Kathryn Chapman – My coaching experience with Clare Louise’s Creating Creativity® coaching programme
Why did you choose Clare Louise’s Creating Creativity® coaching programme?
I had been looking for a 1-2-1 coach for years and hadn’t really been clear on what I was looking for – I just knew I’d know when I found the right person. I went to Clare Louise’s masterclass at the 2018 SWPP Conference and was blown away by her originality, her incredible work and most of all who she was – a powerful individual who was not afraid to be vulnerable, share her story and, as a result, inspire me to strive to be my ‘more’ and step up my creativity. I had been so immersed in the journey she took us on that day, that I left not wanting to attend another workshop as I needed to let everything she said sink in and process. I knew I’d found the person I wanted to learn from, but I had no idea that the journey would be life-changing.
How long did you work with Clare Louise?
I have been working with CL for 6 months – I’ve had in-depth telephone sessions, follow-up calls, shooting 1-2-1’s and attended her first Shooting With Soul workshop. I hope to be learning more from her for years to come – her energy and fierce creative force is powerful to be around.
What about in between the sessions ?
In between the sessions I have been really touched by CL’s generosity – she will always take the time to be encouraging and respond to my questions and offer advice. She continues to be very supportive and inspirational.
When did you start to see the benefits?
I saw the benefits straight away – she helped prepare me for a very difficult shoot I’d been thinking about for around 6 months before we met. It was the start of an on-going self-portrait project where I needed to access some very difficult emotions. CL helped me to get into the right head-space, know when to stop shooting and when to continue and what that would add to the gallery. I was very nervous about sharing the images with her, as I found them hard to look at, but I was overwhelmed with her compassion and understanding. This was huge for me – I felt relieved and validated which gave me the confidence to move on to what was next for me.
What else did you explore?
We have also explored other aspects of my project including my inner saboteur and inner voice (lots of roaring and shouting!) – this has been very liberating.
What was the biggest value?
The biggest value has been finding me. This was when everything changed in my work.
What was the biggest impact?
Finally finding the freedom of expression through photography. Finding my fire to be fully who I am and the confidence to develop new ways to work with models and clients to create imagery with more authenticity and emotion. I’m now submitting work for exhibitions and competitions which I previously would never have done.
What would you tell others about Clare Louise’s Creating Creativity® coaching programme?
It’s by far the best thing I have done in my professional career – the fact that it has also been life-changing was amazing. CL has incredible intuition, knowing exactly how far she needs to push people. She is challenging and warm and has been a total gift to me and my work. CL helped with my confidence and believed in me way before I did. She met my vulnerability and fear with respect and empathy. She helped me to be brave by providing a safe space to be myself in and she drew things out of me that I didn’t know were there. She kept the focus on our reason for working together when I probably would have put it on the back burner – I now have the courage to continue by myself. I can’t recommend her highly enough. In fact, if you are thinking about using CL, feel free to drop me an email here I’d be delighted to answer any questions you might have.
