Focus On

WOMEN'S CASTLEFIELD PHOTOWALK | MANCHESTER
Join us for a relaxed, women-only photowalk exploring one of Manchester's most fascinating areas.
Castlefield is where old meets new. Cobblestones and canals sit beneath glittering skyscrapers, Roman ruins hide among modern architecture, and every corner offers a photograph waiting to happen.
Guided by photographer Sheenah Kershaw and local historian Carole O'Reilly, we'll wander through this wonderfully quirky part of the city, discovering hidden details, learning a little history and, most importantly, enjoying photography in good company.
This isn't just about taking pictures. It's about creativity, confidence and connection. Many women come along on their own and leave with new friends and photography buddies.
Suitable for all levels, whether you shoot with a phone, compact camera or professional kit.
Saturday 18 July
1.00pm to 3.00pm
Castlefield, Manchester
Expect:
• Canals, bridges and industrial heritage
• Stunning contrasts between historic and modern architecture
• Photography tips and inspiration
• A welcoming, supportive atmosphere
• Optional coffee and chat afterwards
Places are limited.
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/manchester-womens-castlefield-photowalk-tickets-1992811886999?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&_gl=1*15tt60b*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTE2NTcyOTkzNi4xNzgzOTcxMjM1*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3ODM5NzEyMzQkbzEkZzAkdDE3ODM5NzEyMzQkajYwJGwwJGgw

Want to have a go at street photography... but the thought of photographing strangers fills you with dread?
This is your way in.
We're hunting for colour.
Bright shop fronts. Neon signs. Bold outfits. Reflections. Umbrellas. Fruit stalls. Tiny colourful details you've probably walked past a hundred times without noticing.
Colour hunting takes away the fear and replaces it with curiosity. Before you know it, you'll be spotting great light, stronger compositions and those little moments that make street photography so addictive.
No expensive camera needed. Your phone is absolutely welcome.
Come and spend a relaxed couple of hours exploring Leeds in a completely different way. You'll never look at the city quite the same again.
Colour Hunting: A Street Photography Walk
Leeds Corn Exchange
Saturday 11 July
Book your place here:

Colour Hunting: A Street Photography Walk A creative photography workshop exploring colour, composition and street photography in the heart of Leeds.

GIVEAWAY! Free places up for grabs at this fabulous Focus ON women-only studio workshop on Sunday, 28th. A brilliant learning experience to master light in all its forms.
Drop a comment below if you'd like to attend.

If you haven't seen June's Newsletter yet, the link is below. It's packed with inspiration, this month's winner, community news, and a challenge that might just change the way you see the world around you.
https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/1926220/emails/189177903848621848

This is a very special event.
STUDIO CONFIDENCE (Women Only)
Light Space Leeds
3-hour studio taster + shoot + networking
Model included | Beginners welcome
Studio photography can feel intimidating.
Flash settings. Light stands. Confusing kit.
And that horrible feeling of walking into a professional space and thinking, “I don’t belong here.”
This session is here to change that.
Studio Confidence is a women-only studio taster and networking session designed to help you feel comfortable, capable, and inspired in a studio environment.
And we’re doing it at Light Space Leeds, a genuinely beautiful creative studio that feels more like a playground for photographers than a classroom. Modern, inspiring, and the perfect place to experiment.
No pressure. No judgement. No “everyone else knows what they’re doing” energy.
Just a relaxed studio space where you can learn the basics, ask questions, and actually have a go.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is a 3-hour guided studio experience with plenty of hands-on shooting time. We’ll cover:
• How studio lighting works (in plain English)
• Flash basics without the fear
• Simple portrait lighting setups that actually work
• How to use an infinity curve backdrop
• Natural light portrait tips
• How to direct a subject and pose confidently
• Mini creative challenges to help you experiment
YOU’LL HAVE THE CHANCE TO PHOTOGRAPH
• A professional model
• Other attendees (optional but brilliant practice)
• A still-life/creative setup for experimenting with light and shadow
Light Space Leeds gives us the best of both worlds: a clean infinity curve for studio portraits and a gorgeous natural light section for softer, lifestyle-style shooting.
WHO THIS IS FOR
This session is perfect if you:
• have never used a studio before
• feel nervous about lighting and flash
• want to try portraits but don’t know where to start
• want to meet other women photographers
• want to build confidence in a friendly environment
Beginners are more than welcome. You don’t need fancy kit. Just bring your camera and curiosity.
WHAT YOU’LL LEAVE WITH
By the end, you’ll have:
• a solid understanding of basic studio lighting
• practical experience photographing a model
• a confidence boost (the good kind)
• portfolio-worthy shots
• connections with other women photographers
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Studio hire at Light Space Leeds
• Guided tuition and lighting demos
• Professional model
• Natural light and studio setups
• Hands-on shooting time
• Friendly networking
• Tea/coffee and light snacks
If studio photography has been on your “one day…” list, this is your day.
Tickets are limited (studio numbers matter).
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/womens-studio-social-studio-photography-taster-networking-leeds-tickets-1986703979082?aff=ebdsoporgprofile&_gl=1*1y45po5*_up*MQ..*_ga*NTQxMTQ3NzYwLjE3Nzg2OTYzNDM.*_ga_TQVES5V6SH*czE3Nzg2OTYzNDIkbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzg2OTYzNDIkajYwJGwwJGgw

MAY PHOTO CHALLENGE + £150 GIVEAWAY
It’s National Photography Month, so we’re kicking things off with our first Focus On challenge… FOCUS ON… LIGHT
To enter: join the Focus On Photographers Facebook group and post your photo (or up to 3) during May.
Prize bundle worth £150:
Workshop place for two
Mini mentoring session
Wex Photo Video voucher
Closes 24th May | UK only
Winner announced in June newsletter!

Leeds Architecture Workshop: Old + New
What a day. Leeds absolutely delivered, and so did the group of talented photographers with brilliant eyes for detail.
This workshop was all about seeing differently.
I went minimal with my own shots, stripping it back to colour and geometry.
If you fancy joining us on a future workshop or photowalk, I’ve got loads coming up across Yorkshire and Cumbria.
Want first dibs on new dates + early bird tickets?
Sign up to the Focus On newsletter here: https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/1926220/171335071378179700/share