Go somewhere familiar, a place you think you already know, or have visited several times to take photos. When you arrive, take the photograph you always take there. You know the one! Then put the camera away and sit for 30 minutes. Don’t look for pictures. Just notice the light, the sounds, what moves and what doesn’t. Let the place get under your skin. Only then pick up the camera. You’re not trying to take a better version of your usual shot. You’re looking for what you’ve been walking past all these years. It may turn out to be the same view, but seen differently. Take a maximum of twelve frames at most, including the first. Post your first and last images only, with a line or two on what changed. Dress for it and pick your moment. If the weather’s foul, a parked car, a cafe window or a porch all count, as long as you stay put and give it the full 30 minutes.

Hi, I'm Richard. I spent over 30 years selling lighting before I ever picked up a camera properly. Different trade, same obsession really — how light changes how you feel. That question never left me: what do you want the viewer to feel? Most of you don't need another lesson on exposure. I've done enough portfolio reviews to know that. You already know your camera better than half the people calling themselves photographers online. What's usually missing isn't skill, it's direction — a reason the shot exists beyond "it looked nice." So that's what this group is. Once a month I'll set a focus — a theme, a constraint, something to shoot toward. You post the work, I'll give it a proper look, and so will everyone else here. No vague "lovely shot" comments, no gear chat. Just honest, constructive feedback aimed at helping you work out what you're actually trying to say. I'll be posting my own stuff too, and I'd welcome the same honesty in return Introduce yourself below — where you shoot, what's got you stuck, what you're hoping changes here. I read every one. Glad you're here. — Richard

If you already know your camera but want to find what you're actually trying to say with it, you're in the right place. Each month I set a creative focus — something to shoot toward — and you post your work here for honest, constructive feedback. I'll be doing the same with mine. We also meet live once a month: first Tuesday, 7:30pm UK time, one hour, image review and Q&A. Recorded if you can't make it. One question runs through everything here: what do I want the viewer to feel? Start asking it, and everything else — settings, gear, technique — becomes a means to an end rather than the point itself. The full walkthrough (including ground rules) is in the Classroom under Start Here — worth a read before you post. Introduce yourself below: where you shoot, what's got you creatively stuck, what you're hoping changes here. I read every one. Glad you're here. — Richard