The October Student of the Month is Jan Peach-Allen, who turned their grief after the loss of their husband into a new passion. It’s amazing the ways in which photography can connect people and make you feel close to someone even after they have passed away. We sat down with Jan Peach-Allen to learn more about their photography journey and what keeps them coming back to capture new images.

My husband, Steven, was always interested in photography and a few years ago I bought him a DSLR camera for Christmas. After he passed away in December 2018 I was going through his possessions and I found the camera. I tried taking photos but really didn’t know how to use it, so in August this year, I booked myself on the beginners’ class.

(c) Jan Peach-Allen

Ion taught me so much and was so enthusiastic that I felt inspired to try to put into practice what I had learned. I took photos of anything and everything I could; after work and at weekends. There were some real disasters, but I kept practising and sharing photos for feedback. Ion’s comments and advice really helped me improve.

(c) Jan Peach-Allen

Looking at other students amazing photos also inspires me to want to improve. In October I attended the advanced class, which was brilliant, and gave me a lot more to practice. I plan to do some workshops when I can as I know there is so much more I need and want to learn.

(c) Jan Peach-Allen

Sometimes you set off on a journey and just see where the road takes you, that is what I am doing with photography. I hope Steven would have been proud of what I am trying to do.

(c) Jan Peach-Allen