About the Artist

I am passionate about my life and commit myself to living it as richly as possible. I want to learn and connect more intimately with the natural environment, other people and myself. I am fascinated by ‘the unseen’ and open myself to the mysteries of life that are not truly understood. In 2005 I had my first photographic exhibition at the QCP in Brisbane and have exhibited regularly throughout Australia. My photographic practice includes prints, sculptures and artist books.

For many of us, expressing our creativity is as important as breathing. No matter what stage you are in your life or photo-media interest or career, there are times when a fresh way of seeing and connecting with the world is needed. When we listen with our eyes we are actually connecting with a deeper part of who we are. When we become more attuned to our senses and emotions we develop greater awareness of not only our surroundings, but of ourselves. In doing this, we allow new ideas to develop, our creativity flourishes, and we have a clearer idea of what we want to say through our images. Our expression through these images which speak more clearly, not only stimulates inquiry and enriches our own understanding; but for others, has the potential to be a powerful catalyst for this as well.

Through my inspirational workshops and mentoring programmes I can assist and guide you to creating more expressive images.

In my workshops you will be able to:

• Learn how to objectively evaluate your images.
• Learn how to identify and evaluate elements you intend to photograph.
• Learn how to connect more with and express the intrinsic value of what you intend to photograph.
• Learn how to develop practices which support developing your own creativity and the vision you want to convey through your photographic images.
• Learn skills to create images which together form a cohesive unit or body of work which expresses a theme or concept for examination, inquiry or reflection.

Teaching Style

I have been teaching since I was an adolescent, and have an ability to not only impart knowledge, but to nurture and guide others to find their own knowledge from within themselves. I have formally taught Physical Education, Swimming, Yoga and Meditation, Photography and have informally taught other interests I have learned myself, some of which are bodywork, hand-spinning, and papermaking using plant fibres. I am continually exploring the expression of my connection with the world through my photographs, and recognise I have an ability to be able to help others do this as well. I am presently teaching and mentoring in the field of Photo-media.

“Julie Stephenson is an amazing teacher who will help you to more effectively say what you want to through your photographic images through her "Hearing through the Eyes" workshops and private mentoring. In her workshops you will be inspired.”

Testimonials

Julie, I can’t stop thinking about your wonderful workshop. In explaining and exploring the tools you require for the creative process you have given me confidence to pursue my ideas. In addition to my current photography I will be going back over some old photographs with a new eye, to hear and to play. David

Invaluable, in depth tuition in rediscovery/discovering a purpose to making my photography more personal, more joyful for me and interesting/challenge to others. GE

Thanks for your comments and encouragement on the workshop on Saturday 16 October, Julie. I greatly enjoyed the time in the sessions and took much away from it, as I am sure all the participants did. This has encouraged me to more clearly identify and articulate what I want to say through my photography. As you suggest a project about something special to me could help with this, as well as a willingness to push my boundaries. Already I have 1 or 2 initial project ideas to build on. Once again, thanks for your inspiration and guidance. Ken

Hi Julie – I quite like your creative process guides to help me express what I want to say through the photography medium. No f-stops, no shutter speeds , just my own scary “self” to deal with. I’ll have another avenue to improve my photographic skills – look inwards. Using my emotional response to the image and develop my photo from there is a useful concept I can take on board. Thank you. Brian

The workshop has the capacity to assist the reflection process so well. RM

The workshop has pulled together so many strands on my photography that have existed too much in isolation.

Julie, you offered us your workshop “Hearing Through the Eyes”. You helped me to reaffirm to myself that I had stopped ‘playing’ which is what I had always said that I was doing. I said right from the start of my photography that I wasn’t taking photos, I was just playing. You have made me realise its importance and that if I want to break out of the doldrums I should get out and ‘play’ more. That and being instantly ‘in the moment’ to be more productive on a photoshoot. Ross