In a time when the world is full of negativity I think it’s important to express what gives us hope. I believe that women are funny, sensitive, thoughtful, nuturing and much much more! We are brave, savvy, and enterprising but most of all our caring spirit can heal most woes. There is no doubt that life can be tough right now but if we take small steps filled with hope each day things can only get better.

So what gives Elaine hope? “It is hope that has help me seize the moment and take the inward journey towards finding my authentic self. A journey that coninues to be full of scary truths, hard decisions, tears but best of all great friendships, unbelievable opportunities and a future that I can only dare to dream about”

Workshops are delivered in different inspiring locations which offer a wealth of opportunity to capture fabulous images. Scrumpitous Sunday lunches at handpicked restaurants across the northwest are included. The lunches give a chance to chill-out and receive feedback on how your work is progressing.

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Participants attending this course were not only enhancing their own photography skills, but also helping other women. All profits were used to fund further arts training for women from disadvantaged backgrounds, Insight Photography’s sister company, the social enterprise “Arts for Women”.

In addition students were encouraged to give a percentage of monies from the sale of their work to a charity of their choice.

The Project encouraged the young people who previously had no voice in their ccommunity to share their stories and identities with their neighbours locally and Internationally. The project helped individuals visualise and express the different aspects of their daily lives. These workshops culminated in an exhibition where the whole community were invited.

My World My Story left the skills and equipment to enable the participants to record their culture and everyday life for future generations. These skills will also enable them to take the lead role in shaping their future and also to raise interest in and awareness of photography in general.

I these challenging times it is imperative that we express our common human experience to ensure that we promote empathy and understanding of these culturally distant communities and bridge the gap between the ethnic, gender and class divide.

All the images below were taken by the participants

The project was funded by Liverpool Capital of Culture & European Social fund and run in partnership with Insights sister company and social enterprise Arts for Women.

This was a very powerful experience for many of the women involved, and as a direct result of this project some of the women were inspired to go onto further education, setup a social enterprise. For other participants it opened the door to art in their local community.