Lucie Averill: Slowing Down to See More Deeply

SheClicks Women in Photography

Send us a text

In this episode, landscape and coastal photographer Lucie Averill joins Angela Nicholson to talk about her slow, mindful approach to photography and creativity. Based in Cornwall, Lucie creates calming, reflective images inspired by the changing light and moods of the coast. Her photography is shaped by a deep connection to place and a commitment to slowing down and really noticing her surroundings.
Lucie’s journey into photography really began with a digital camera in the early 2000s. She was working full-time as a teacher, but the ability to instantly see her images sparked a fascination that grew into a passion. Eventually, she stepped away from teaching to pursue photography full time.
Angela and Lucie explore how observation and patience are essential parts of her process. Lucie talks about the importance of returning to the same locations, watching light change and ideas emerge. Even when she doesn’t make an image, the time spent looking helps lay the foundation for future creativity.
The conversation also touches on how a printing workshop helped Lucie discover the right paper and techniques to bring out the best in her images, turning printing into a deeply rewarding part of her practice.
Lucie’s story is a gentle reminder that success in photography doesn’t have to be fast or driven. Instead, slowing down and seeing more deeply can lead to richer creative expression and a more meaningful path.

Takeaways

• Slow observation improves your photography – Time spent looking helps build awareness and stronger creative instincts.
• Repetition builds understanding – Returning to familiar places helps you learn how light, tides and landscapes shift.
• Printing enhances creative clarity – Seeing your work on paper helps you understand it more deeply and refine your process.
• Success doesn’t need speed – A fulfilling creative life can grow naturally when you follow your own pace.
• Photograph for yourself first – Work that’s rooted in your own passions and observations often resonates the most.
• Let ideas develop over time – There’s no need to rush; creativity often emerges from quiet and thoughtful reflection.

Connect with Lucie
Website
Instagram
Facebook

Support the show

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Connecting with digital photography (00:01:40)

3. Switching career from teacher to photographer (00:04:29)

4. Looking a prints in a new way (00:14:48)

5. Being part of an artists' cooperative (00:20:00)

6. Deciding what to photograph (00:24:15)

7. Not running workshops (00:29:03)

8. Sunrise or sunset? Rising or receding tide? (00:29:54)

9. Advice for aspiring professional photographers (00:33:17)

10. Favourite UK coast outside of Cornwall (00:34:53)

11. Do you go out with a vision of what you want to create, or do you wait and see what presents itself? (00:35:50)

12. Taking camera of camera kit at the coast (00:38:26)

13. Lucie's approach to image editing (00:41:28)

14. Lucie's go-to cameras and lenses (00:43:53)

15. A career of natural developments (00:46:01)