A photography e-course about
alchemizing pain…and turning it to light.


Alchemy: Finding the Spark Again



Artists are sensitive souls. In many ways, our sensitivity helps us create. But, it can also take a toll.

Alchemy: Finding the Spark Again is an e-course about surviving and thriving as an artist…while navigating the choppy waters of depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, or despair.

Inside the course, you’ll find a beautiful collection of creative tools to help you cope with painful chapters and rekindle your relationship with your art. Each lesson is designed to comfort and uplift - while opening imaginative new pathways for your photography.

We’ll honor the painful seasons with our art.

We’ll breathe new life into our photography (and make our most meaningful images yet).

We’ll dust off the ashes and turn to the light.

Alchemy is a soothing, heart-healing class that will help you feel less alone in your experience. Let each lesson be your focus for a week, a month, or more - each one is conceptually deep enough to become a longterm practice (or a portfolio).


“Laura, your guidance has been a big influence in helping me let go of finding the “right way” and finding “my way.” You are a gifted teacher. I have learned that art is a process that is very personal and at times spiritual and that it also should include a good measure of fun...Thanks immensely for sharing your wisdom, encouragement, and tools to help us become artists...The online format has so many advantages. I really liked going over the lessons first thing in the morning or late in the evening when I had time to think and reflect rather than rushing to an evening class in rush hour traffic.”
— Jim Kushman


What’s Included:

Alchemy is a rich collection of photography lessons crafted to help you transform your life with your art. The lessons are filled with thoughtful discussion, ideas, and questions to spark insight and visual exploration. Your experience includes:

  • 20 beautiful audio (and video) lessons and creative pep talks

  • Photography prompts to inspire new modes of seeing

  • Music playlists to lift your spirit

  • Image sharing, conversation, and support

Purchase Alchemy as a gift of creative self-care for yourself. Block out a weekend to dive into all the lessons at once or move through them slowly, one at a time. It’s truly up to you.

The Experience:

Participating in Alchemy will feel like working with me in a private class, one-on-one. The lessons are hosted in a warm, welcoming online classroom. Every time you respond to a lesson, I’ll be there with supportive feedback and encouragement.

Unlike a traditional classroom experience, you can do the lessons anytime day or night. You can take the course at 3am in your pajamas, if you like! The course is also self-paced, so it’s easy to fit into your busy schedule.



“Laura, your courses are a therapeutic relief.”
— Morag McRoberts
“I love you and I love your courses! They have brought me back to life!”
— Rose Booth
 

A bit about me...

I’m Laura Valenti, the artist behind Light Atlas Creative. I’ve had my fingers in a lot of pots in the art world, for over 25 years now. I teach interactive e-courses, support emerging photographers in my creative mentoring program, speak to photo groups, and curate exhibitions for galleries and photo festivals around the world. I also jury photo competitions and serve as a reviewer at national and international portfolio review events, where I help photographers fine-tune their vision and promote their work with more confidence.

I’m passionate about helping artists clear creative blocks and bring forward their most skillful, authentic, wholehearted work.

Why did I create Alchemy? After many years as a working artist, I’ve come to think of photography as an insight practice. The art we make can open doors to deeper reflection and wisdom - and it can fill our lives with more meaning and beauty. My photographs have been a powerful source of healing during difficult periods in my life. Looking back, I can honestly say my work as an artist has made me a stronger person - and I love helping my students use their art to transform their lives.

There are two ways to experience Alchemy:

The first option is detailed above. The second option includes everything mentioned above and adds a mentoring component. Here’s what that looks like:

Step 1: I will review your past photographic work, your website (if you have one), and any portfolios or other images you want to share. (I really will look at all of it).

Step 2: We'll schedule a 60-minute mentoring call. Ask me anything - it’s your time to use however you like. We can focus on challenges you’re encountering or goals you’d love to work towards. I’ll offer feedback, aesthetic observations, and practical suggestions to support your next steps.

The mentoring option is ideal for people who value in-depth feedback and personalized guidance. Mentoring is also substantially discounted when you bundle it with the course.

“Laura is a gem! She talks in terms of the spirituality of art and life and her comments are continually encouraging. She really inspired me to keep photographing. I did the mentoring and our conversation underscored how genuine she is.”
— Wilson Hunt
 
 

Alchemy is a lovely fit for you if...

  • You’re in the thick of it and you need a creative lifeline…

  • You’re not making art and that’s adding to your self judgment and sadness…

  • You survived a painful season…but it left you empty, dull, and disconnected from your vision…

  • You know it’s time to choose yourself and your art…

Alchemy will be a beautiful, supportive container for your healing.


“I enrolled in Alchemy right after my dad passed away.  This course provided so much comfort and hope over the months that followed. Every single lesson draws on Laura’s wisdom, life experiences and talent as a photographer and teacher. I loved how she encouraged me to find beauty within myself and the world while I was in pain and grieving. The way Laura acknowledges and normalizes emotional pain made me feel less alone, and her lessons gave gentle, practical and positive ideas that didn’t feel impossible to carry out during times of low motivation. I’ve taken several of Laura’s courses - not only have I grown as a photographer, I’ve learned valuable life lessons and practical things I can do with my camera to help myself during difficult times. I’m forever grateful for Laura!”
— Michelle Arlt



Frequently Asked Questions


How much time do I need to put in?

Alchemy is entirely self paced. You can take as much time as you need to savor each lesson fully. 

 

What kind of camera do I need?

All cameras are welcome! You don’t need anything fancy to take this course. In fact, the simpler, the better! DSLRs, point-and-shoots, smartphones, pinhole cameras made from oatmeal boxes – I have a strict equipment nondiscrimination policy. If it makes you happy to shoot with it, you've got the right gear for this class.

 

What's your refund policy?

Because you'll get immediate access to the class and all class resources (and because you'll get to keep your access for three full years), your registration isn't refundable. 

 

Is this a good class for beginners? 

Since Alchemy is a conceptual photography course (not a technical class), photographers at every level are welcome. Because of the emphasis on personal insight and experience, even true beginners will benefit. It’s never too early to use your photography for personal healing.

 

If I'm an advanced photographer, will this course be a good fit?

Our central focus in Alchemy is using photography as a tool for healing, insight, and growth. So, even advanced photographers will feel right at home in this course. 



 
“Before joining Alchemy, I was stuck in an unproductive space, weighed down by anxiety about where I was headed creatively. I felt disconnected from my work and uncertain about my path forward. This course gave me the structure and support I needed to pause, reflect, and reconnect with my artistic voice. I appreciated Laura’s compassionate and intuitive guidance. She created a space that encouraged introspection and growth, helping me see that there is no single “right” path as an artist. Alchemy allowed me to cut through the noise in my head and rediscover where my true creative self lives. It helped me reconnect with the joy of creating from the heart.”
— Sarah Bultitude
“I was feeling lost and empty and didn’t have any motivation. I felt great support during the class from all the powerful lessons. Laura has an amazing way of relating to her students. She’s a wonderful combination of a therapist and photographer. She always has the right words for me, and I learned so much. I was able to overcome some blocks and feelings of negativity that I honestly didn’t even know I had. I would recommend this course to anyone who is looking for some help motivating and getting some positive help. You don’t necessarily need to be going through an enormous loss or period of grief. I feel that this course is wonderful and so very helpful for anyone. I would even consider taking it again next year.”
— Karin Whittemore
“The course is really complementing my talking therapy. I have been sharing some of the insights and my photographs in sessions with my therapist. Alchemy has definitely been the right thing at the right time for me and I’m so glad I took the plunge...I am seeing more light in my life and beginning to move forward.”
— Rose Atkinson
“I have taken several of Laura’s classes and was pleased to see this new offering. It differs in that it helps us to connect and express our emotions with our past, present and future selves. It helps us to rejoice in the good times and comforts us in the hard times, all the while making beautiful images. Laura’s lessons are like meditations. Alchemy has given me a whole new set of creative possibilities.”
— Karen Carson
“I can’t thank you enough for your amazing photography e-courses. I love how your classes inspire and motivate me. Life is so busy, but when I am enrolled in one of your classes I find myself logging in at 5:30am just to see what new thing has been posted, and throwing my camera in my backpack when I go for dog walks when I might otherwise have left it at home.”
— Judith Bender
“My photography had reached a dead end, but now I have an entirely different vision.”
— Robert Royston
“Laura is a fantastic teacher and guide. She shares herself and her own work very generously and is very supportive of each student.”
— Evy Huppert
“Laura has shown me how to focus on a photographic path...She has revitalized and wonderfully unleashed the energy and strength of the images I can produce. Everywhere I now look I see opportunities to express my artistic vision.”
— Alex Hernandez