Rediscovering My Creative Passion at the Creative Light Festival

(Margaret's Round up) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enBaCoiE3Bo)
I had the incredible opportunity to lead a workshop and give a talk at the Creative Light Festival organized by the talented Margaret Soraya. But before delving into that experience, let's rewind to where it all began.

Since 2018, my love for photography and creativity had been waning. Photographing weddings had drained me of all my energy, leaving me feeling uninspired and exhausted. It was during a trip to the Faroe Islands with the brilliant photographer Scott Johnson that I voiced my dilemma. We were discussing my predicament in the car when he posed a thought-provoking question, "If I put a gun to your head and made you choose between weddings and landscape photography, what would you choose?" Without hesitation, I replied, "Landscape."

This conversation forced me to reflect deeply. However, it wasn't until the pandemic hit and weddings were postponed indefinitely that I found myself with a rare gift—free time with my family. I realized that without the burden of weddings, I could reignite my passion for landscape photography. But to my dismay, my creativity seemed to have vanished. Despite the ample opportunity, I was unable to capture the magic I once felt behind the lens.

Curiously, during this time, I rediscovered my love for fitness. Prior to photography, I had trained to be a fitness instructor, and the idea of returning to that path excited me. Encouraged by my personal trainer, I contemplated whether to dedicate this newfound free time to improving my landscape photography or embarking on a two-year college program to become a personal trainer.

Indecision plagued me, so I resorted to a coin toss. The fickle coin determined that I would return to college, and so I did. I made the decision to stop taking wedding bookings and focused my attention on my studies.

Fast forward two years, and I found myself with only four weddings left on my calendar but also with a flourishing fitness coaching business. However, there remained a void in my life—a sense of longing for my creative side that I couldn't ignore.

In 2021, during a ferry ride to the Isle of Lewis/Harris with Margaret Soraya, she shared her plans to organize a creative festival. As we conversed, I planted some seeds of ideas in her mind. A year later, Margaret had successfully brought together 50 creatives at Pullmally House in Drumnadrochit for a three-day event.

Margaret approached me and asked if I would lead a group to Glen Affric for a morning and also give a talk. While I felt comfortable with the workshop, the idea of giving a talk was nerve-wracking. Who was James Kelly among this talented lineup of photographers and artists? I felt like a nobody, with only a handful of people in the audience knowing me.

Two days before the event, I had a breakthrough for my talk—an unconventional therapy session. I shared my idea with Margaret, and I could see the doubt on her face. She must have been questioning her decision to allow me to take the stage.

Standing before the group, which included esteemed photographers and artists who had stayed to listen, I introduced my talk as a therapy session. I played the role of the patient, and those in attendance were the therapists. Of course, it was all in good fun.

I revealed that I had lost all motivation for photography. I had become lethargic and uninterested, rarely picking up my camera unless absolutely necessary. I encouraged the audience to engage with me and suggest ways to reignite my creativity and motivation.

For a few moments, no one raised their hand. I jokingly threatened to pick on individuals if they didn't participate. Slowly, hands started to rise—one, then two, then

And for those who spoke/lead workshops, Thank you.

Margaret soraya (I am grateful for all the opportunities you have given me), 

Lesley Lintott (Such a brilliant photographer and amazing with people), 

Kimberly Jane (KJ) (You have such a calming and beautiful soul)

Bill Ward (who was possibly the nicest person I have met), 

Paul Sanders (with his calming and inspiring talk), 

Mark Littlejohn (Thank you for taking the time to chat on the last night), 

Charlotte bellamy (I loved my time in the woods learning about ICM & double exposure),

and to the amazing guests, who were a pleasure to chat and joke with.

Enjoy.