Meet Larisa Crockett

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Larisa Crockett. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Larisa below.

Larisa, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Looking back, I guess it all started when I was 12. My dad gave me a camera for my birthday — and at the time, I had no idea it would shape the course of my life.
I was just a curious, restless kid, constantly moving from one interest to another. But something about photography stuck. It held my attention in a way nothing else did. Still, I wouldn’t have called it “my purpose” back then — that understanding came slowly, over time.
As the years went by, I realized I couldn’t live without it. Photography became more than just a hobby — it became a way of seeing, of feeling, of connecting with the world. It gave me confidence, expression, and a deep sense of fulfillment.
At the same time, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. Growing up with my mom and sister — both devoted educators — I saw firsthand what it meant to guide, support, and inspire others. Teaching was in my heart from the start. I have a Master’s degree in teaching languages.
Now, after 40 years with a camera in my hands and a lifetime of loving to teach, I’ve combined both passions in my photography school for kids. I want to share this incredible, creative journey — not just the technical skills, but the joy, the confidence, and the sense of purpose that photography can bring.
I’ve always loved languages, and over time, I came to realize that photography is a language too — a visual one. It’s universal. It speaks across borders and cultures. With a camera, you can give a speech without saying a word. You can paint emotion without picking up a brush.
A camera becomes both your voice and your shield. It helps you see what others overlook — and express what you didn’t know how to say. You don’t need to be trained as an artist. The camera gives you permission to create.
Sometimes, you don’t find your purpose all at once.
Sometimes, it finds you — and grows with you.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My greatest passion in photography is capturing travels, nature, and wildlife. Every time I step behind the camera, I feel like I’m on a mission — invited by the Creator to witness and share sacred, hidden places that many may never reach. Photography, to me, is not just a skill. It’s a calling.

One of the most special things I do is take people on journeys — without them having to travel. That dream started when I was 12. I remember sitting in my English class, looking at posters of London landmarks. I felt transported, as if I were truly there, in London. And right at that moment, I made a connection: photography can take people places.

That same year, my dad gave me a camera for my birthday — still in its box. But that moment changed everything. To me, it wasn’t just a camera… it was a time machine. It allowed me to freeze time, preserve memories, dream about the future, and create something lasting.

Even today, I believe every photo we take holds a little bit of magic. And that belief is what led me to create my photography school for kids.

I designed a fun, engaging course that teaches children how to see — not just look. Through storytelling, Doodly animations, and hands-on projects, kids learn the fundamentals of photography in a playful, purposeful, and empowering way.

It often starts as curiosity. Then, photography becomes a hobby. And with time, some students find a path to a profession. One of my students, for example, is now a college student with a part-time photography job at a children’s activity center. She thanks her me for introducing her to photography early — and I feel honored to be part of that journey.

The idea for the school came when I saw how many kids were glued to screens, constantly bored, and rewarded with games just to complete basic tasks. I saw myself in them in a way — but without the virtual distractions we have now. I wanted to offer something meaningful. Something that could redirect that boredom into creativity and purpose, and the simplest way to start is to turn the cell phone around and start seeing.
Photography is also powerful therapy. The American Art Therapy Association recognizes its therapeutic effects — helping children build confidence, mindfulness, and emotional expression.
Photography does make a child feel special. Knowing that you are capturing something unique, that no-one else on the planet is seeing it, makes you feel special. You know you are recording a special moment you have witnessed that will never happen again exactly the same way!

So the first level of my school “Developing Photographic Vision” invites kids from 8-12. Please visit http://www.photoschool.pro

Besides, I’m offering individual online classes for teens and adults who want to dive deeper into how their cameras work and how to get the best shots. It’s part of the next chapter of my photography school — growing with the students as their curiosity matures. If that sounds like you, the course “Setting Your Camera for the Best Shot” is a perfect place to start!

I offer a series of photography books that can take you to different places of the world. Photography books can offer more than just visual pleasure — they can have a deeply therapeutic effect on the mind. Immersing oneself in images of serene landscapes, gentle wildlife, or quiet city corners invites a sense of calm, mindfulness, and emotional grounding. Much like meditation or music, turning the pages of a thoughtfully curated photo book can slow down a racing mind, reduce stress, and rekindle a sense of wonder. These visual journeys create space for reflection, evoke memories, and gently reconnect us with beauty — something that’s especially powerful in our fast-paced, screen-saturated world. Visit my bookstore at http://www.blurb.com/user/larisacr

As an interior designer, I always advise to bring the magic of nature into our homes. Photography prints have the power to shift the mood of a room. A well-chosen landscape or wildlife image can add a sense of serenity, curiosity, or warmth to a space. It’s not just decoration — it’s daily therapy for the eyes and soul. Whether displayed on your walls or tucked into the pages of a photo book, these images are small anchors of beauty that help us feel more grounded, inspired, and alive. Please visit: http://www.larisa-crockett.pixels.com

Through everything I do — whether teaching, creating, or sharing — my goal is the same: to inspire people to see beauty, feel purpose, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Curiosity.
I was a curious child — always wondering, observing, looking for something that would light me up inside. Photography gave me a reason to keep looking. It turned everyday scenes into something magical.
Advice: Never stop being curious. Look at the world with fresh eyes, as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Ask questions. Explore different perspectives — literally and creatively. That’s how your vision grows.

2. Consistency.
I didn’t become confident overnight. I kept taking pictures, learning from every click. For 40 years now, I’ve stayed consistent — even when results weren’t perfect, or equipment was limited.
Advice: Start with what you have, your cell phone, Ipad, or point-and-shoot camera, and just keep going. Don’t wait for perfect gear or perfect timing. Practice is what builds your eye, your confidence, and eventually — your voice.

3. Connection
Photography taught me how to connect: with people, with nature, with moments. It’s a universal language. Through a lens, I could speak without words — and later, help others do the same.
Advice: Think beyond technique. Use your photography to connect — with your subject, your story, your viewer. That’s where the real magic is. If you child is shy – give them a camera and you will hear their voice and see how confidence grows.

For anyone just starting their creative journey:
Don’t worry about being “good enough” or “perfect”. Worry about staying open. Stay curious, be consistent, and use your craft to connect. Your growth will come, and your purpose will reveal itself — one frame at a time. It’s like any skill development, coming with practice.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I’m always open to meaningful collaborations — especially with people and organizations who believe in the power of visual storytelling to educate, inspire, and uplift.

I would love to connect with:
Parents — looking to help their child discover their hidden potential—whether it’s a new talent, an interest that could turn into a lifelong hobby, or even a profession one day;
those who are struggling to find something meaningful that truly engages their kids’ attention, or who are homeschooling and want to spend quality, creative time together.

Educators looking to bring creativity and photography into after-school programs.

Youth organizations and parent communities interested in offering kids an expressive, screen-free outlet that builds confidence and vision, brings them back from virtual world to real world which can be full of kindness, humaneness and appreciation for the world around us.

Photographers, artists, and creatives who want to co-create projects, mentor young talents, or collaborate on travel/photo stories.

Therapists and wellness professionals who explore visual arts as a healing or developmental tool.
Podcasters – I’d love to contribute to your show with practical tips, inspiring stories, and insights from my experience about photography and how beneficial it can be for a developing personality.
Whether you’re an educator, a fellow creative, or a parent who sees the value in this kind of work — I’d love to hear from you.

Let’s create something beautiful together — something that helps the next generation see the world with new eyes, staying in the real world.

Contact Info:

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