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- Jan 1
- 4 min read
As one year quietly closes and another begins, there’s a natural pause—a moment to look back at what shaped us and forward to what we’re carrying into what’s next. January always feels like a fresh roll of film or a blank canvas: full of possibility, light not yet fixed, surfaces waiting for marks to be made. At Lenses & Brushes, the new year isn’t about resolutions as much as intention—what we choose to notice, what we create space for, and what we bring with us into the months ahead. This January, I’m inviting our community to reflect, create, and begin again—together.
What’s New This Year at Lenses & Brushes
As we step into the new year, I’m excited to share a few additions that have been thoughtfully shaped by this community—by the conversations, curiosity, and creativity I see in the studio every week. These offerings are about connection, consistency, and creating more ways to show up for your creative practice, that might be trying something for the first time or returning to something you love.
Monthly Featured Photographer & Artist
Beginning in February, Lenses & Brushes will highlight a local photographer or artist whose work inspires, challenges, or tells a meaningful story. These features are a way to celebrate the creative voices in our community, share their process, and create space for learning through seeing how others work and think.
Monthly Photo + Art Challenge
Creativity grows with practice—and sometimes all we need is a simple prompt. Each month, I’ll share a photo + art challenge designed to encourage exploration, reflection, and play. These challenges are open to all levels and mediums: film, digital, painting, drawing, mixed media, and alternative processes.
Film Rewards Program
Film photography is thriving, and I want to support those who are choosing this slower, more intentional way of working. This year, we’re introducing a film rewards program as a small thank-you to our film community—rewarding rolls shot, developed, and printed with us, and encouraging continued experimentation in the darkroom.
Memberships
One of the most exciting additions this year is the launch of Lenses & Brushes memberships. Memberships are designed for those who want a little more consistency in their creative routine—whether that’s regular studio time, darkroom access, or priority registration for workshops. It’s about making creativity feel accessible, supported, and part of everyday life.
Weston's Tree
Hasselblad/ Ilford HP5
As I thought about what I’m bringing with me into the new year, I kept returning to an image of tangled, exposed tree roots. At first glance, they feel chaotic—intertwined, uneven, and unpredictable. But the longer I sat with the image, the clearer it became: this is what a strong foundation often looks like. Growth isn’t built on neat lines or perfect plans. It’s shaped by unexpected turns, moments of uncertainty, and the layers of experience that hold us steady when things feel messy. This image is my starting point for the January Art + Photo Challenge, and I invite you to reflect on your own—what image, object, or moment represents what you’re choosing to carry with you into the year ahead?
January Art + Photo Challenge
As you step into the new year, what are you choosing to bring with you? It might be a feeling, a habit, a place, a memory, or something quietly meaningful. Interpret the prompt in your own way and through your chosen medium—film, digital photography, painting, drawing, mixed media, or alternative processes are all welcome.
This challenge is about intention, not perfection. One piece, one moment, one reflection to begin the year.
Submissions are collected through a simple Google Form. One piece per person, all mediums welcome.
January Workshops & Ways to Create
If you’re feeling inspired to begin the year making art, January offers several ways to step into the studio—we've workshops for new experiences, skill-building, or deeply immersive.
Gather & Paint Workshops These guided, relaxed painting sessions are designed to be welcoming and low-pressure—perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike. Gather & Paint is about slowing down, connecting, and enjoying the process as much as the final piece.
Digital Photography Workshops
For those looking to better understand their camera and strengthen their photographic skills, our digital photography offerings include both small-group workshops and private, one-on-one instruction. These sessions focus on building confidence, improving composition, and gaining creative control, with hands-on guidance tailored to your experience level. We've got you covered, whether you prefer learning alongside others or in a more personalized setting, there’s a path that fits your goals.
Film Photography Workshops
For those curious about film photography, January offers multiple ways to explore analog work at your own pace. Alongside The Film Path, our new 6-week film photography intensive beginning January 17, we also offer shorter film and darkroom workshops for those who want to learn the basics before committing to a longer course. These sessions are designed to introduce shooting on film, developing negatives, and printing in the darkroom in a supportive, hands-on environment. Beginners encouraged or those returning to film after time away, there’s an entry point that meets you where you are.
An Invitation to Begin
January doesn’t ask us to have everything figured out—it simply invites us to begin. Whether that looks like picking up a camera, returning to the darkroom, sitting down with paint for the first time in a while, or quietly reflecting on what you’re carrying forward, there’s space for it here.
This year at Lenses & Brushes is centered on intention, practice, and community—on creating room for both growth and curiosity. I hope you’ll join us in the studio, participate in the January Art + Photo Challenge, or simply stop by to say hello and see what’s unfolding.
However you choose to begin the year, thank you for being part of this creative community. I’m looking forward to making art together in the months ahead.
With gratitude,
Heidi
