Photography Lessons for Young People

My Story

I'm Josie, the founder of Folk and Film and, soon, The Loft. I'm a Family and Wedding Photographer who has shot in some pretty incredible places such as Jamaica, Spain and Italy, and now I'm following my heart and opening a studio to teach.

My childhood was spent growing up in Ashford, Kent, where I was born in the early 1990s. I was a very creative and ambitious child and would regularly "go to work" taking an old briefcase and a camera out into the garden to sit and look at trees through the viewfinder - yes, I was disappointed when I learnt there was more to work than that! When I left school with a bedroom full of art awards and vintage cameras, I followed my passion and started a career in.. the military. Yes, straight into the army at 16 which, to be honest, was awesome.

After the birth of my first son, Finley, in 2013, I decided to leave the army in 2014 and revisit my love of photography. I quickly found my passion for it again and started my business, Folk and Film, photographing families and weddings. I felt like I had found my true calling in life and began to flourish as a person. Working in photography is a wonderfully rewarding, enjoyable and worthwhile job that allowed me to support my family, travel the world, work the hours I choose and make my own success. 

Very excitingly, I have taken a lease on a studio space. It's a wonderful, creative space full of light. Quite simply - it's perfect for teaching.

"Why?"

I wouldn't be where I am in life if it wasn't for photography. I grew up in a single parent household where university was never an option. I left school with no qualifications and still only have basic English, Maths and ICT qualifications that I gained in the army. When I left the army, the careers advisor actually told me my only option was stacking shelves in a supermarket. I proved her wrong because I was even turned down for that - I couldn't get a job. I then picked up a camera and started my own business. Photography isn't an easy skill to learn or an easy business to build but that's the point of The Loft - I want to make it easy for everyone. I simply want to give young people a skill that gives them another option.

What to expect when we open

I hope to open The Loft in early April 2022.

Photography classes and workshops for young people will run throughout half terms with a summer school running during the summer holidays. An exhibition will be held to display the student's images.

Other creatives will be invited in to host their own workshops for people of all ages - think wreath making, calligraphy, cake decoration etc. They'll be something for everyone in the local community.

We'll also be well stocked up on coffee, tea and cake so feel free to pop by! 

Not for profit

Photography lessons for young people will not be for profit. Every penny will be reinvested back into improving lessons and teaching materials.  I will never profit from this particular side of my business.

Your donations

With your help we will be able to invest in a few pieces of essential equipment for running our studio. 

• 4 x DSLR Camera. This will allow us to loan out entry level cameras to young people who don't have one while they're learning at The Loft. I don't want personal situations to hold anyone back.
• 2 x conference tables. The more the merrier but we need enough places for everyone with plenty of space to spread out learning materials.
• Plenty of chairs.
• Learning Resources. Workbooks, pens, pencils, reading materials, manuals etc.
• Refreshments such as snacks, drinks and, depending on costs, a hot lunch each day for each young person.

Rewards

To thank you for your donations, I've come up with some tempting rewards.