mainly project based and he has a strong leaning towards water and enjoys creativity using abstract, ICM and multiple exposure. 

Margaret welcomes back Bill to the first episode of her 2023 podcasts.  Always highly entertaining, he describes how he manages his busy life, whilst Margaret explains how, with her house up for sale and a move to Harris imminent, her life is opening up.

Keep listening to hear them explore their different culling and editing styles - it is fascinating to hear how different personalities work! What do you do with your photographs?  Bill explains that he 'carries his photographs with him'. He feels it's the quality of time that you have to spend, memories of a feeling at that time is what photography is about - photographs are a reminder of that feeling.

Reflecting on last year's Creative Light Festival, Bill loved that photography was at the centre, but with all sorts of other creative influences feeding in. He relished the energy and sense of community with like-minded souls, all coming from different directions. This year's Festival in Loch Insh, Aviemore is in October with tickets on sale now.

Don't miss this first podcast - a perfect start to the year!




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04 Feb 2023Thoughts on gratitude00:05:38

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Margaret shares her own thoughts on gratitude in the episode after the monthly theme in Creative Haven was gratitude in December.

To find details of joining Creative Haven please go to
https://creative-haven.newzenler.com

To find details of the Creative light Festival go to
https://creative-light.co.uk

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12 Feb 2023Kaisa Siren: a deeper look into ICM photography00:32:29

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Kaisa Siren is a photojournalist, gallery owner and nature photographer, known for her mastery of colour in her photographs, whilst capturing the wilderness of Lapland. She chats with Margaret about the concepts and ideas behind her  ICM photography.

In contrast to the documentary-type work of her day job, Kaisa finds her passion for colourful ICM fascinating and liberating - beautiful work which is almost fully abstract. Kaisa shares some childhood memories which have unconsciously shaped her photography. Whilst she is now at the stage of accepting, and liking, her own work she describes the time and effort this has taken.

Kaisa also reflects about the increasing interest in ICM.  Is it that people have wanted a change  / to push the boundaries from traditional photography that created an interest in other forms of photography? Cameras, techniques and on-line tutorials are also more accessible?  In terms of explaining ICM, Kaisa feels there is more expression, more depth, more mood and freedom which comes into making these images - it connects with your true emotions.

Don't miss this really interesting talk - Kaisa describes beautifully the influences that have affected her both personally and artistically and how she now considers them a positive.

https://www.instagram.com/kaisasirenphotography/


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25 Feb 20235 minutes of creativity a day keeps the doctor away00:24:56

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Margaret catches up with Carien Borst, an artist who lives and works in the Netherlands.

She chats about how she struggled with creating a business while maintaining her art's authenticity.  A flow state (being in the moment and creating freely, forgetting everything around you) was hard to achieve during this period. Carien explains that art is like a muscle you can train. You can create conditions that may help pave the way for a flow state . For instance, you can take time, go to a studio, read a book, go outdoors, do research, find things that attract you, but equally, you cannot predict a flow state.

Join Margaret and Carien whilst they further explore what their individual art means to them and how they use it during the difficult periods we all experience from time to time.  It is interesting to hear them bounce ideas and you will leave feeling inspired to get creative.

Carien Borst
https://www.instagram.com/carien_borst/


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14 Mar 2023The long Journey home to Harris00:05:17

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Listen to Margaret's inspirational and moving description of  her long journey home to Harris. Creating a home as a single parent for her 2 young boys was the start of her 20 year struggle to get to where she is today and she expresses her emotions beautifully. She persevered, working tirelessly to provide a stable family life whilst following her own belief in her ability to develop her business through creativity.

Sign up to her newsletter to hear about new retreats and future developments in the business.

https://quietlandscapes.co.uk/

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20 Mar 2023Stonescapes inspired by Caithness with Lisa Poulsen00:29:55

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Lisa Poulsen creates beautiful digital landscapes using photographs of Caithness Stones from her studio by the sea in Thurso, in the far North of Scotland.

Join Margaret as they chat about her beautiful, individual style of artistry. She describes her process of building upon her chosen landscape template and adding multiple layers in photoshop, producing delicate and wonderful results. Her talent and empathy shines through.

She believes the story, the why, behind her work is almost as import as the work itself.  It has developed over the years to be more about people and their connection with the place and the benefits that can be gained from this.

Articulating beautifully her experience of early motherhood, being replenished by the landscape and her artwork she outlines her progression to where she is today. Her recent work is much more about life experiences and how our natural environment can benefit our wellbeing. Lisa is excited with lots of ideas for her masterclass at Margaret's Festival in Aviemore in October. 

https://www.inspiredbycaithness.com/

https://www.instagram.com/inspiredbycaithness/

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19 Apr 2023Exploring Self Belief with Christina Golian00:38:22

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Christina Golian is a creative and well-being coach based in Scotland. Her career has taken many twists and turns over the years including wedding photography, journalism and coaching. In common with many people, she re-assessed her work and family life during lockdown and we learn where this has taken her.

Listen in to hear Margaret and Christina explore the origins of self belief, where it comes from.  Acknowledging that most people carry self-doubt, they chat about the possible reasons for this and the ways in which we can build 'scaffolding' to support us. 

They give personal examples about how our life experiences influence our development and how they worked through their inner critics. Christina is a firm believer that compassion and self-compassion when things don't quite go to plan was fundamental to building her self belief.

This lovely and insightful conversation taps into the value of surrounding yourself with positive people and affirmations, accepting compliments, embracing failure and much, much more.

The chat concludes with Christina describing her Masterclass at Margaret's Festival in October 23. This fun session will cover self belief, compassion and the role of positive emotions - and how to tap into that.

https://www.instagram.com/christinagolian/


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19 May 2023Wendy Bagnall - a time for reflection00:36:43

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Wendy Bagnall is a photographic artist who lives in Surrey, England, the natural landscape being the inspiration behind her work.

Wendy tells us about her unsettled feelings about  her photography. She is unsure quite what's troubling her but finds herself in a funny phase, questioning lots of things, feeling a loss of identity and possibly a lack of a challenge. She's been doing a lot of reflecting and reading,  not forcing anything, just giving herself space.  

Co-incidentally, Margaret finds herself in a similar situation and whilst not  bored with photography itself, is bored with the same old conversations around the more superficial things such as technicals but is excited around conversations such as self compassion, perfectionism and creativity at a deeper level.

They explore how this thoughtful, questioning period is necessary on occasions.  Sometimes it's just time to rest and think things through which will hopefully result in more conscious and self-aware work.

How  to re-inspire yourself when in these lulls? They acknowledging that every so often you have to stop and take stock to ensure you're on the right track and, if not, choose a different path.  Hear how they talk about new ways of exploring creativity, eg writing, video, painting etc.

This candid, gentle  chat gives lots to think about and it will be very interesting to hear how their lives have moved on when they next catch up.

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13 May 2023Quiet Moments - letting go in order to create00:10:25

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Margaret has been thinking for a long time about sharing more of her lifestyle whilst being out and about in Harris, passionately believing in the physical and mental benefits of the outdoors. Be transported from her doorstep in Harris to the beautiful beaches.

Wondering why it has taken so long to do this she has realised that starting something new takes time and 'letting go' is the hardest part.  Once we let go of the outcome, what other people think, worrying about it all, the process becomes easier. 

Listen in to hear about Margaret's summer. You'll love hearing about her move to Harris, her workshops, her Harris exhibition, the autumn Festival, her online community, etc. 

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25 May 2023Quiet Moments; Give yourself permission to take time out and see what happens.00:10:51

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A first-ever outdoor podcast recorded during a trip to the Isle of Mull.  In this solo episode Margaret talks about the great things that happen when we have space and time. You can also see the video version over on YouTube. 

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28 May 2023Embracing Vulnerability: Unleashing Creativity and Conquering Fears with Lesley Lintott00:29:10

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Imagine taking a leap of faith and stepping out of your comfort zone, only to discover a newfound sense of confidence and personal growth. That's precisely what happened to our incredible guest, Lesley Lintott, who conquered her chronic shyness by participating in a masterclass last year. In today's episode, we delve into Lesley's inspiring journey and discuss the power of vulnerability in both our connections and our creative pursuits.

Together, we explore the delicate balance between protecting our creative work and putting ourselves out there to grow and connect with others. Through authentic conversations, we uncover the role of vulnerability in tapping into our unique voice and artistic style. Lesley and I also discuss the challenges of perfectionism, criticism, and fear of failure, and share valuable insights on how to break free from these barriers.

As we wrap up our discussion, Lesley shares her experience of overcoming the fear of public speaking and the transformative impact of listening to her own voice. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability in all aspects of our lives, and how it can ultimately help us create meaningful art and forge deeper connections. So join us and be inspired to face your fears, embrace your vulnerability, and unleash your creativity.

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07 Jun 2023Secrets of creative poeple: Dutch Beaches to Italian Retreats00:07:06

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A podcast recorded on location as I revisit the beach in Holland that holds a special place in my heart. I share personal, nostalgic moments of my childhood and discuss the importance of family connections and ideas around generational patterns.   I am beginning to explore how these experiences have shaped my life and work.

I also touch on the value of scheduling time for creative pursuits and personal growth. From beach trips in Holland to a retreat in Italy, discover the importance of spending our free time in ways that truly matter to us. Be inspired to prioritize your own health, learning, and exploration, and take a step towards living a more fulfilled and meaningful life.

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14 Jun 2023Nurturing the Mind and Soul: Retreat Experience with Sean Tucker in Italy00:22:13

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During my recent retreat experience, I realized the immense value of self-care for our mental and creative well-being. Join me in this episode as I open up about my retreat reflections and discuss the importance of self-care with some of my fellow retreat participants.

Together, we explore the significance of putting on our own oxygen mask before helping others, especially when it comes to parenthood. Having a supportive partner can make all the difference in creating an environment that nurtures self-care and self-investment. We also delve into the challenges of disconnecting from the outside world to truly relax and refocus our energy on personal growth and reconnecting with our creative side.

Finally, we discuss the idea of productivity during retreats, emphasizing the importance of silence and allowing our minds the space to process emotions and thoughts. Trusting the process and not trying to control it can lead to more creative solutions and ideas emerging naturally. So, don't miss this insightful and inspiring episode as we share our experiences and thoughts on the power of self-care, retreats, and embracing our own unique paths. Join us on this journey of self-discovery and self-love.

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23 Jun 2023Kj Nasrul; Tapping into Your True Creative Essence with Self-Awareness and Compassion00:45:19

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 Join Kj nNasrul and myself as we dive into this thought-provoking topic and uncover the essential role of self-awareness in our lives. With the COVID pandemic forcing us to confront our own reflections on screens, the importance of understanding ourselves has never been more crucial. In this episode, we discuss self-esteem, perfectionism, and the inner critic while touching on the uncomfortable yet rewarding practice of mirror work.

Discover the connection between self-awareness, self-esteem, and authentic creativity as we explore the importance of relying on our inner compass, rather than seeking external validation. Learn how to embrace your unique gifts and talents and find an environment that nurtures your true self. Our conversation also covers the power of letting go and being present in our creative endeavors, cultivating a sense of freedom and joy through mindful self-talk and connection with our surroundings.

Finally, we delve into the challenges of unlearning external validation and rediscovering our intuition. We discuss techniques for building self-confidence through practice and repetition, as well as the healing power of reading, journaling, and even retreats in Bali. It's time to embark on a transformative journey towards self-awareness, self-esteem, and finding your authentic creative self. 

Kj's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/blissbeginswithin/

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29 Jun 2023Embracing Solitude: An Exploration of Creativity and Photography with Sebastian Wehrle00:18:36

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 Being alone often fosters my most innovative thoughts and it's a necessity for me to spend some quiet time each morning, letting my mind wander and create. However, creativity isn't just about enjoying solitude, it's about finding the right balance of alone time and meaningful interactions. Engaging in deep, thought-provoking conversations, whether it's during my podcast interviews or within my online community, can also spark a wave of creative ideas.

It's not uncommon for you to find me lost in the world of photography. The art of capturing moments, the tranquility of nature, and the thrill of immortalizing memories, it's akin to meditation for me. Photography is more than just a hobby, it’s an extension of self-expression, and taking a break from it sometimes allows me to come back with a fresh perspective. This episode gets even more interesting as we bring in Sebastian Wehrle who shares his unique insights on photography. A true creative at heart, Sebastian provides a fresh perspective on the importance of constantly creating through photography. So, join us on this introspective journey where we discuss solitude, creativity, and the magic of photography.

https://www.instagram.com/sebastian_wehrle/

https://sebastian-wehrle.de/shop/


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07 Jul 2023To create freely and from the heart - look inward00:09:02

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Listen in to hear Margaret reflect upon her inspiring day which began with a chat with Claire Walsh for next week's upcoming podcast, moved on to a photography teaching session with the delightful Keela and culminated in some evening beach down time and swim. 

Chatting about what she learned from both experiences, Margaret gives an insight into her life, health and battles. 

An incredible free spirit, Claire explained that to create freely, you must create for yourself alone. Powerful, authentic and emotional images will follow. 

Hear about 11 year old Keela's wonderful, child-like freedom whilst creating her photography.  Her liberating 'just try it and see' attitude' is amazing! A truly lovely afternoon in nature and swimming.

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15 Jul 2023Braving the Depths: Claire Walsh on Writing, Diving, and Mental Health00:48:48

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Join me as I have a conversation with the extraordinary Claire Walsh, an accomplished Irish free diver and author. We venture into her exhilarating world, exploring her book 'Underwater,' her unique writing process, and how she managed to overcome self-doubt during its creation. We delve into the arduous rewrites, the tension of planning a wedding amidst it all, and her feelings post book-release.

Claire and I talk about our personal bouts with COVID-19, revealing the physical and mental effects it had on our lives. We examine the profound connection between our beliefs, self-image, and the simple act of breathing. Hear how Claire perceives our generation's aesthetic approach triggering physical tension.

We venture into a dialogue around mental illness, ableism, and body acceptance. Claire generously shares her personal journey with mental illness, the role therapy plays in her life, and our collective need for open dialogue to reduce the feeling of isolation. We tackle the challenge of confronting ableism, affirming the significance of personal training, and the urge to question societal norms around body image. This episode is not just the exploration of Claire's inspiring journey as a free diver and author, but an honest reckoning of mental and physical health.

Buy the book

Claires Website

Claires Instagram 


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29 Sep 2023Emily Endean: a photographers life on the road00:41:11

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Emily Endean, a full time photographer based in the UK, has completely transformed her life over the last year.  Her inspiring story details a modern-day traveller who traded her conventional life for the freedom of van life.

I chat with Emily about life on the road, the joy of freedom, and the ability to focus on creativity. But also the reality of the cold winter months, finding showers and washing clothes. 

We talk about how Emily has explored various income avenues. From shooting weddings and landscapes to teaching workshops. 

Emily's Instagram 

Emily's links 

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13 Jul 2023New Ventures, low days and the Power of Gratitude00:13:16

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From the depths of self-reflection to the height of imagination, I recount my recent struggles and triumphs in this episode. 

An in-water photography exhibition, my new book "Within Hebridean Seas," and the upcoming Creative Light Festival in Scotland. Plus, I've got some exciting news on an offer from Creative Haven to help you find your voice. 

On location on the Isle of Hoy, I talk about  insights from Deepak Chopra , helping us to focus on our purposes, passions, and gratitude.

A few thoughts on to feeling so happy and smiley, mental health and the power of talking. 

And a final quote from the incredible Louis Schwartzberg tp uplift and feel gratitude for each day. 

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23 Jul 2023The Shiant Isles swim with Immerse Hebrides: Embracing play and gratitude in your photography00:07:00

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This episode recounts my journey to the Shiant Isles with Immerse Hebrides.

Initially, my vision was to photograph birds, but the landscape had other plans. It offered me a different kind of surprise - jellyfish, something I had never thought of photographing. The experience emphasized a key insight, that openness and adaptability can lead to rewarding adventures in photography.

Immerse Hebrides Instagram

Immerse Hebrides website

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28 Jul 2023Exploring Aviemore: Photography, Connection, and Passion with David Russell00:40:50

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My conversation with David uncovers how photography transcends the mere act of capturing a moment. It's about forming deep connections, understanding the essence of a place. We talk about how childhood experiences can influence our work.
 
Passion drives us, and David's unwavering passion for the outdoors is a testament to that. So, prepare to immerse yourself in the magic and wonders of Aviemore through the fascinating lens of David Russell from Highland Wildscapes

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04 Aug 2023Encouraging Women onto YouTube with Adele and Max Warner Tate00:29:20

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Join me as I chat with Adele and Max Warner Tate about making YouTube videos. We discuss how creating video content for personal enjoyment can help overcome the intimidation of public critique. We talk about of working with a partner,and how this eases the workload.

Talking through why there arent more females on YouTube. Talking about time constraints and the delicate balancing act between personal and professional commitments. Tune in for our tips on carving out space for passion projects and inspiring more women to vocalize their narratives on YouTube. Apolgies in advance for background noise - this episode was filmed on location on the Isle of Harris in my van where Skye my whippet decided to cause chaos!

https://www.youtube.com/@WarnerTatePhotography




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18 Aug 2023Balancing Music, Creativity, and Career with Eric Hemion01:11:36

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Eric Hemian, is atalented music and sound producer and we chat about the reality of pursuing a creative profession. His transition from performing musician to a successful freelance composer and producer is not only inspiring but is also filled with practical advice. He discusses the balancing act between creative expression and earning a living, and why he prefers commissioning custom music pieces over generic ones.

Eric's journey is a tale of unlearning and discovering joy in new creative avenues. This episode is  filled with  practical advice, and a whole lot of inspiration. Tune in and join us on this exciting exploration of creativity, passion, and music.

You can see Erics Instagram here
https://www.instagram.com/eric_hemion/

Erics website is here
http://www.erichemion.com/

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10 Oct 2023Behind the Scenes with Photographer Jason Baxter00:30:30

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Jason Baxter, an accomplished photographer and videographer from Edinburgh picked up his first camera at the age of 14. Fast forward two decades later, he's transformed his passion into a thriving career. But it's not all about the lens - transitioning to videography during the pandemic, Jason has utilised his skills and perspective to craft narratives, telling stories that influence how we perceive our surroundings.

The journey to success is rarely a straight path, and Jason's is no different. He tells us about his first photography book - leading to his work being commissioned by Edinburgh City Council and the British Airport Authority.

Jason chats about the challenges and victories of balancing commercial work with his personal passions, and shares how a breathtaking sunrise at Ben Lomond sparked his love for photography. You’ll get a taste of the perks of being a professional photographer - honing skills, creating stock work, enjoying trips, and dabbling in different mediums. Lastly, you'll hear Jason’s invaluable advice on following your heart, grabbing opportunities when they arise, and never losing sight of your passion.

Jason's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jasonbaxtermedia/
Jason's website https://linktr.ee/JasonBaxterMedia

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11 Aug 2023Thoughts on the Inner Critic00:09:53

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After a recent workshop led by  Kate Jones from Neon Living in my Creative Haven community, I wanted to share some of my own thoughts on how I work with my own inner critic. Join me on an early morning walk on the Outer Hebrides with Skye my whippet, as I talk about whats happening in my life at the moment as well as how I cope with my inner critic! 

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27 Aug 2023Quiet Moments mini episode: How far have you come00:08:33

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A solo mini episode about my passion for creativity and how it has not just shaped my life, but also become a cornerstone in my family's ethos. I discuss my own creative pursuits - painting, writing a book, and managing this podcast, each laden with its share of self-doubt and perseverance.  I chat about " How far have you come"  and Morgan Harper Nichols' empathetic poems. 

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02 Sep 2023Quiet Moments - Give yourself grace00:05:12

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Recorded on the beach with the backdrop of crashing waves, I wanted to talk about comparing our progress with others and feeling inadequate with how much we are doing. And It's okay to not be doing as much as others. We all have different lives, commitments, and work paces. The important thing is taking small steps forward. 

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15 Sep 2023Finding Inner Peace and Well-Being with Kate Jones00:36:13

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Leadership and life coach, Kate Jones chats with me on this weeks podcast.
We explore the value of seeking out support, and not just when you’re in crisis. Coaching and mentoring aren’t just for therapy, but can be the guidance you need to create something new in your life. Sharing personal experiences, we shed light on the differences between therapy and coaching, and the importance of finding the right mentors. Trusting the process of change and transformation can be challenging, but it’s a creative journey that can lead to fulfilling outcomes.

Lastly, we weave in the power of nature and creativity as avenues to inner peace and well-being. Kate eloquently explains how these elements can help us access a greater sense of belonging. Rather than seeking answers externally, exploring these aspects can help you connect with your true self. So tune in as we journey with Kate Jones through the transformative power of new beginnings, the magic of coaching, and the promise of a more fulfilled life through inner creativity.

Kates website:

Kates Instagram

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10 Sep 2023Vulnerability and Visibility: New documentary by Sean Tucker on my creative life00:08:42

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 Sean Tucker recently came over to the isle of Harris to make a documentary on my creative life for his YouTube channel. Touching in Introversion and my path through life.
Vulnerability and being visible online is explored in this episode.

You can watch the documentary here:
www.youtube.com/@seantuck

Sean's website 

Sean's Instagram 

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21 Oct 2023Immersion in Water Photography and Theatre: A Discussion with Bill Ward00:44:49

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Immersion is not just for theatre, as Bill demonstrates with his  approach to photography. We talk about the world of water photography as Bill shares his experiences and  we chat into the energy and the pure exhilaration of capturing the ocean's moods.

We explore the uplifting power of encouragement and the joy found in the process of creating. Bill talks about using social media to share and connect, the importance of authenticity, and how following one's instincts can lead to extraordinary results.

Bills Instagram https://www.instagram.com/billwardphotography/
Bill's website https://billwardphotography.co.uk/

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01 Oct 2023Quiet Moments: How to take the Pressure off your creative time00:11:10

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A solo episode around the idea of making mistakes and moving on rather than dwelling. 
Why we beat ourselves up about the small things. Then onto a recording made at home in Harris in front of the fire where I speak about taking the pressure off and how taking small steps in your creative time can lead to happier and more joyous moments. 

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13 Oct 2023Retreat St Ives; Creativity through fun, community, space and rest00:06:39

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Join me as I share our transformative journey in our first creative retreat in St ives. surf lessons, early morning tranquility, and the joy of being in the here and now as catalysts of creativity. 
How reconnecting with our inner voice and creating space for rest can nurture our creative spirit. I also highlight the significance of inspiring communities in fostering creativity. 

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30 Oct 2023Exploring Creativity and Balance with Elizabeth Hockney00:22:51

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This episode features Elizabeth Hockney, a part-time doctor, whose passion for photography  has added colour and vibrancy to her life. She shares her journey to creating more abstract and painterly images.

Elizabeth talks about the importance of finding a group of like-minded people - your tribe - to share and grow with, 


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10 Nov 2023Thoughts on generosity and sharing with Joe Cornish at the Creative light festival00:11:53

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I am talking with the amazing  Joe Cornish, a landscape photographer known for his woodland images at this years creative light festival. Joe gave a talk and led some outdoor workshops during the festival and it was his spirit of kindness and generosity that really grabbed me.  We also talk about how community and connection can inspire and influence our creative process, a concept embodied at the Creative Light Festival.

 Talking through  the importance of gratitude and generosity in our creativity. It was a real honour to spend time with Joe Cornish. 

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15 Nov 2023Reflections and laughter with Mali Davies - A Creative light episode00:14:11

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Margaret catches up with Mali Davies at this year's Creative Light Festival to get his insights to the weekend.

Describing the experience as transformative and unique, he explains how he has never seen the beautiful Autumn colours in quite this way before. It was sensory overload!

Meeting with like-minded people, face-to-face, in such circumstances was almost surreal to him. Listen whilst he recalls 'dancing with Joe Cornish" and chatting with Sean Tucker,

Moving on, they chat about the benefits of play and the amount of fun and cries of laughter enjoyed by all. It is so important to 'let go and play'.

Mali tells us his highlights from the Festival and how the biggest message he took away from it is 'togetherness' - nobody wanted to leave this 'huddle' of minds! Margaret took away kindness, community, gratitude and appreciating every day.

Finally, we are given an insight into both Margaret and Mali"s plans for next year.

Mali's Instagram

Mali's YouTube Channel 

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08 Dec 2023Roundup of the Creative Light Festival and new dates announced00:19:41

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A roundup of the Creative Light Festival, its speakers,  masterclasses, and activities. Snippets from Christina Golian's  'Spark Your Creativity' masterclass, an extract from  Lisa Paulson and an exciting announcement about future festival dates that you can look forward to - the 2024 event at Broughton Sanctuary and a community-focused 2025 event in Harris.

You can see details of the new festivals here 

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21 Nov 2023Trusting your Artistic Instincts with LeAnn Phelan00:50:52

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LeAnn Phelan is a singer music industry professional based in Nashville, LeAnn offers an insight into her journey through creativity. She helps creatives be seen, heard and encouraged. 

They chat about the value of travelling alone and how they love to explore, meet new people and the 'power' of independence.  It opens up a whole new world of growth and possibilities.

It's interesting to hear how both Margaret and LeAnn explore as many different types of creativity as possible and how they find it freeing. They examine how to balance the need to earn and the art itself.  

A lovely calming, fascinating  and uplifting chat.

You can find LeAnn here: 

https://leannphelan.com/

https://lpcreative.samcart.com/products/lp-creative-therapy-launch-dec-2023


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28 Nov 2023Navigating Life's Challenges with Creativity and Kindness00:18:01

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Join Margaret as she shares her thoughts whilst navigating an emotional and overwhelming time in her life. She expresses her gratitude for the many acts of kindness she has received and, as always for her, how her art is instrumental in helping her cope.

You can see Broughton Santuary here

And see details for Creative light at Broughton here 

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23 Dec 2023Lean into what you enjoy rather than what you should be doing at Christmas00:09:10

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Thoughts around self-care and well-being at Christmas - a solo episode with Margaret 

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08 Jan 2024Brie Stockwell on concious creativity and thoughts on sharing our work00:31:00

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Brie Stockwell is a photographer, confidence coach and lifelong creative.  Join Margaret as they chat about the benefits of sharing their creative work

Whilst both enjoy spending time to reflect and create solo, they explore the value of having 'pockets' of people whose feedback and encouragement is vital. Listen whilst they discuss Brene Brown's Square Squad  and having a small group whom you respect and whose opinions matter.

They explore how Brie's coaching is very important to her and how she encourages her clients to become more conscious and  motivated, thus empowering them to make decisions..  Sustainability  creativity!

The concept of Brie's new Podcast, Wild Women in Photography, supports and  celebrates women in photography. She loves to record  their 'stories'.

This discussion gives a fascinating insight into these two creatives' minds.

Brie's Instagram
Creative Affair podcast
Creative minds coach Instagram
Wild women in Photography 

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03 Feb 20245 things that I have done to navigate a difficult time in life00:08:42

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Listen in to Margaret explain how she is navigating the various stages of grief she is experiencing.  As always she instinctively turns to creativity and nature, whilst at all times listening to what her body needs, tuning in to what makes her feel better.

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04 Mar 2024Anni Townend encourages us to walk and have 'mini adventures' each day00:39:34

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Anni Townend is a Leadership Partner, Coach and Mentor to Executive Teams and Senior Leaders, as well as being an Author, Facilitator, and Entrepreneur and Podcast Host of Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend.

Join Margaret  as they talk about the benefits of walking and talking. Anni explains that walking is one of the ways in which she renews herself and this has always been a criteria for her when deciding where she lives.

They further explore  the equation of creativity, collaboration and conversation. A really inspirational chat which shouldn't be missed as it emphasises the importance of finding an outdoor activity which resonates with each of us.  Finding cracks and crevices in our busy lives to take time to stop is crucial.

Anni advocates taking small pauses every day and reading!  Listen in to hear how to greet each day as a mini adventure!

Anni's Podcast

Anni's Website

Anni's Instagram

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23 Mar 2024Using quiet times & creativity for healing - in Kerala, India00:17:52

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Join Margaret as she introduces us to some sounds, thoughts and feelings she experienced during her recent trip to Kerala, India.

Since 2016, she has regularly headed to India for Ayurvedic treatments and the time felt right for her to return this March . She explains how her time there helped with ongoing feelings of grief, gave her space to write and to think and, as always, use creativity as an outlet. A calming, thoughtful reflection of her time at this retreat.


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05 Apr 2024Land Art: A Journey of Mindfulness and Connection with Laurence Winram00:35:11

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Join Margaret whilst she chats with Laurence Winram, a professional photographer from Aberdeen and now based in Edinburgh. It's fascinating to hear how he balances his diverse commercial and unusual creative work. 

Laurence describes in detail how he creates his beautiful land art  At these times, he is embracing the moment,  whilst practising gratitude and mindfulness.  He loves the connection to nature. He creates his design, takes the image and within hours the scene can degrade and be returned to nature.

Enjoy this gentle insight into Laurence's life. it will make you think.  Be sure to tap into 
his @shapednature page on Instagram - you won't be disappointed.







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26 Apr 2024Ideas for rest, regeneration and meditative endeavours for burn out00:16:16

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Listen in to Margaret as she shares her thoughts on this period of rest, regeneration, and self-compassion that she has been practicing recently.

She covers numerous topics and, in her own unique way, explains how she has consciously slowed her life down, prioritizing rest recuperation and meditation, which she instinctively knows is needed for her well-being. 

Sometimes, that space to breathe and not to be doing, reading and mindful activities can really spark creativity and thought processes back into action. She is particularly enjoying listening to the sounds of nature at the moment - the birds and barking seals, for instance, are all very soothing.

Neale James Podcast episode 


Joey Hulins website 

Find Beach art by Dorothy atTraigh Alba 

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09 May 2024Thoughts on overthinking and journalling - recorded out on the kayak in Harris00:18:09

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Out on the kayak on the Isle of Harris, Margaret shares her thoughts along with the sounds of the birds and the water all around.
Immerse into the peace and quiet of the early morning on the island with Margaret.
Margaret shares thoughts about overwhelm and how to narrow down which channels to use for yourself.
A comment on Neale James' recent podcast with Sean Tucker where they chat about overthinking and how to learn to listen to your own intuition and not be distracted by whether your art or writing or music will be liked by others.

Some thoughts on journalling and how writing things down can mean the difference between remembering important things. As well as some readings from Margaret's notebooks. 

Neale James Photowalk podcast with Sean Tucker
 


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28 May 2024Matt Payne on finding purpose in your photography and elevating other photographers00:54:56

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Matt Payne is a full-time landscape photographer, mountain climber and adventurer living in Durango, Colorado. He also hosts the hugely popular weekly F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast producing candid conversations with photographers.

Join Margaret in their conversation where they explore numerous topics from how Matt found his creative purpose and how he gets great joy from promoting other photographers.

His weekly podcasts have given him back so much. He loves the wonderful conversations, listening to lots of viewpoints and sharing and uplifting others' work and we talk about my own favourite episode of his where he highlighted women in Landscape photography.

Matt takes the approach that 'Perfection is the enemy of good enough' and uses it in all sorts of ways. Give yourself permission to fail and start to identify areas of improvement.

In August 2023 he got the opportunity to experience the Colorado trail and walked 500 miles home.  During this time he pontificated about life and himself and he subsequently became a full time photographer. Watch out for the book in time to come

Matts podcast page on his website
Matts Instagram
Matts' podcast facebook page

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12 Jun 2024Authenticity and Self-Expression in Photography with Bill Ward00:57:17

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In this conversation, Margaret Soraya interviews Bill Ward about his approach to photography, specifically his use of intentional camera movement (ICM) and his connection to water. They discuss the importance of being open and generous in the photography community, as well as the role of movement in both acting and photography. Bill explains how movement is central to his photography and how intentional camera movement allows him to add his own unique touch to his images. They also explore the relationship between a photographer's personality and their photographic style, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and self-expression in photography. In this conversation, Bill Ward and Margaret Soraya discuss their experiences with underwater photography and the challenges they face with their equipment. They also explore the idea of projects and how they evolve over time. They touch on the process of exhibiting and creating books, and the importance of choosing the right images and writing to accompany the work. They emphasize the need to keep photography interesting and fresh by constantly exploring new subjects and techniques.


Takeaways

  • Being open and generous in the photography community can lead to a more collaborative and supportive environment.
  • Movement is central to Bill Ward's photography, and intentional camera movement allows him to add his own unique touch to his images.
  • A photographer's personality and personal experiences can influence their photographic style and subject matter.
  • Authenticity and self-expression are important in photography, and photographers should strive to create work that resonates with their own passions and interests. Underwater photography can be challenging due to equipment issues, such as aligning the camera correctly in the housing.
  • Projects in photography are ongoing and can evolve over time, allowing for exploration and growth.
  • Exhibiting and creating books are valuable ways to showcase and present photographic work.
  • Choosing the right images and writing is crucial when putting together an exhibition or book.
  • It's important to keep photography interesting by constantly exploring new subjects and techniques.


Sound Bites

  • "There's a temptation to be territorial, but as you say, being open and generous is important."
  • "Intentional camera movement is about adding your physicality to the photographs."
  • "Movement is absolutely central to what I really like doing in terms of photography."
  • "It's the going back and back and back that's the thing... that's where the good stuff comes from."



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28 Jun 2024Embracing a slower creative life, how to soothe the nervous system and find inspiration for creativity00:15:38

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A solo episode from Margaret recorded out by the water with bird sounds in the background. Living more slowly and in tune with nature and how silence and nature sounds help soothe the nervous system. Cooking and baking and other creative activities that help slow down and live better. 
Documenting the wildlife and flowers that surrounds me in a small area around my house. 
Why creativity is important - it gives you the tools for coping and releasing emotions during difficult times in life. Making a date with being creative and allowing time for play. 
What are the circumstances in which you feel creative - begin to notice and then repeat when you feel the need to feel inspired. 

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17 Aug 2024Are you a highly sensitive person?00:37:07

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Dr Marie-Lise Schlappy joins me to chat about HSP's ( Highly Sensitive Persons.)

HSP, is a term coined by psychologist Elaine Aron who has written several books on the subject. You can find more on her website https://hsperson.com/

We chat about how the traits are different to introversion, but a large proportion of introverts are HSP's 




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29 Aug 2024Using plants and the outdoors for creativity and healing with A.S Apothecary00:28:52

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A. S. Apothecary is a crofting enterprise based on the Isle of Harris. Their work is deeply rooted in the ethos of therapeutic plant work. Join Margaret as she talks to Amanda who is the founder, plantswoman and gatherer, distiller and creative force behind A.S Apothecary.

This chat gently guides you through the process of how they cultivate a diverse range of therapeutic plants on their croft organically. They grown lush plants on the croft and in a huge greenhouse which 'meanders like a garden' inside. Hear how they wild harvest and use the plants for their products.

The Imagery is so powerful - the scent and atmosphere in their workshop is almost tangible. You can feel the passion for their work flow throughout. They produce skin care, Wild Eve, speciality teas, tinctures, first aid kits and even roast coffee!

A wonderful calm and soothing journey through nature - do not miss this.

You can find A.S. Apothecary on Instagram
Their website is www.asapoth.com

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30 Sep 2024Thoughts on evolving and adapting and an otter encouter00:13:57

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Join Margaret as she updates us on her life in Harris while out paddling on calm waters on the island. She meets an otter who is having breakfast and enjoys the early morning on the Isle of Harris, a time when she feels most creative. 

A difficult year has resulted in deep thought about the way forward for her personally and for her business.  She articulates the journey to arrive where she is today and how she has continually adapted to ensure that everything she does is in line with her personal values. Ideas on why you should always keep evolving as you grow and change so that your life and creativity feels right for any given time. Keep listening to hear what lies in store for the next inspirational chapter.



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15 Feb 2021Andy Holliman's abstract photography00:43:38

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Andy Holliman joins me to chat about his interpretative style, using camera movement and multiple exposures to blur and abstract details.

You can see Andy's website here 

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15 Feb 2021Seascape Photography with Jenifer Bunnett00:34:30

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I was really excited when Jenifer agreed to come onto the podcast. Jenifer is a renowned, UK based photographer and personally one of my favourite seascape photographers. On this episode she talks us through how photography has been around her from a very young age, helping her dad who himself was a photographer. What impresses me most about Jenifers work is that she currently doesn't even live by the sea! Her ability to capture light, mood and motion is spectacular and just from hearing her speak I have no doubt she will inspire others to get out and shoot some dramatic seascapes


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15 Feb 2021Mindfulness with Tyler Gravley00:32:41

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Is photography meditation? 

In this episode, I chat with Tyler Gravely about meditating and practicing mindfulness in unconventional ways.  I have always been interested in how our photographic practice is intrinsically linked to our well-being, and the more that we can be aware of that the better.  

Tyler is a mindfulness coach  from San Antonio, Texas,  who helps us unpick how we can all create more peace in our lives during this podcast. 

Tyler hosts her own podcast  show called "How do u meditate"- all about unconventional ways to practice mindfulness.

Follow Tyler on Instagram 

Tylers Podcast

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15 Feb 2021Helen Bartlett's family portraiture00:35:20

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In this episode, I chat with Helen Bartlett, a family photographer based in London who has a real passion for her work.

"This is where my passion lies, this is where my interest lies, this is the area that I want to develop. Then, if you combine that wonderful combination of hard work and luck you can be successful in your genre"

Drilling down on the ideas behind finding your passion and your specific genre on photography and the process by which Helen did so through her 19 years as a photographer. Hard work, work-life balance, and the ideas behind producing an entirely black and white portfolio. 

HELEN BARTLETT

You can see Helen Barlett's website here
https://www.helenbartlett.co.uk/

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 @helenbartlettphotography



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08 Mar 2021Film Stills photographer Nicola Dove00:29:56

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Nicola is a professional film stills photographer who has worked with some big names such as  Johnny Depp, Dame Judi Dench, Steve Coogan and also on the latest bond movie.

And looking at her portfolio I don't think anyone can be anything but impressed and a little bit in awe.  I chat to her about her career and how she manages her family life whilst being on a film set for months at a time. Plus where she is going now - teaching others how to get into film stills photography as a profession.

Nicola is launching a new Film stills Academy and has a  free five-day film stills photography course, delivered live on Instagram.

Find Nicola

www.filmstillsacademy.com/

www.nicoladove.com

Instagram
www.instagram.com/nicoladovephoto


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23 Apr 2021Close to Home with Leeming & Paterson00:33:20

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Morag and Ted are photographers based partly in Scotland and partly in Italy. They work  together to form Leeming and Paterson. 


There's a slow, thoughtful and immersive feeling to their work and the idea of shooting close to home is extremely interesting. Their passion for environmentalism shines through their life and work and their book  Zero Footprint; with every photo being taken from precisely the same position outside their home in the Galloway Hills. 


Links mentioned in the show 

Katie Ione Craney: https://katieionecraney.com/


Where to find Leeming & Paterson :

www.leemingpaterson.com

https://leemingpaterson.wordpress.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mog_pat/

https://www.instagram.com/leemingpaterson/

https://www.instagram.com/tedleeming/

https://www.instagram.com/zerofootprints/

https://twitter.com/leemingpaterson?lang=en

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09 Apr 2021Joey Hulin, author and meditation teacher ( fixed )00:36:09

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Joey is an author, meditation teacher and retreat host.

We talk about adapting during the pandemic and diving into the online space. 

How imposter syndrome is a protection strategy and how to quiet that voice.

FIND JOEY ;

Website
https://www.horizoninspired.co.uk/

Instagram 
Joeyhulin_writer

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28 Mar 2021Quiet moments mini episode - Be Still00:06:33

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Quiet Moments series of solo mini podcasts. 

Thoughts on using solitude and stillness to refind our creativity and wellness. 

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19 Apr 2021Quiet moments mini episode - I am Woman00:05:01

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A few thoughts around Helen Reddy's song " I am woman" after watching the film about her recently.  

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04 Jun 2021Justine Ritchie's remote lifestyle00:37:53

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Justine is based in the NW Highlands and her work is inspired by the elemental landscapes and seascapes of the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

Justine works in a mindful, intuitive, and immersive way and loves remote landscapes. We chat about her works and her time on the Isle of Eigg as well as her recent move to the west coast of Scotland to renovate a cottage with no road access.  

We also chat about  forest bathing and mindful photography 

You can see Justine's website here 

https://www.justineritchie.com/

Follow Justin on Instagram @justin.ritchie



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07 May 2021Anna Deacon's Wild Swimming Photographic Book00:39:54

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Anna Deacon  is a photographer, author, and wild swimmer who has a passion for telling peoples' stories 

 Recorded during February 2021 while Scotland was under lockdown restrictions, we talk about how Anna went from commercial photography to burnout and used that time to pivot and start doing a heart-led project: Writing "Taking the plunge" in collaboration with Vicky Allen.  

"Taking the Plunge:  The healing power of wild swimming for mind, body and soul"

And how things developed from here and this led her to write several books, the latest being a wild swimming guide. We chat about all things body image, well-being, and how Anna shoots her portraits of wild swimmers. 

Find Anna here: https://www.instagram.com/wild...


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30 Apr 2021Water, Well being and Creativity00:05:39

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A few thoughts around water and how it links through my personal life, my well-being and into my creative work. Wild swimming as a way of healing and finding inspiration in my photography.

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18 Jun 2021Norma MacLeod, wild swimming on the Outer Hebrides00:29:17

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21 May 2021Kim Grant's passion for Scotland00:35:22

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In this episode, I chat with Kim Grant about how she came to be a full-time professional photographer after many years of photographing Scotland's landscape. 

Kim Grant is a landscape photographer who is passionate about sharing Scotland first and foremost.  She is known for her successful Youtube channel and we talk about how it has  allowed her to find her place in the world and find her own voice. Also about being one of the first UK female landscape photographers on youtube and how this is changing now. 

We touch on being an introvert and how Kim is able to show up constantly on camera and enjoy doing so.

Since recording this episode Kim has rebranded herself as 'Visualising Scotland' and the links have been updated to reflect this change

You can see Kim's YouTube channel here 

Kims' website can be found here:  https://visualisingscotland.co.uk/

Follow  Kim on Instagram @visualisingscotland


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25 May 2021Refinding your individual style00:05:21

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A few thoughts on finding our natural style. 

The biggest question in photography is how to find a style that is truly your own.  We can learn techniques and technicals - anyone can - but to have your own unique stamp on your creative style, to truly find your voice is the ultimate goal. 

The chances are extremely high that you already know your own style,  your voice . Or you did once  - when you were young. The problem is that we have all spent our lives unlearning our intuition and natural instincts. 

Opinions, demands of life, societies norms, what everyone else thinks, feeling not good enough all get in the way as we grow up. 

When you think of a 3 year old creating happily with boldness and enjoyment. They dont  worry about what anything else may think of their creation they simply enjoy that wonderfully creative process of throwing paint around.

As we grow this knocked out of us over and over in a gradual process. At home and school we are taught that mistakes are bad - but the reality is great artists are those that are willing to take risks, to stand out and be different. 

When you create, you create from the heart and therefore you lay yourself open to hurt. And those times where a teacher or a parent or peers laughed at your art or told you it was no good, cause deep scars. So we learn instead to blend in, to be liked   Until we no longer know what is real, what is inside of us.


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10 Jun 2021Simplifying choices00:04:24

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16 Jul 2021Paul Sanders on vunerability, perfectionism and mindful photography00:38:23

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Paul Sanders is a photographer who has a very special way of seeing the world. 

His beautifully calm B & W images come with a message that is deeper than just the images. Pauls's mindful approach to photography is both beautiful and very much needed in today's world. 

We chat about accessing vulnerability, channeling fears and anxieties without worrying about what other people think about you, and how this leads to more authentic work. 

Touching on Paul's motivations behind his images, including his thoughts and words used alongside his work. How his genre is not defined and he simply looks for beauty and enjoyment in his subject matter. We also touch on perfectionism, people-pleasing, making images for yourself, and finding your own path this way. And how his photography creates awareness around mental health. 

Paul also tells us about how the lockdown has provided space for his business: 'Still" to develop and evolve into mindful online workshops and how he was allowed to slow down and reflect over this time.

Find Paul, In his shed at the bottom of his garden

Alternatively, you can find him on Instagram
 
https://www.instagram.com/discover_still
or his website https://www.discoverstill.com/

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02 Jul 2021Lizzie Shepherd on travel, printing and book making00:28:24

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Lizzie Shepherd is a  photographer from North Yorkshire who specialises in landscape, nature, and travel photography. 

We chat about printing and Lizzie and Alex's book-making courses. Encouraging others to print and teaching the process of bookmaking. 

Considering thoughts around honeypot locations and how not to dismiss them but to find the beauty in these places and pick the times and place to visit. 

We also chat about Lizzie and Alex Hare's workshops which have been running for 10 years now and the locations that they have travelled to over the years.

https://www.instagram.com/lshepherdphoto

https://www.lizzieshepherd.com


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09 Jul 2021How to get out of a creative rut00:05:16

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A few thoughts of getting out of a creative rut in your art or photography.  

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08 Oct 2021Finn Hopson, Brighton gallery owner and sea swimmer00:43:52

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Finn Hopson is a photographer living in Brighton, creating images from  where the South Downs meets the sea. He also runs the Brighton photography gallery. We chat about shooting local and with a real connection to where you photograph. Finn's affinity with his subject and place is very marked and you can see this come through in the images. We touch on finding your style and meaning in your images and photographing simply because you want make those images. We talk through Finn's new swim images from Brighton beach and how these have formed a big part of his photographic collection.


https://www.finnhopson.com/

https://www.instagram.com/finnhop/

https://www.brightonphotography.com

https://www.instagram.com/brightonphotographygallery/

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19 Nov 2021Niall Meehan - making a photography business from sea swimming00:46:24

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Niall Meehan - making a photography business from sea swimming

Niall, who lives in Ireland and runs Sea Studio, produces limited edition prints from his early morning swims .  We chat about how he has successfully created a photography business from his passion and lifelong love of the sea. Balancing his graphic design business with launching the Sea Studio and learning photography as he went, Niall's impressive images ooze authenticity and a distinctive style which is rare to see. His open attitude towards his business is refreshing as he shares some of the ways he has made his business work - from sleek web design to PR and sales. You don't want to miss this one if you want to feel encouraged in your own photographic business. We also touch on sharing with others and how powerful that can be. A takeaway is Niall's phrase "I don't see it as competition, I see it as company." 

"My love of sea swimming and of image-making have become one, to the point where I don't know if I go for a swim and take photographs or go to take photographs that happen to be in the sea. 

What I do know is that I am continually inspired by the challenge to put two-dimensional form on the amorphic energy of the sea"

You can see Niall's  website here 

https://seastudio.ie/pages/about

Follow Niall on Instagram @niall_seastudio

https://www.instagram.com/niall_seastudio/

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23 Oct 2021Allison Davis book project Revealed at the Edge00:31:12

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Allison Davis a photographer from San Diego who recently made a book about photographing the west coast of America in 30 days during the pandemic. 

We chat about Allison's wedding career that was left in tatters, and how she very quickly decided to make use of the time she found herself with. "Actively pursuing a different story" 

She went on a 30-day solo trip to the west coast of America to photograph the coast and the resulting images were made into a beautiful coffee table book. Through wildfires, closures, and camping in her car for 30 days, she made the trip in the most cost-effective way given the circumstances. Revealed at the edge is the resulting book. 

We talk through the process of pursuing a Kickstarter as a way of funding the book . Allison is a very driven, talented, and delightful photographer who brought to life a beautiful book in difficult times. She is an inspiration to us all. 

Official Website: www.RevealedattheEdge.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/allisondavis.photography

Instagram: www.instagram.com/revealedattheedge

Wedding & Portrait Photography Website: www.AllisonDavisPhotography.com

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/revealedattheedge/west-coast

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06 Nov 2021KJ Nasrul on self care, compassion and the power of creativity00:31:53

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I chat with the amazing KJ Nasrul about the importance of creativity and making the space for it in our lives with intention;  on self-compassion and using creativity as a way of healing.  

We touch on KJ's thoughts on imposter syndrome and also how we speak to our children about creativity. 

Other talking points are around making creativity accessible, such as thinking of it like doodling as opposed to creating a mural. So much on this wonderful episode that will uplift you and encourage you to spend time on yourself and your own creativity. 


Connect With KJ
Website:https://BlissBeginsWithin.com
Podcast:https://storiesofastonishinglight.buzzsprout.com
Instagram:  https://instagram.com/musingsonother
and https://instagram.com/blissbeginswithin
Facebook: https://facebook.com/BlissBeginsWithin
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MusingsOnOther 

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24 Dec 2021Marianthi Lianas, cyanotypes and book making00:42:09

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Living by the beach on the Wirral Peninsula, Marianthi is inspired by the ebb and flow of the sea as well as the littoral landscape. Her absolute love of the sea is evident in all of her work .

After a creative crisis in 2016, she changed direction, put down her camera for a while and evolved her cyanotype process, producing amazing prints .  We explored the challenges involved in evolving creativity and the importance of failure and embracing it to move forward. 

We chat about how she has evolved the cyanotype process to have more of a contemporary twist.  She explains how she takes sheets of pre-coated paper on to the beach  in a light-sealed bag then uses the movement of the sea and sand to make permanent imprints. Sea water washes the chemicals away and every print is completely unique marking a moment in time!

Following a bookmaking course, Marianthi was excited to find a way of presenting her photographic work which had been languishing on her hard-drive. These bespoke, limited and completely hand-made books contain beautiful images.


Marinathi's website can be found here: 

https://marianthilainas.com/

Follow  Marinathi on instagram @marianthi_lainas

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Join Creative Haven here: creative-haven-membership

Quiet Landscapes website: https://www.quietlandscapes.co.uk/

Support me in my work spreading and encouraging creativity: ko-fi.com/margaretsoraya

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10 Dec 2021Alister Benn, Expressive Photography00:36:11

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Alister Benn lives on the West Coast of Scotland and founded Expressive Photography.  He started his career as a traditional landscape photographer, but over the last 15 years has transitioned to become an inspirational photographer and enthusiastic instructor.

He describes this transition as an epiphany and a life changing event and attributes his time in the Gobi desert to being the catalyst. It is fascinating to hear him tell us how this came about and how it influences his work today.

His passion is for individual creativity and expression and firmly believes we are all unique. Finding your passion is key,  He states creativity is difficult to teach - rather it is not predicable, but an exciting adventure!

Interestingly, he talks about the challenges of balancing creativity with running a business.  We have recently been propelled to working more on an online platform.  Listen to Alister's views on how social media affects us.   

Learn about Alister's concept of 5 triggers of engagement - luminosity, contrasts,  geometry, colour and atmosphere - truly a podcast not to be missed! He finds joy in all landscapes and advocates going in with no expectations and nature will not disappoint.

You can see Alisters  website here 

https://expressive.photography/






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07 Jan 2022Mark Cornick - Outdoor and abstract photographer00:34:19

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Although based in Surrey, Mark currently photographs the UK coastline producing truly stunning  images.  

A successful amateur photographer for the past 10 years, he has for the last 2-3 years been concentrating on creating abstract seascapes, colour photography and coastal images using techniques of ICM and multiple exposure. He explains how he balances 1 day per week for photography whilst holding down a full-time job in broadcasting.  Add to this mix family life with a small child and you can see why his story is captivating! 

Project management and organisation is key to Mark.  We chat about how he finds it essential to plan a structure for his photography rather than leaving to luck.  He encourages all to have a plan and build a body of work which could then, for instance, be taken forward in the form of an exhibition or a book.  Finding your style is at the heart of this.

Mark's passion for ICM is obvious from the joy and enthusiasm you hear in his voice when describing the process he uses. Listen in to hear how he created his really beautiful abstract seascapes Leviathans (Isle of Wight) and Fathom (Cornish Coast).

An equally talented urban photographer he says he is, for the moment, developing his passion for abstract seascapes and has learned to just, once again, enjoy the experience of photographing - a trip is not wasted if there is not a memory card full of great images at the end of a shoot!





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18 Feb 2022Emily Endeans ocean photography00:29:24

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Emily describes how she has turned her life-long passion for the ocean into a successful photography business. She loves to be out in nature and is addicted to incorporating this with her seascape, wedding, commercial and lifestyle work.

This obsession began as a 4-year-old child taking family photographs on the beach and in the forests.  She beautifully describes fond memories of being in the sea with her family,  jumping over the waves, having a good time, and warming up afterward with a drink from a hot flask!

Hengistbury Head is Emily's favourite beach and she is addicted to daily swims, capturing amazing sunrises and harnessing the energy of the water, setting her up for the day! The restrictions of the pandemic allowed her the time to really reconnect with the ocean and follow her passion for 'bringing permanence to fleeting moments'.  Her latest work is a new collection of 9 sunrises taken in the water.

Workshops also feature in Emily's business.  She loves teaching and believes in de-mystifying the technicalities of photography, encouraging clients to develop their 'eye' and experiment.

This is a  wonderful insight into Emily's lifestyle and her relaxed approached to business.

www.emilyendeanphotography.co.uk
www.instagram.com/emily_endean_photography
www.facebook.com/emilyendeanphotography

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