I’m Steve, a photographer and an Anglican Priest with over 25 years experience. I founded Soulful Vision in 2018 shortly after I left the military.

From a young age I’ve had an enjoyment of photography and after my military service trained as a professional photographer. It was whilst I was completing my photography assignments I discovered photography helped heal some of the trauma from my military days.

A good photographer is grounded in the present moment which helps them create unique pictures by seeing more than a casual glance affords. Being grounded in the present is an important military skill on foot patrols (although we called it, being aware of your surroundings). It seems this skill spilled over into how I see today. It helps calm anxious thoughts as you become present and accepting in a non-judgemental way. You quite literally learn to see yourself, one another, and the world in new ways.

I grew up in the Lake District which gave me a love of the outdoors and fell walking. I’m a keen sailor and accredited RYA buddy sailor with Sailability, a charity which makes sailing accessible to people of different abilities.

My working life started as a farm labourer in the Lakes. I then worked on the estate of a conference and retreat centre in Devon called Lee Abbey, followed by a short career in business. After parish ministry, I  joined the RAF as a chaplain in 2000. My experience of war has left me with a passion to help people find peace by seeing in new ways.

When I’m not leading retreats and workshops you’ll find me studying. I’m a doctoral student, researching the embodiment of moral injury after trauma, and how contemplative photography might offer a means of healing by building relationships. I also have a BTh (hons) in theology, and a MSc in Psychiatry & War along with certificates in counselling and MHFA.

I’ve had personal experience of mental health having suffered from depression, anxiety and moral injury. Soulful Vision brings together my study and experience.

In 2023 I was humbled to be awarded the prestigious Special Recognition Award at the Guild of Photographer’s national awards evening held in February 2024. I was also awarded the Amateur Photographer Magazine Unsung Hero Award in 2021. I’m a members’ ambassador for the Guild of Photographers. 

My hope is that through my work I help people see with renewed vision and imagination, discovering the wonder and beauty which is present in each of us and the world we have the privilege to live in.

Qualifications

• MSc, War & Psychiatry (King’s College London)
• BTh (Hons), Theology (Nottingham University)
• Intermediate Command & Staff Course (Defence Academy, UK)
• Diploma in Professional Photography
• National Diploma in Agriculture
• Professional Cert in Management (OUBS)
• Certificate in Counselling Theory
• Certificate in Counselling Skills
• Mental Health First Aid

Experience

• Chief Operating Officer (Guild of Health)
• Radley Photography (self employed)
• RAF Chaplain
• Curate (Church of England)
• Financial Controller (Logical Choice Ltd)
• Treasurer (Huntingdon Parish)
• Treasurer (GWS Sailability)
• Treasurer (RAF CSFC Fund)
• RYA approved sailor for Sailability