Helen Snooks – School Run to the Shutter Speed

Posted: 23/01/26 08:40 | 2 Comments

My name is Helen, and I’m a 34 year old mother of three (eldest is 11 and youngest is 4). My son has ADHD and my husband has severe epilepsy so I care for him. As you can imagine, life at home is very hectic. Yet still, you’d find that most people would say I always have camera around my neck or my phone out, ready to take photos of anything and everything.

Joining the OCA was probably one of the best educational life choices I have ever made. I chose to study with the OCA because I liked the idea of being able to do a degree and further my skills and knowledge in a subject I really enjoy from the comfort of my own home, without having to worry about getting somewhere every day for my lessons that I’d have to try and fit around my life and my children.

When I started the course I was very anxious, wondering how I would fit it all in, and I will admit at the start I found it very overwhelming. But part of the course at the beginning helps you to think about when you can do your coursework and how long you will dedicate to it. You don’t have to stick to one particular pace of study and can arrange your own study schedule – I look at my study plans as helpful reminders.

I have set up an area in my lounge where I can do my coursework which makes it easier to get into the creative/study mindset. I do my coursework in the mornings after the school run and after I sort the chaos of the mornings mess! Once I had done this routine a few times it became a habit for me. If I need to take a break for half term, I just make sure I do a little more on other days to make up for it. There is no pressure to get it done it is up to you how you use your time.

The OCA are amazing if you have health/mental health difficulties – just keep in touch with your tutor, they want to help you to succeed and won’t judge you. If you get stuck with anything, you can ask the tutors, your peers, or ask on the forums – someone is always available to help.

My favourite part of the course is the photo taking tasks. I don’t mind the written side either as I enjoy learning – with my ADHD I find it really hard to concentrate and sit still to do the work – but taking photos is definitely what I love to do. I’m a much better photographer now than when I started the course, it feels like there is no limit to my photography now. I see so much more detail than I ever did before. I would actually say I see the world differently now than I did before.

To anyone considering joining the OCA, do it! You won’t regret it!

Hear more about studying with OCA through our Open Days resources here!

Posted by author: Helen Snooks

2 thoughts on “Helen Snooks – School Run to the Shutter Speed”

Mr Jamie Davis says:

31st January 2026 at 9:20 am

Thanks for sharing your story. It’s not always easy to fit it all in and for some, more so than others. Power to your arm Helen.

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Dan Robinson says:

2nd February 2026 at 3:22 pm

Thanks so much for taking time to share your story here. What an inspiring journey! I love the way you have described so clearly how the course fits with day-to-day life with a family and complex caring responsibilities, and how photography is changing your outlook on the world. Great to see your creative results too, alongside hearing about your experience, “…ready to take photos of anything and everything.” Love it! Great post. Thank you.

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