The Help for Heroes (H4H) Recovery Centre in Colchester recently held its very first photography course; and it might just be the new focus that participants needed.
The pilot course was open to those within the Band of Brothers and Band of Sisters; a H4H scheme that offers fellowship, support and a listening ear to the loved ones of Veterans and Service Personnel who have suffered a permanently life-limiting or career-ending injury or illness during or attributable to service.
40-year-old Enise Davis from Suffolk signed up to be a Band of Sister when her serving husband got involved with H4H following a career changing injury.
She really enjoyed the course:
“The course really took us back to basics. Rather than focusing on the technical aspects of a camera it allowed me to explore the creativity of a shot. I’ve learnt to take a photo just for me and not snap things which I know will please others. I look at things differently now; even when I go for a short walk I notice all the different colours. In particular I like talking photos of the landscape”.
She continued: “I had a camera from a young age and enjoyed taking photos. I brought my husband a camera a few years back for his birthday but it remained unused as I wasn’t quite sure how to use it. I now take it out all the time and I find myself being quite technical with the camera without even realising it. It’s certainly given me a new hobby and something relaxing to enhance my wellbeing. Who knows, maybe one day I might take it up professionally, but for now I’m just enjoying learning a new skill”.
The course was run by 59-year-old Janus van Helfteren who owns Van Cols Photography in Colchester. The business was started by his parents and now employs nearly 100 people. Janus, who wanted to give something back to the community in which he’s been trading in for so long, recognises the therapeutic benefit of photography:
