New!
Following on from the success of “The Cloak of Conformity and the Corset of Expectation” talk, I am now offering a new talk which focuses on my ‘Dartmoor on 35mm Film’ project.
As my photography has evolved I have more frequently questioned the reasoning behind my image making. Once happy to make stand-alone images for people to put on their walls, this now feels shallow and dissatisfying.
Some say that successful images are those which invite the viewer to pause for thought and create their own interpretation. Although I don’t disagree with this, I feel that this creates a sense of isolation, uncertainty and bereavement for me as the photographer.
I don’t want my images to sit alone but to be intertwined with a narrative which brings them to life. Here are a couple of examples:
As I have become more involved in making photos on Dartmoor, I have delved deeper into what makes Dartmoor the place it is. I am excited about my discoveries and I want to share them with other people. My aim is to combine a selection of my images with some of the stories and anecdotes which I have come across.
From Arthur Conan Doyle to Zionism tells the story of Dartmoor as I have experienced it so far. Quirky facts are intermingled with legends and hearsay to create an insight into what makes Dartmoor the place it is.
If you are interested in the talk then please contact me. I have a few slots available in the New Year. Otherwise I am happy to book a date for a future season. The fee for this talk is £90 plus travel expenses at 50p per mile.
The Cloak of Conformity and the Corset of Expectation
As someone who is on the autism spectrum, I have expended a great deal of time and energy creating different versions of myself in an attempt to fit into society’s expectations of how I should behave. I refer to this disguise as the Cloak of Conformity and the Corset of Expectation. The corset shaped me into an idealised form whilst the cloak displayed a version of me to the world which said, “Look I fit in.”
The “Cloak of Conformity and the Corset of Expectation” tells the story of my relationship with photography and autism and the ways in which my photographic journey has helped me realise that the cloak and the corset have been suffocating my creativity and that by discarding them I can express my true identity.
Accepting and understanding my autism has given me the confidence to express my identity through my photography which, in turn, has given me the confidence to explore new forms of artistic expression.
I do, of course, illustrate this with a liberal sprinkling of my own images.
Some of the kind words people have said...
"Alison Webber is an inspiration to photographers and anyone wanting to embark on a project. To see her process as she shares the link between her Autism diagnosis and her photographic work, you learn what is possible to achieve in under a decade. The stars of course are Alison's beautiful photographs that bring peace and balance to where ever she points her camera. Thought provoking and highly motivating to see things in your own creative way."
"For Alison it soon became apparent in her photography that she sees the world very differently in patterns and shapes, which, for her, gave some order to her world. Taking her images on board together with her explanation of how she works, it became very apparent that her images were an extension of her. I found her an amazing lady who exudes photographic passion which we as club photographers can learn a lot from. The standard of her photography was outstanding, and her explanation of how she achieved her images added an extra dimension. It was truly a remarkable evening and I would not hesitate in recommending her talk to other clubs."
"Many thanks for an outstanding presentation this evening and for giving us such an amazing insight into your photographic art.
I think everyone will have found plenty of inspiration for their own photographic journey, and I’m sure we all left with a much better understanding of autism."
I think everyone will have found plenty of inspiration for their own photographic journey, and I’m sure we all left with a much better understanding of autism."
"I used to be a keen photographer but for 4 years and due to my wife’s illness had not touched a camera.
Your presentation was the best I’ve seen for many years and as a result I have learned about Autism which I knew nothing about. You have renewed my enthusiasm for photography and I thank you so much."
Your presentation was the best I’ve seen for many years and as a result I have learned about Autism which I knew nothing about. You have renewed my enthusiasm for photography and I thank you so much."
"Alison's presentation at 'NOW Cerne Abbas' left everyone in admiration for her achievements but also the natural and engaging way she presented the links she has discovered between her autism and its influences, particularly in her photography but also the way she leads her life. Anyone having the opportunity to listen to Alison should take it. You will learn such a lot in a relaxed and informative way."
"Your images and your story are inspirational. A lot of your more recent works, including 2nd & 3rd distinction panels are truly original. It's so rare to see something new in art that nobody else has done."
"I have just made a bit personal "headspace" to watch the recording of your talk. It was brilliant. I need say no more."
"Alison gave an intriguing and thought provoking presentation, accompanied by many of her excellent photographs. In a period of less than five years, starting as a complete beginner, she has achieved three RPS distinctions culminating in a FRPS. She has developed her own style of photography which has been very much influenced by her Autism."
"Alison had the type of energy in her work that we should all feed off. Far from being a hindrance Alison had used her Autism to great advantage in her photography to demonstrate her really exciting individuality – something we should all wish for."
Upcoming bookings
Many clubs and societies welcome visitors for a small fee on the door. Please contact the club or society directly for information.
February 10th, 2026 - Sherborne Bradford Abbas Camera Club
February 16th, 2026 - Steyning Camera Club
March 19th, 2026 - Basingstoke Camera Club
October 27th, 2026 - Devizes Photography Club
November 10th, 2026 - Liskeard Camera Club
March 16th, 2027- Viewfinders of Romsey Camera Club
