Alicja Pyszka-Franceschini

A winning entry in the Rolls-Royce Photographic Society Contest won by Alicja Pyszka-Franceschini

I’ve been sitting here for a couple of hours trying to write this newsletter. Truth be told, I have never written a newsletter before and reaching out to people is not a common practice of mine, albeit I would like to make it regular and I hope you will find this newsletter not only informative but also enjoyable. 

I am writing to you because you know me in some capacity or other, be it as a language teacher, a photographer, a writer, a coach or a volunteer, or a blogger and communicating from multiple sites and positions has become quite cumbersome for me and I feel it’s time to integrate them in one place and reach you from a new platform. You you do not wish to receive these emails, just email me back.

Over the last year, I have been trying to create A Credible Dreamer – my aim was to show that a migrant mother can reach her dreams in the UK, be it artistic, linguistic or entrepreneurial. I feel the year was an interchangeable stretch of ups and collapses, voiced needs and voiceless screams, burnt opportunities and soothing wins. But the story progresses, and A Credible Dreamer as a start-up emerges from overwhelming dystopian circumstances to a soothing and creative reality. 

These are the things that you may expect in the future from me:

• photography
• guidance on creative projects
• creative workshops that strengthen mental health and resilience
• coaching and mentoring opportunities
• lessons on photography and family communication
• competitions, community, growing together
• courses
• wall art

But in order to serve people’s needs well, I would like to invite you to take part in any of these focus groups:

1. Photography and Family Communication (Zoom only)
2. Photography and Mental Strength (Zoom or In-Person) 
3. Portrait – Outdoor and Studio (In-Person) 
4. Creativity Coaching (Zoom or In-Person)
5. Small and Large Photography Projects
6. Experimental Photographic Methods.

The aim of these focus groups is to check and find out how well I can anticipate and reach your needs. The focus groups will involve interviews online and a practical taster session followed by feedback. I would like from 8 to 10 people per group and I would greatly appreciate your support. If you happy to participate, just email: info@acredibledreamer.com text me on Facebook or Instagram, or call me on (0044) 01332 769 335. The focus groups will be taking place at different parts of the year, and I will launch them as soon as a group of 10 forms. You will be informed by email about the timings, and dates, etc. Each group will need a day. 

On another note. 

Together In The UK and A Credible Dreamer launched a Soothing Photography Competition. You can submit your entry here (http://tgiuk.org/). The competition will be judged by three distinguished photographers: Stewart Wall, the Regional RPS organiser for East Middlands and First Chair of the new Distinction Photo- books Distinction, who specializes in lengthy documentary and street photography and has been working as a press photographer, Alex Benyon who is a mental health advocate and a wedding photographer as well as Rehmat Rayatt, a photographer, filmmaker and a Yoga teacher. There are great prizes to win, among them family photoshoots, photobooks as well as photography workshops and courses, so do join us.

Exhibition

November was dedicated to mental health and I made a photographic display, 7 pictures stationed on large wooden easels placed on the bridge, at Derby train station. Two pieces of my work are displayed below. I was very moved by an incredibly welcoming attitude from the workers of Network Rail and special support of Paul Mobbs the manager at the train station. When one is a mum, looking after one’s mental health is very difficult, but to soothe our children we must learn to soothe ourselves. We must share our struggles to lift ourselves up daily to love and responsibility. I felt I had to close my memories in the frames in order to offload a little bit and create more space for joy. Sometimes it’s the only way to remain sane, that is why I invite you to take part in the focus group on photography and mental strength and enjoy the benefits of framing and re framing our thoughts and pasts. I was also very happy to present my poem ‘And When I will be Weak’ at Derby Train Station on Remembrance Day and contribute two pieces of art work to the Poppy Appeal.

As a photographer I draw a lot of inspiration from children stories and illustrations, and I will be going live with Iza from Czytamy po polsku (We are reading in Polish) on Friday, 17^th December, at 9:30 to talk about books and illustrations.

Next will I will be also interviewing Alex Benyon and the video will go live soon.

And the final note, we have just finished our first Coaching and Photography pilot and I was working with the wonderful Leyla Deshkevich and here is her snapshot of her Photography and Coaching package. If you would like to book one for yourself, just get in touch. The package is currently priced at £349.00 and involves 6 coaching sessions plus an outdoor photoshoot.

Stay tuned.

Keep well and stay safe.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Alicja