Fostering mental wellbeing through creativity
Helping my shutterbugs to fly!
Indulge your passion for creativity and explore photography and art with a professional by your side. Photography Adventures and art sessions improve mental health and confidence, encourage independence and nurture creativity… You’re also rewarded with awesome photos and artworks too!
“I just want to say that Corinna has been a fantastic mentor to my son since she started working with him. He looks forward to their photography adventures and outings to different locations. His photography has really taken off to the point where he had his first solo photography exhibit at Hyphen Wodonga and finished in the top 20 in the 2022 junior photographer of the year. ”
– Kylie
About Creative Mentoring Sessions
Sure you can pick up a camera or smartphone to take awesome photos but did you know that photography AND art can be used to improve communication, confidence, and mental health, encourage independence, and nurture creativity?
My Creative Mentoring Shutterbugs not only take part in their sessions but they also play a big part in planning them too! We discuss what interests they have, and from there, decide where to go and what to do.
Being out in the fresh air, walking around, taking pictures talking and being creative is a great distraction to improve mental health and get some exercise without out even realising it. I am with my shutterbugs the whole time encouraging creative ideas and scenarios. Having someone there to validate our ideas or just be a support when we aren’t in our comfort zone can help nurture creativity and improve independence and confidence.
Where Do We Go To Get Creative?
Locations are dependent on what you are interested in. We can start in my studio or somewhere close to home and familiar till we get to know each other and then venture out further. Or we can start further. If it is raining we can take advantage of the weather with rainy day photos/art or do something creative inside either at your home or in my studio.
Previous locations have included:
“Go and see Heaven & Earth Photography, they are excellent. My son enjoys his weekly sessions and is learning all the time, increasing his skill set and confidence and having fun.”
– Elizabeth
About Corinna
My name is Corinna Anne and I am a creative mentor, photographer and artist located in Wodonga, Victoria. Photography and art has been my special interest for more than 10 years and I love working with people who also have an interest in photography and art.
“My daughter loves working with Corinna, her confidence has improved, and she loves going to different places and being creative with her camera. Corinna is encouraging, supportive and patient, is quick with ideas and gently prompts when necessary.”
– Sarah
Do you tell me what to photograph/create?
Not at all! These sessions are about my shutterbugs and are run for the most part by them. There is no point in making someone work towards something they aren’t interested in, that is no fun for either of us. I can prompt when ideas slow and give direction and suggestions about different angles, light and techniques, but it is up to my shutterbug what they take a photo of/create and how. This is their journey
How can photography and art help communication and well-being?
Great question! Photography and Art gets you out of the house and in the fresh air and sunshine; observing the beauty of nature and getting inspiration is a fantastic exercise for the body and mind. Afterwards looking back at the beautiful photos you’ve taken or artworks you’ve created is a rewarding feeling, giving a boost to your mental health.
I have limited mobility, can I still be a shutterbug?
Of course, you can! I don’t have wheelchair transport but as long as you do I am able to meet you at the location for your session or we can work from my studio in Wodonga. Depending on your physical limitations we can discuss the best way to work within them.
Can I charge your services to my NDIS Plan?
A. Yes! you can use my services as part of your NDIS plan using the following codes:
- 04_103_0125_6_1 Social and community participation budget.
- 09_006_0106_6_3 Increased social and community activities
Do you charge per session?
Sessions are invoiced at the end of the scheduled session. Each shutterbug session is a minimum of 3 hours long. My rate is $67.56 per hour (My rate is matched to the NDIS social and community participation rates for NDIS participants and non and includes petrol)
Do I have to be an NDIS participant?
Not at all! Though many of my shutterbugs are NDIS participants you don’t have to be.
I love the lego photography that I have seen, but I don’t have much. Do I have to buy more?
The great thing about lego photography is that it doesn’t have to be expensive! We can look at the lego that you have and I also have a collection that you can use.
What happens if you don’t have availability throughout the week when I do?
I have a waiting list that you can join. Shutterbug sessions are scheduled in advance and are weekly, so I will be in touch when an opening becomes available.
What if I don’t own a fancy camera or have much art equipment?
Don’t let that stop you. If you have a camera on your phone, that is a great way to start!
I also have a digital camera available too that you can use for the session at no extra cost if you prefer.
As for art sessions, all materials are included in the cost.
Do I need experience in photography or with a camera?
No experience is necessary. We can begin at whatever level you are at, and grow from there. If you’re interested in photography you’re a perfect fit to become a shutterbug.
What if I’m not creative?
You don’t have to be super creative at all! Your sessions are planned and designed specifically for you – and with you. If you aren’t interested in abstract or creative photography we can stick to more realistic subjects. Or if you are interested in a little creativity but aren’t creative, then I have enough creativity and ideas for both of us. The same goes for my art sessions as well!
Do you work with nonverbal people?
Yes! I have worked with a few nonverbal shutterbugs. We all communicate in our own way and part of being a shutterbug is learning to use photography as a tool for expressing ourselves!
Are your sessions suitable for everyone?
Not everyone is a great fit for a shutterbug session. For someone to be a successful shutterbug, they need to have:
- An interest in photography and/or art
- A willingness to get out and about in the community.
- Capacity to contribute ideas for the locations and subject matters for their artworks/photos
- The ability to improve their photography and art skills by following directions and suggestions.
Are you a registered NDIS provider?
I have a lived experience with Autism and have an understanding of the NDIS world, but I’m not a registered NDIS provider, I am a small business owner, offering mentoring to those with an interest in photography and art, to improve mental health and well being the best way I know how.
What is a Shutterbug?
My Shutterbugs are the people I work with. I don’t like the words client or participant, (I think they sound harsh and too clinical), so I came up with a different way to describe who I am referring to. My creative mentoring is more than just mentor-learner, I want to help make my shutterbugs (both photography and art related) feel like they are part of a special community.
What If I can’t make it to my session?
I understand that life pops up and things change, however, as your sessions are booked in advance and kept exclusively for your use, payment is required if you haven’t cancelled your session with at least 7 days’ notice. Additional details are outlined in your Service Agreement so that you can refer back to them if you ever need to cancel.
What if I cannot complete a full session?
Sometimes shutterbugs have an off day, get super tired, or simply need a break before we reach the end of your allocated session. And that’s OK. However, all shutterbug sessions are scheduled and invoiced for your allocated 3-hour window.
When are the sessions held?
Shutterbug sessions are 3 hours long and I run 2 sessions a day, Mondays to Thursdays.
Morning Sessions run from 9 am – 12 noon, and Afternoon Sessions run from 1 pm – 4 pm.
Do you have working with Children checks?
I currently hold both NSW and VIC working with children’s checks.