Photo Alchemy
We are a socially engaged photography teaching partnership committed to using the power of visual storytelling to connect, empower, and inspire communities. Through inclusive dynamic workshops and collaborative projects, we work with people of all ages and backgrounds, exploring a wide range of social, cultural, and personal themes.
Our approach is rooted in participation and creativity. Our workshops are fun, accessible and hands-on, offering a mix of digital, analogue and alternative photography.
Photography-based courses can be devised as one-off or multiple creative sessions, including long-term community partnerships enabling groups and individuals to shape and share their unique stories.
Working with groups
Nicola Stead (BA Hons Photography) and Steve Elliott (MA Photography) have extensive experience teaching photography at multiple levels, both individually and –more recently – together in a collaborative, two-tutor format.
This team-teaching approach has proven especially effective in mixed-ability groups, as it allows learners to progress at their own pace while keeping the whole group aligned with the goals of each project.
By sharing the delivery, we can offer more individual support, foster creative exploration, and maintain a strong sense of group cohesion. We actively encourage individuals within groups to share knowledge and collaborate with one another to develop confidence and communication skills.
Who we are
Nicola Stead is a socially engaged artist, facilitator and educator based in Glasgow. Engaging with local communities, people and their stories are at the heart of her work.
Nicola recently won the BJP Portrait of Britain Award, with her winning portrait displayed across the UK as part of a nationwide public exhibition. Nicola’s work has also been exhibited in the Royal Scottish Academy, Streetlevel Photoworks, Visual Arts Scotland and the Glasgow Women’s Library, as well as being published nationally in The Guardian and Source Magazine.
Nicola teaches photography across a range of settings, from community-based arts projects to further and higher education.
Steve Elliott is a freelance photographer who has successfully transitioned much of his practice from commercial assignments into the community arts and education sector.
Over the past year, he has played a leading role in a Heritage Lottery-funded project, delivered on behalf of an organisation supporting clients with assisted needs. Steve managed and curated this multidisciplinary project while simultaneously facilitating photography workshops tailored to participants’ abilities and interests.
Having studied and completed a Masters degree in Photography with Falmouth University, Steve has gained an in-depth understanding of issues around ‘agency’ and ‘power dynamics’ in photography – important when working in community arts or with vulnerable groups.
Steve is an associate member of The Royal Photographic Society (RPS).
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Work
Typically, we collaborate directly with community arts-based charities and organisations that are eligible for funding. This partnership helps make arts opportunities – like our photography courses – accessible to people within the local community.
Photo Alchemy itself does not seek direct funding, as our focus is on delivering hands-on courses. However, we are happy to support and advise organisations interested in applying for funding for photography-based projects.
What and how do we charge?
Our fees are in line with current Scottish Artists Union (SAU) rates.
We provide fully costed quotations in advance, and invoice directly after short projects, or on a monthly basis for ongoing projects.
What is our availability?
Please contact us via email with your requirements and we will come back to you ASAP.
Important safeguarding and legal information.
We take client safeguarding extremely seriously and consider PVG certification to be standard practice when working with any organisation. We are fully committed to creating safe, respectful, and inclusive environments for all participants.
We are also happy to work within your organisation’s specific safeguarding, equality, and diversity policies, and welcome any relevant guidance or procedures you wish to share.
We carry full professional public liability insurance.
