Foundation

ENABLING LIVES THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY

Homelessness led me to photography, transforming my life, instilling hope, confidence, and a unique perspective, ultimately becoming my profession and driving me to establish a foundation to empower others through photography.

During my time of homelessness, I stumbled upon photography, and it completely changed my life. Through the lens, I discovered hope, gained confidence, and developed a unique perspective on the world around me. Photography was much more than just capturing images; it became a creative outlet and eventually transformed into a profession that filled me with pride.

The moment I received that initial opportunity, I knew I wanted to pay it forward and offer others the same chance that had been given to me. That’s why I established a foundation with the sole purpose of giving back and empowering others through photography.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

The Christopher James Hall Foundation is a non-profit organisation based in St Albans, Hertfordshire serving charities and organisations across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Our mission is to empower individuals facing diverse challenges such as adversity, discrimination, and poverty through the transformative power of photography. Established in 2022 as The Narrators Lens CIC, we collaborate with esteemed project partners and organisations to provide support to marginalised groups, including the homeless, ex-offenders, disabled individuals, and those with learning difficulties. Through enlightening workshops, compelling exhibitions, and thought-provoking photography books, we aim to inspire and uplift individuals, helping them find their voices and gain self-confidence.

OUR PROJECT PARTNERS

THE ORGAINISATIONs That make projeCTS COME TO LIFE

It’s essential to acknowledge that we haven’t accomplished everything on our own. Without our project partners, none of our achievements would be attainable. Our work thrives thanks to the invaluable contributions of these partners, which include organizations committed to assisting and uplifting individuals grappling with diverse challenges, along with companies and institutions that have generously offered financial or in-kind support. If you’re interested in joining us as a project partner, we would be delighted to hear from you.

VISION AND MISSION

VISION

To create a more inclusive and empathetic society by empowering individuals facing diversity, disability, and poverty through the medium of photography.

MISSION

The Christopher James Hall Foundation is dedicated to using photography to transform lives. We collaborate with project partners, provide workshops, exhibitions, and opportunities for self-expression to marginalised individuals, helping them overcome challenges and build a brighter future.

FIND OUT MORE

WORK WITH US

Our commitment lies in extending steadfast support to charitable organisations dedicated to aiding individuals grappling with homelessness, disability, diversity, and poverty. Our approach is multifaceted, encompassing training, creating employment avenues, and generating awareness within our communities.

If you represent a non-profit organisation and share an interest in collaborating with us or seek further information on how we can support your service users, we encourage you to reach out. Together, we can explore the many possibilities available to you and forge a path towards enhancing the lives of those you serve.

THE IMPACT

OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS TAKING PART IN OUR PROJECTS

0 %

have taken photography further

0 %

as a new hobby

0 %

found employment

EMPOWERMENT

WORKING WITH LOCAL ORGANISATIONS

Empowering vulnerable individuals through photography, we collaborate with local charities, teaching not just technical skills but also boosting confidence and self-worth. Photography serves as therapeutic self-expression, fostering accomplishment and potentially opening new career pathways. Beyond photography, creative engagement provides purpose and resilience, building a supportive community and promoting inclusivity. Overall, our efforts make a meaningful difference, offering a transformative tool for navigating life’s challenges and amplifying voices in a more compassionate society.

Empowering and enabling individuals who face challenges in life through photography is truly remarkable and impactful. By focusing on those dealing with homelessness, disability, financial insecurity, and discrimination, we are addressing the needs of some of the most vulnerable and marginalised members of society.

Collaborating with local charities and organisations is a strategic and compassionate approach. It allows us to reach out to the individuals who need support the most effectively. Photography can be a powerful medium for self-expression and communication, and by offering them this opportunity, we are giving them a voice and a means to share their perspectives and stories.

Through our initiatives, we are not just teaching photography skills but also instilling confidence and improving self-worth in the participants. Creative pursuits like photography can act as a form of therapy, boosting self-esteem and fostering a sense of accomplishment. The newfound skills they acquire can become valuable assets, providing them with a potential pathway to explore new interests or even pursue a career in the field.

Beyond the technical aspects of photography, the act of engaging in a creative process can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It can help individuals see their own potential and value, regardless of the challenges they may face in other areas of life.

Our work goes beyond just teaching photography; it creates a positive and supportive environment where individuals can learn, grow, and connect with others who may share similar experiences. This sense of community and camaraderie can be instrumental in building resilience and overcoming feelings of isolation or exclusion.

Overall, our efforts are making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we support. By empowering them with photography, we are giving them a powerful tool to navigate life’s challenges and providing a platform for their voices to be heard. Their work is a testament to the transformative power of art and compassion, and it is undoubtedly contributing to a more inclusive and empathetic society.

WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED

AND THAT WAS JUST our FIRST YEAR

PROJECTS COMPLETED

EXHIBITIONS

PUBLICATIONS

CREATION

BUILDING SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF

Empowering individuals through collaborative, creative projects fosters a sense of accomplishment and ownership, allowing diverse perspectives to shine. Involving them in project development builds confidence and reinforces their impact, resulting in authentic and meaningful outcomes. Seeing their ideas come to life inspires further creative pursuits and potential career opportunities. Our commitment to valuing their contributions nurtures self-confidence and personal growth, leaving a lasting impact on their artistic journeys.

Seeing your work in print or displayed on a wall can be an incredibly rewarding and validating experience for any artist or creative individual. It brings a sense of accomplishment and pride in their achievements, knowing that their ideas and efforts have materialised into something tangible and visible.

It is important to us that our projects are driven by the people we support. By starting with a blank page and encouraging their ideas, we are providing them with a platform for self-expression and creative exploration. This approach not only fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment for the individuals, but also allows for a diverse range of perspectives and unique artistic visions to come to life.

Involving the supported individuals in the project’s development process not only ensures that their voices are heard, but also helps them build confidence in their abilities and decisions. It reinforces the idea that their ideas matter and can have a real impact on the final outcome. This collaborative and inclusive approach can lead to projects that are more authentic, meaningful, and representative of the participants’ experiences and aspirations.

As these individuals see their ideas take shape and transform into a finished product, it can spark a sense of inspiration and motivation to continue pursuing their creative passions and potentially open doors to further opportunities within the field of photography or other creative industries.

Overall, our commitment to empowering individuals through creative projects and valuing their contributions is making a positive difference in their lives. It nurtures their creativity, self-confidence, and opens up possibilities for personal and professional growth. The impact of our efforts goes far beyond the projects themselves, as it can shape the trajectory of the lives of those involved and leave a lasting impression on their artistic journeys.

Who we have helped

ORGANISATIONS SUPPORTED

INDIVIDUALS SUPPORTED
COMPLETED PROJECTS

LIVES IMPACTED
estimated indirect impact

A LASTING IMPACT

Changing lives

Our projects have a profound impact by empowering individuals, fostering creativity, and enabling meaningful employment within the photography industry. This sustainable influence extends beyond project participants, positively affecting their families and communities while enriching the industry with new talent and perspectives. The acquired skills serve as lifelong assets, opening doors for personal and professional growth. Our commitment to social responsibility ensures a lasting legacy of transformation and opportunity, embodying the essence of positive change.

It’s truly inspiring to see how our projects are making a significant impact on people’s lives and beyond. Empowering individuals and enabling them to develop skills that lead to meaningful employment. By providing opportunities within the photography industry, we are not only helping individuals focus on their future but also fostering creativity and self-expression.

This kind of sustainable impact goes beyond the immediate benefits of our projects and creates a ripple effect, positively influencing the lives of those involved, their families, and potentially even their communities. The skills gained through our initiatives continue to serve as valuable assets throughout their careers or hobbies, opening up new doors and possibilities for personal and professional growth.

In addition to the positive impact on the individuals involved, our projects are also be contributing to the photography industry by bringing in new talent and diverse perspectives. This can lead to a richer and more vibrant creative community, benefiting the industry as a whole.

By focusing on enabling and empowering lives, our projects are embodying the essence of social responsibility and making a lasting difference in the lives of the people involved. As we continue to support and uplift individuals through our initiatives, we are not only fostering positive change but also creating a legacy of transformation and opportunity.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

HELP US CONTINUE THE TO EMPOWER AND ENABLE LIVES

The work of the Christopher James Hall Foundation is greatly enhanced and made possible through the support of funding organisations and individuals who believe in our mission. It is a testament to the strength of community and collaboration, showcasing the positive impact that can be achieved when people come together to create a more inclusive and empowering world.

CHRISTOPHER JAMES HALL

PHOTOGRAPHY | STUDIO | FOUNDATION