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deanleivers.bsky.social
deanleivers.bsky.social
@deanleivers.bsky.social
29 followers 110 following 100 posts
East Midlands based Freelance Creative Practitioner and Trained Mindfulness Teacher for Schools.

https://linktr.ee/deanleivers
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deanleivers.bsky.social
I've gone Arts Award crazy over the last few weeks! Continuing sessions with the Home Ed and Creative Connections groups in Alfreton and also a half term 'Discover in a Day' session with a group of young leaders in Newton.

Lot's of great work produced and reflections by the young people involved.
A creative photograph showing a child’s face reflected multiple times through a kaleidoscope effect, creating a pattern of repeating eyes and facial features. Close-up of several printed ‘Arts Award Scrap Book’ covers featuring colorful art-themed doodles of paintbrushes, palettes, and pencils on a white background with an orange border. Person holding a pen and writing on an ‘Arts Award’ worksheet titled ‘Participating in the arts’. The page shows a mind map around the question ‘What art forms can you identify?’ with branches listing art forms such as drawing, painting, dance, acting, and photography.” A group of children and an adult gathered around a table with a colorful polka-dot tablecloth. The adult, wearing a name tag labeled "Dean," is demonstrating a photographic process, holding a print over a red tray commonly used in darkroom photo development. The scene is in a cozy, home-like setting with books and household items in the background, as the children watch attentively.
November 6, 2025 at 8:30 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
It's really important to be kind to myself from time to time, and reflect on just how far I've come over the last decade or so. I've been part of so many great projects and had experiences I never thought I would, with some of the most supportive individuals and for that I'm very grateful indeed!
A postcard pinned to a corkboard with a blue pushpin. The card shows two stylized white birds outlined in black, flying in opposite directions. Behind them, pink text in bold capital letters reads “YOU HAVE COME SO FAR.” The background of the card is light pastel pink.
November 4, 2025 at 11:53 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
Krefeld, it has been a trip!

So many positives with our group of young people, what a great experience to share with them over the last few days. More posts to come in the following week or so but for now we get to explore a little before coming home.

Auf wiedersehen! 🇩🇪

#YouthProject #project
Panoramic view of a residential area surrounded by dense greenery. In the foreground, a multi-story brick apartment building and other homes are nestled among mature trees. The background reveals taller urban buildings, suggesting a transition from suburban to cityscape. The sky is overcast, casting soft, muted light across the scene.
October 27, 2025 at 11:53 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
So today's the day. Kit bag packed and passport dusted off. Germany work trip here I come! 🇩🇪

#YouthProject #project #leicestershire #Germany #Education #culturalexchange
A dark blue British passport with gold embossed text and the Royal Coat of Arms rests on a gray travel bag. The bag is partially unzipped, revealing a bright orange interior. Behind them is a solid teal wall, creating a clean, modern backdrop. The passport text reads: “British Passport – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.”
October 23, 2025 at 9:30 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
Session number FOUR already, with the Home Ed group in Alfreton on their Arts Award journey alongside @calmandcraftyclaire. This week we're off to see a local exhibition but for now here's some images from animation week.

Big thank you to platformthirty1 and Black Shale LCEP for the commission.
October 21, 2025 at 9:02 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
This week I started working with the Home Ed group in Alfreton where a group of young people are aiming to complete their Bronze Arts Awards. We started with cyanotype photography looking at its history and examples of artists working with the process.

#photography #project #derbyshire #ArtsAward
Two children’s hands arranging green leaves and small plant stems on pieces of paper with green backgrounds, placed on a wooden board. One child is wearing a bracelet, and a pencil lies nearby on the table. Two children wearing gloves are using sponges to apply a yellow liquid onto pieces of paper at a wooden table. The table also has a container filled with dark liquid, disposable gloves, plastic safety goggles, and an open box of gloves. The scene suggests a hands-on science or art activity.
October 3, 2025 at 6:38 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
Some things I read, saw and listened to last month over on Substack. You might like them too!

deanleivers.substack.com/p/this-month...
October 1, 2025 at 10:53 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
Wednesday work in progress. I'm taking time out today to start the ground work on a small scale, self directed project based in my local landscape. I'm not sure what the project is yet, but I'm looking forward to leaning into the unknown and seeing where my curiosity takes me.
Alt text: "Close-up of a dried umbel-shaped plant with thin stems radiating from a central point, holding small dried seed pods and delicate filaments, set against a completely black background."
September 24, 2025 at 6:29 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
On the Blog: What an awesome show to be asked to photograph! An amazing evening of powerful theatre courtesy of The Growth House.

See more images here: open.substack.com/pub/deanleiv...

#photography #eventphotography #derbyshire #theatre #communitytheatre #community
A man wearing sunglasses, a light blue polo shirt, and dark trousers performs on stage with expressive body language and an open mouth. His tattooed arms are visible. Behind him, another person in a hoodie and graphic t-shirt sits near a wall of cardboard boxes labeled with words like “SEX,” “WORK,” and “DEVIANCE.” Blue star-like lights decorate the backdrop. Four male performers in colorful, exaggerated costumes act dramatically on a stage. Behind them is a backdrop with twinkling lights and stacked boxes labeled with words like “SEX,” “STATUS,” and “MOVEMENT.” Audience members are visible in the foreground, watching the performance. people in suits perform on an indoor stage. One person on the left points and smiles, the center person makes an exaggerated face while grabbing his trousers, and a third is partially hidden behind them. The background includes a curtain, ceiling tiles, and props with words like “WORK” and “CONTROL.” Four people stand on a stage smiling and interacting warmly. They wear varied outfits including a hoodie under a blazer, a zigzag sweater, striped shirt with red shoes, and a light polo shirt. Behind them is a starry blue light backdrop. A white stand with flowers and a “MINACK” sign sits in the foreground, alongside a chair and small table.
September 19, 2025 at 6:30 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
On the Blog: A series of images from a recent shoot for First Art at their Clay Cross 'Out and About' Sessions. I love working on these types of events, lots of activity to photograph and wonderful people to spend the day with.

See more here: open.substack.com/pub/deanleiv...

#photography
A young child and an adult sit at a table doing arts and crafts. The child wears a black and red Spider-Man cap and a navy sweatshirt, using blue scissors to cut white paper. The adult, with light-colored hair, sunglasses, and a light top, smiles while assisting. The table is scattered with paper sheets, some showing drawings or outlines. An orange soda can sits nearby. Behind them is a textured blue wall, suggesting an outdoor or informal setting. A smiling young boy and an adult sit at a table doing arts and crafts. The boy wears a white shirt with colorful dinosaur illustrations and the word “ROAR.” The adult, with a beard, brown cap, and green jacket, uses a black marker to draw or write on paper. The table is scattered with art supplies including markers, glue, and sheets of paper. The setting appears casual, with natural light suggesting it’s either outdoors or near a bright window. A person in striped sleeves and denim overalls operates a bird puppet resembling a heron or egret using a black rod. The puppet is set among painted green reeds and stylized water waves, evoking a wetland scene. Surrounding props include a red and green watermelon-like structure, yellow checkered curtains, and lush green foliage. The backdrop features trees and a cloudy sky, indicating an outdoor setting. The scene is colorful and imaginative, showcasing detailed craftsmanship in both puppet and set design. A young child with light blonde hair sits at a table, concentrating on a drawing. The child holds a black marker in the right hand and an orange marker in the left, working on a sheet of paper filled with colorful shapes and scribbles. Several other markers are scattered on the table. Behind the child is a large, stylized mural of a bird with red and black feathers, set against a textured, metallic-looking wall.
September 17, 2025 at 6:30 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
Starting the week on a positive note!

It's not often I receive feedback from photo shoots, and that's ok, seeing clients use images for their promo is more than enough. But when feedback does come it never fails to give me the good feelings! 😍

#photography #photographer #performance #feedback
Two performers on stage during a live shoot. One person stands energetically in front of stage curtains and a starry backdrop, reacting or mid-performance. Behind them are props resembling placards with bold words like “BROTHERHOOD” and “APPEARANCE.” A white text box overlays the image, displaying positive feedback from the shoot: “Thanks so much for your work on this. We loved working with you and having you in the room. All the team commented on the good vibes you brought.”
September 15, 2025 at 6:30 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
Another selection of things that I saw in Germany 🇩🇪

#photography #Germany #Bonn #travelling #visualjournal #ideas #notetaking
Dense cluster of Coleus plants with deep burgundy leaves edged in bright yellow-green. The foliage features serrated edges and symmetrical patterns, creating a vivid and ornamental display. Close-up of a vibrant orange flower spike made up of densely packed blossoms along a central stalk. Broad green leaves surround the spike, with similar foliage in the background, creating a bold contrast of color and texture. Vibrant purple water lily with pointed petals radiating outward from a yellow center. Surrounded by green lily pads and blurred foliage, the flower stands out in a serene pond environment, showcasing vivid contrast and natural beauty. Close-up of a flowering plant with dense clusters of small, tubular purple blossoms tinged with white and pink. The flowers rise above large green leaves in a lush tropical setting, with lighting that highlights their delicate structure.
September 5, 2025 at 2:01 PM
deanleivers.bsky.social
A selection of (more) things that I saw in Germany 🇩🇪

#photography #Germany #Bonn #travelling #visualjournal #ideas #notetaking
Section of a modern greenhouse with glass walls and a concrete base. In front, a raised garden bed holds medium-sized green shrubs, bordered by concrete. A yellow hose lies coiled near the base, suggesting active irrigation and plant care. Exterior of a greenhouse with partially frosted glass panels and a metal frame. Inside, wooden shelves and large green leaves are faintly visible. In front, a well-maintained garden bed with various green plants sits above a light-colored paved surface. Glass-paneled greenhouse with metal framing, surrounded by numerous potted plants including succulents, shrubs, and small trees. The pots are terracotta and plastic, arranged neatly outside the structure, showcasing a thriving and diverse botanical collection. Contemporary greenhouse with a pitched glass roof and metal frame, showcasing plants growing inside. In front, large rectangular planters filled with tall grasses and vegetation sit on a paved surface. Additional greenery surrounds the area, suggesting a larger botanical setting.
September 5, 2025 at 9:00 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
A selection of things that I saw in Germany 🇩🇪

#photography #Germany #Bonn #travelling #visualjournal #ideas #notetaking
Black-and-white photo of a person in a leopard print shirt with curly hair, wearing a wristwatch and a crossbody strap. Their left arm is extended forward, partially obscuring their face. The background shows buildings, trees, and people in an urban outdoor setting. Black-and-white image of birds flying overhead in a scattered formation, viewed through tree branches and leaves. The canopy frames the sky, creating a sense of movement and natural contrast. View of a lush garden with dense trees and shrubs in the foreground, and multi-story residential buildings with white facades and gabled roofs in the background. The sky is overcast, adding a muted tone to the scene. Serene pond surrounded by dense greenery, with lily pads and aquatic plants covering the water’s surface. Tall grasses and reeds line the edge, and trees in various shades of green form a lush backdrop. Reflections in the water add depth to the tranquil scene.
September 5, 2025 at 6:30 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
We arrive in Germany 🇩🇪

#photography #Germany #Cologne #travelling #visualjournal #ideas #notetaking
A dense cluster of padlocks attached to a metal fence, each symbolizing a personal message or romantic gesture. The locks vary in color, shape, and size—some are heart-shaped, others engraved with names, dates, or handwritten notes. This vibrant display of “love locks” reflects a tradition where couples secure a padlock to a public structure to represent enduring love, often discarding the key to signify permanence.
September 4, 2025 at 7:30 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
Some photographic snippets from a few days in the Netherlands 🇳🇱

#photography #travelling #visualjournal #ideas #notetaking
A vibrant outdoor scene featuring a bush covered in bright orange flowers in the foreground. Behind it, tall trees with dense green leaves partially obscure buildings and rooftops. Sunlight filters through the foliage, highlighting the contrast between the lush greenery and the urban elements in the background. A black-and-white photo of a bicycle locked to a railing on a bridge overlooking a canal. In the background, tall, narrow buildings with gabled facades line the water, and boats float along the canal. The partly cloudy sky and tranquil setting evoke the charm of Amsterdam’s cycling culture and picturesque urban landscape. A tiled wall featuring a grid of ceramic tiles with varied designs and colors. The top rows include plain cream, black, and brown tiles. Below, decorative tiles display orange flowers and green leaves in circular patterns, while the bottom row showcases green tiles with blue floral motifs. A shadow falls across part of the wall, enhancing the texture and contrast of the intricate tilework. A black-and-white photograph of a canal in a European city, likely Amsterdam. Boats line both sides of the waterway, which is flanked by traditional multi-story buildings with large windows and leafy trees. Several arched bridges span the canal in the distance, and the partly cloudy sky is reflected in the calm water, creating a serene and historic urban scene.
September 3, 2025 at 6:30 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
'This month I've mostly been…' (August 2025)

My monthly round up of the books, films and music that have slotted into life between the usual work/life activities!

Find the short read here: open.substack.com/pub/deanleiv...
August 31, 2025 at 7:30 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
Image spread: Some images from a recent shoot for Platform Thirty1 and the Greater Creative working party.

open.substack.com/pub/deanleiv...
A close-up view of several multicolored knitted and crocheted squares, including a yellow square with a red umbrella design among other brightly colored patterns. A group of people sorts and organizes large quantities of brightly colored knitted and crocheted squares laid out across several long tables in a community room. A woman with long hair and a floral tattoo on her forearm is seated at a table, writing in a notebook. Tall stacks of colorful knitted and crocheted squares are visible nearby.
August 25, 2025 at 7:30 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
My mentee is really gaining confidence around his photography skills, especially in terms of his abilities when composing images.

This week we began work on a basic website to help him to showcase all of the wonderful images he’s making. He’s looking forward to releasing it into the wild soon!
A grid of four close-up photographs of plants under the heading “Natural Backgrounds.” The top row features green rosemary sprigs and a leaf with water droplets. The bottom row shows more green leaves and a pink flower. A person using a laptop on a wooden table. The laptop screen displays a digital collage or design application with various colorful flower images. A stack of woven baskets and a mobile phone are also on the table. Two landscape photographs, one on top of the other, both featuring the same tree in front of a rocky cliff and greenery. The top image is bright and taken during the day, while the bottom image has a deep blue tint, resembling dusk or night.
August 21, 2025 at 7:30 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
Last week was so much fun, I loved every minute of 'Concept' at NMPAT delivering Arts Award for Pedestrian. Here's a selection of some of my favourite images from the sessions over on Substack

open.substack.com/pub/deanleiv...

#photography #music #musicphotography #youthmusic #artsaward
A black and white photo shows two people sitting side by side at a grand piano. The piano lid is open, showing the strings and internal mechanics of the instrument in the foreground. Both individuals appear relaxed and are wearing sleeveless tops, with one person having headphones around their neck. The scene is set in a bright room with large windows, a radiator, and a door visible in the background. One person's reflection can be seen in the underside of the piano lid above them, adding an artistic touch to the composition.
August 19, 2025 at 7:00 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
It's been an absolute pleasure to get to work with 'the talent' in Northampton this week on 'Concept' for Pedestrian. The young people we've supported have been amazing and produced some absolutely fantastic original compositions. What a week!

#photography #music #musicphotography #youthmusic
Black and white photo showing a group of musicians in a bright room. The foreground features the inside strings and hammers of a grand piano with its lid open, providing a wide view of its mechanism. In the background, a person plays a double bass, while another sits beside them, possibly singing or preparing to perform. The room is filled with natural light coming from large windows, and there are reflections of the musicians on the piano lid. The overall atmosphere suggests a rehearsal or intimate performance setting. Close-up in black and white of a person’s hands playing the piano, wearing casual jeans and wristbands. Black and white photo of a man passionately playing an acoustic guitar and singing, with part of another musician visible to his right. Black and white photo of a woman playing the piano with her reflection visible in the raised lid, accompanied by a man playing an upright bass in the background.
August 15, 2025 at 6:30 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
Final image selection from a week away in beautiful Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 📷

#photography #holiday #digitalphotography #wales #landscapephotography #portraitphotography #seascape
A scenic coastal view with a clear blue sky and calm ocean stretching to the horizon. In the foreground, wild grasses and plants with dried seed heads add texture and earthy tones, contrasting with the vibrant blue water. Three people sit together on a large rock by the seaside, facing the ocean. The person in the center wears a colorful striped sweater and light trousers, holding something in their hands. The person on the left wears a striped long-sleeve shirt and shorts, while the one on the right wears a floral shirt and shorts. Behind them, waves roll in and a distant coastline is visible under a clear sky. Waves crash energetically against large, dark rocks along a rugged shoreline. Some rocks are speckled with barnacles or marine growth, adding texture. The ocean behind is calm under a clear blue sky, while the splashing water in the foreground captures the dynamic force of the sea. A close-up of a hand holding two ripe blackberries. The person is wearing a pink dress with a pattern of dark blue and white shapes. The background is a paved surface, possibly a sidewalk or road. The image emphasizes the rich texture and deep color of the berries against the soft tones of the hand and dress.
August 11, 2025 at 6:00 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
More views from Wales. Heart is full! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

#photography #holiday #digitalphotography #wales
Dense cluster of lush green fern fronds overlapping each other, with intricate leaf patterns and deep shadows. A bright yellow corner of an umbrella or tent stretches diagonally across the upper right, set against a blue sky with soft, scattered white clouds. A close-up cluster of green and pink-tipped flower buds, tightly packed together, showing detail and texture of the plant. A warehouse with an open garage door revealing stacks of orange bags piled on blue pallets. The bags are organized in rows and columns, filling the space from the floor to near the ceiling. The exterior of the building is painted pink, and black pipes run vertically along the wall next to the door. A fluorescent light is visible on the ceiling inside.
August 9, 2025 at 7:00 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
Some bits and bobs I spied in Wales so far. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

#photography #holiday #digitalphotography #wales
A close-up of a dark plaque with gold lettering that reads "TYMAWR," mounted on a teal-painted brick wall. The sign is slightly weathered, and the wall has a textured, geometric pattern. A blurry view of a coastal landscape taken through a dirty car windshield. The photo shows a bright sky and sunlight reflecting off the ocean, with grassy cliffs in the distance. The windshield has visible smudges and dust particles, partially obscuring the view.
August 6, 2025 at 7:00 AM
deanleivers.bsky.social
What a brilliant day yesterday, turning the football changing rooms in Newton Pavillion into a darkroom for a community workshop for Greater Creative's 'Home Truths' project. Participants had a go at making their own Cyanotype prints plus making photographs using a beer can camera! 📷

#photography
A gloved hand is seen handling photographic prints submerged in a shallow plastic tub filled with liquid, outdoors on the grass. Blue patterns are visible on the prints, and there are items such as a glove, a yellow flower, and cardboard sheets nearby. A scene showing three black-and-white photographic prints laid out on grass alongside a makeshift pinhole camera made from a silver beer can covered in black tape. The prints depict landscape scenes with varying contrasts, likely results from a darkroom photography workshop. A person's shoe is partially visible in the top left corner. A group of people are sitting along a wall in a dark room illuminated by red light, commonly used in photographic darkrooms. One person is standing at a table with trays and photographic equipment, suggesting a workshop setting. A close-up of round sugar cookies wrapped in clear plastic with blue ribbons. The cookies have a scalloped edge white icing base with blue airbrushed patterns resembling snowflakes or abstract designs. They are placed on a blue fabric or tissue background.
August 3, 2025 at 8:39 AM