#501 A borrowed camera brings a new life

On the show today: Brad Carr's photography isn't just about making beautiful landscape pictures and being out in nature, it's about a sense of catharsis, healing and even survival. Growing up in a violent, abusive home left scars that still echo today, but the camera became his way back to himself. What started with borrowing his sister's camera has grown into a profession and, more importantly, a lifeline. In this episode, Brad shares how landscapes, ancient oaks, and the act of making photographs have helped him create, steadying a life once marked by turmoil.

In today's mailbag: a letter from Patrick Gerke with poetry and reflections on photography as pure escapism, plus street photographer Ann Luu-Trong shares her "why." Complaints Corner is open again, and this time it's my maths under fire (nobody told me adding up was part of the job description!) There's news of a brand-new end-of-year competition, and it's the final call to take part in Ibarionex's September One Word Assignment.

Links to all guests and features will be on the show page, my sincere thanks to Arthelper, who sponsor this show, plus our Extra Milers, without whom we wouldn't be walking each week.

WHY: A Sketchbook of Life is available here.