Send us a Text Message.Matt Payne is a full-time landscape photographer, mountain climber and adventurer living in Durango, Colorado. He also hosts the hugely popular weekly F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast producing candid conversations with photographers.Join Margaret in their conversation where they explore numerous topics from how Matt found his creative purpose and how he gets great joy from promoting other photographers.His weekly podcasts have given him back so much. He loves the ...

Out on the kayak on the Isle of Harris, Margaret shares her thoughts along with the sounds of the birds and the water all around. Immerse into the peace and quiet of the early morning on the island with Margaret. Margaret shares thoughts about overwhelm and how to narrow down which channels to use for yourself. A comment on Neale James' recent podcast with Sean Tucker where they chat about overthinking and how to learn to listen to your own intuition and not be distracted by whether your art ...

Listen in to Margaret as she shares her thoughts on this period of rest, regeneration, and self-compassion that she has been practicing recently.She covers numerous topics and, in her own unique way, explains how she has consciously slowed her life down, prioritizing rest recuperation and meditation, which she instinctively knows is needed for her well-being. Sometimes, that space to breathe and not to be doing, reading and mindful activities can really spark creativity and thought proc...

Join Margaret whilst she chats with Laurence Winram, a professional photographer from Aberdeen and now based in Edinburgh. It's fascinating to hear how he balances his diverse commercial and unusual creative work.  Laurence describes in detail how he creates his beautiful land art  At these times, he is embracing the moment,  whilst practising gratitude and mindfulness.  He loves the connection to nature. He creates his design, takes the image and within hours the scene can degrade and be...

Join Margaret as she introduces us to some sounds, thoughts and feelings she experienced during her recent trip to Kerala, India. Since 2016, she has regularly headed to India for Ayurvedic treatments and the time felt right for her to return this March . She explains how her time there helped with ongoing feelings of grief, gave her space to write and to think and, as always, use creativity as an outlet. A calming, thoughtful reflection of her time at this retreat. Sign up to the next...

Anni Townend is a Leadership Partner, Coach and Mentor to Executive Teams and Senior Leaders, as well as being an Author, Facilitator, and Entrepreneur and Podcast Host of Leaders in Conversation with Anni Townend. Join Margaret  as they talk about the benefits of walking and talking. Anni explains that walking is one of the ways in which she renews herself and this has always been a criteria for her when deciding where she lives. They further explore  the equation of creativity,...

Listen in to Margaret explain how she is navigating the various stages of grief she is experiencing.  As always she instinctively turns to creativity and nature, whilst at all times listening to what her body needs, tuning in to what makes her feel better. Sign up to the next Creative Light Festival here: https://creative-light.co.uk/ Sign up to my newsletter to hear first about new retreats: Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/ Join my online Creative...

Brie Stockwell is a photographer, confidence coach and lifelong creative.  Join Margaret as they chat about the benefits of sharing their creative work Whilst both enjoy spending time to reflect and create solo, they explore the value of having 'pockets' of people whose feedback and encouragement is vital. Listen whilst they discuss Brene Brown's Square Squad  and having a small group whom you respect and whose opinions matter. They explore how Brie's coaching is very important to her and...

Thoughts around self-care and well-being at Christmas - a solo episode with Margaret  Sign up to the next Creative Light Festival here: https://creative-light.co.uk/ Sign up to my newsletter to hear first about new retreats: Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/ Join my online Creative Haven community : https://creative-haven.newzenler.com

A roundup of the Creative Light Festival, its speakers,  masterclasses, and activities. Snippets from Christina Golian's  'Spark Your Creativity' masterclass, an extract from  Lisa Paulson and an exciting announcement about future festival dates that you can look forward to - the 2024 event at Broughton Sanctuary and a community-focused 2025 event in Harris. You can see details of the new festivals here  𝐘𝐨𝐮 may also 𝐛𝐞 i𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 t𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 links: My Instagram: ...

Join Margaret as she shares her thoughts whilst navigating an emotional and overwhelming time in her life. She expresses her gratitude for the many acts of kindness she has received and, as always for her, how her art is instrumental in helping her cope. You can see Broughton Santuary here And see details for Creative light at Broughton here  𝐘𝐨𝐮 may also 𝐛𝐞 i𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 t𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 links: My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/ Online Creative Haven community ...

LeAnn Phelan is a singer music industry professional based in Nashville, LeAnn offers an insight into her journey through creativity. She helps creatives be seen, heard and encouraged.  They chat about the value of travelling alone and how they love to explore, meet new people and the 'power' of independence.  It opens up a whole new world of growth and possibilities. It's interesting to hear how both Margaret and LeAnn explore as many different types of creativity as possible and how they...

Margaret catches up with Mali Davies at this year's Creative Light Festival to get his insights to the weekend. Describing the experience as transformative and unique, he explains how he has never seen the beautiful Autumn colours in quite this way before. It was sensory overload! Meeting with like-minded people, face-to-face, in such circumstances was almost surreal to him. Listen whilst he recalls 'dancing with Joe Cornish" and chatting with Sean Tucker, Moving on, they chat about the...

I am talking with the amazing  Joe Cornish, a landscape photographer known for his woodland images at this years creative light festival. Joe gave a talk and led some outdoor workshops during the festival and it was his spirit of kindness and generosity that really grabbed me.  We also talk about how community and connection can inspire and influence our creative process, a concept embodied at the Creative Light Festival.  Talking through  the importance of gratitude and generosity in our...

This episode features Elizabeth Hockney, a part-time doctor, whose passion for photography  has added colour and vibrancy to her life. She shares her journey to creating more abstract and painterly images. Elizabeth talks about the importance of finding a group of like-minded people - your tribe - to share and grow with,  𝐘𝐨𝐮 may also 𝐛𝐞 i𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 t𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 links: My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/ Online Creative Haven community ...

Immersion is not just for theatre, as Bill demonstrates with his  approach to photography. We talk about the world of water photography as Bill shares his experiences and  we chat into the energy and the pure exhilaration of capturing the ocean's moods. We explore the uplifting power of encouragement and the joy found in the process of creating. Bill talks about using social media to share and connect, the importance of authenticity, and how following one's instincts can lead to...

Join me as I share our transformative journey in our first creative retreat in St ives. surf lessons, early morning tranquility, and the joy of being in the here and now as catalysts of creativity.  How reconnecting with our inner voice and creating space for rest can nurture our creative spirit. I also highlight the significance of inspiring communities in fostering creativity.  𝐘𝐨𝐮 may also 𝐛𝐞 i𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 t𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 links: My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/ Online...

Jason Baxter, an accomplished photographer and videographer from Edinburgh picked up his first camera at the age of 14. Fast forward two decades later, he's transformed his passion into a thriving career. But it's not all about the lens - transitioning to videography during the pandemic, Jason has utilised his skills and perspective to craft narratives, telling stories that influence how we perceive our surroundings. The journey to success is rarely a straight path, and Jason's is no...

A solo episode around the idea of making mistakes and moving on rather than dwelling.  Why we beat ourselves up about the small things. Then onto a recording made at home in Harris in front of the fire where I speak about taking the pressure off and how taking small steps in your creative time can lead to happier and more joyous moments.  𝐘𝐨𝐮 may also 𝐛𝐞 i𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 t𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 links: My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/ Online Creative Haven community ...

Emily Endean, a full time photographer based in the UK, has completely transformed her life over the last year.  Her inspiring story details a modern-day traveller who traded her conventional life for the freedom of van life. I chat with Emily about life on the road, the joy of freedom, and the ability to focus on creativity. But also the reality of the cold winter months, finding showers and washing clothes.  We talk about how Emily has explored various income avenues. From shooting...

Leadership and life coach, Kate Jones chats with me on this weeks podcast. We explore the value of seeking out support, and not just when you’re in crisis. Coaching and mentoring aren’t just for therapy, but can be the guidance you need to create something new in your life. Sharing personal experiences, we shed light on the differences between therapy and coaching, and the importance of finding the right mentors. Trusting the process of change and transformation can be challenging, but it’s...

 Sean Tucker recently came over to the isle of Harris to make a documentary on my creative life for his YouTube channel. Touching in Introversion and my path through life. Vulnerability and being visible online is explored in this episode. You can watch the documentary here: www.youtube.com/@seantuck Sean's website  Sean's Instagram  𝐘𝐨𝐮 may also 𝐛𝐞 i𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 t𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 links: My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/ Online Creative Haven community ...

Recorded on the beach with the backdrop of crashing waves, I wanted to talk about comparing our progress with others and feeling inadequate with how much we are doing. And It's okay to not be doing as much as others. We all have different lives, commitments, and work paces. The important thing is taking small steps forward.  𝐘𝐨𝐮 may also 𝐛𝐞 i𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 t𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 links: My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/ Online Creative Haven community ...

A solo mini episode about my passion for creativity and how it has not just shaped my life, but also become a cornerstone in my family's ethos. I discuss my own creative pursuits - painting, writing a book, and managing this podcast, each laden with its share of self-doubt and perseverance.  I chat about " How far have you come"  and Morgan Harper Nichols' empathetic poems.  𝐘𝐨𝐮 may also 𝐛𝐞 i𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 t𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 links: My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margaretsoraya/ Online...