Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Larisa Crockett. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Larisa, appreciate you joining us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

Having friends, relatives, and neighbors with children, I often notice how they seem to grow bored after school or on weekends, spending hours immersed in the virtual world of video games. They often show little interest in other activities—like going for a walk or playing outside—and many lack meaningful, real-world connections, communicating mostly through gadgets. This made me reflect on my own childhood.
Looking back, I realized I could make a difference. I thought about what brought joy to my own days as a child. I was once the girl who was always asking, “What can I do next?” I tried so many things, but nothing held my attention for long—until I discovered photography. It quickly became my passion, and suddenly, I was never bored again! Photography transformed me from a shy, quiet child into a confident, creative individual, known among my peers for my camera, which became both a shield and a gateway to self-expression.
The camera wasn’t just a hobby; it was a way to capture the beauty of the world and share it with others. I couldn’t imagine a day without it—it became a bright thread woven through the fabric of my life, constantly inspiring me.
I’ve been passionate about photography for over 40 years, starting at the age of 12, and it’s a journey I’ve never stopped.
After becoming an empty-nester, I decided to expand my horizons further and took courses in business and online entrepreneurship. While I already had the teaching experience and a deep love for photography, I realized I needed to learn how to combine them in a way that would truly connect with kids—especially those who might be facing the same struggles I had. I wanted to offer them something meaningful, a creative outlet that could grow into both a passion and potentially even a future career.
This year, to honor my lifelong connection with photography, I launched an online photography course for kids. It’s designed to give young learners the chance to explore photography at their own pace, in their own time, and from the comfort of their own home. You can find it at http://www.photoschool.pro

While I’m still fine-tuning many aspects of the project, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve already seen some wonderful results. Watching my students show off their progress and seeing the spark in their eyes when they talk about photography is a true affirmation that my efforts are making a difference. The feeling of accomplishment is indescribable. As a teacher, witnessing those “aha!” moments and seeing my students grow in confidence and belief in their abilities is one of the most rewarding aspects of this journey.
The course isn’t about boring lectures—it’s full of fun, animated cartoons that introduce kids to the basics of photography in a playful way through fun projects. From there, they have the freedom to unleash their creativity, using either a camera or a cell phone, crafting their own stories and expressing themselves through exciting, hands-on projects.
I offer both individual classes and group sessions, with Zoom meetings or email support to guide them along the way.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve always had a passion for teaching, and I think it’s in my blood. Coming from a family of educators—my mom and sister are both award-winning teachers, and my mom even served as a principal for many years—teaching feels like second nature to me. As a child, I loved helping my friends learn to read, write, and count long before I even considered teaching as a career. I expected nothing less than excellence—”good enough” simply wasn’t part of the equation.
Not long ago, I reconnected with a childhood friend I hadn’t seen in years. She shared that the way I explained reading and counting to her almost 40 years ago still sticks with her today! In fact, she’s passing those same methods on to her grandkids. It was such a heartwarming moment to realize that the way I taught back then—when I was just a kid myself—is still making a difference. I’ve always loved finding ways to break things down, making complicated ideas easier to understand and more memorable. That’s what drives me to create something that resonates with kids today.

Having a teacher you truly connect with can make all the difference in the world. When you trust someone and they resonate with you, all it takes is time and persistence to succeed. I’m incredibly grateful for the amazing teachers who have shaped my life and helped me become who I am today. Do you ever think back on the teachers who made a lasting impact on you? How they helped you grow and see the world differently? I often find myself reflecting on them.
Of course, I can’t forget to mention my dad, who played a huge role in shaping what I do today. Though he wasn’t a traditional teacher, he was a brilliant problem solver with a deep love for art and an engineering mind like no other. He had this amazing gift—what I call “x-ray” vision—he could look at any device and instantly understand how it worked or what was wrong with it.
That’s when photography entered my life.

For my 12th birthday, my dad gave me a professional camera. He explained how it worked in a way I could understand, and although I wasn’t sure what I’d do with it at the time, something clicked because I loved and trusted my dad. Around the same time, my English teacher showed us stunning posters of London’s sights, and I was completely in awe. I wondered, Who are these people who just transported me to London through their photos? And that’s when it hit me—those images were made with a camera, just like the one I had sitting in its box.

That was the moment I started dreaming of taking people on trips around the world through my photography, just like I’d been “taken” to London in that classroom. I cracked the code of how photography worked its magic, and I wanted to share whatever I found fascinating with others. I’ve kept doing that through my lifelong project, Travel Without Traveling. Today, every image I take is a tribute to the journey that began with a single camera and a young girl’s dream.
That’s how my photography journey began. We didn’t have digital cameras back then, so I learned to work with films, darkrooms, and the iconic red light to develop my first images. Later, when digital cameras arrived, I embraced the new technology—editing software, new gear, and more. If you love what you do, you’re always learning, always improving.
For me, photography is a unique way of communicating with people—it’s like a universal language understood anywhere in the world. I compare photography to learning a foreign language that unites people across the globe, erasing borders. It allows us to express ourselves and be understood, no matter where we are. Imagine using photography to “speak” on an inspired theme without uttering a word, or “paint” without a brush.

When I photograph nature and wildlife, I feel closer to our creator, as if I’m being let into private, hidden corners of the world—places few can access—to share their beauty with others. You’re welcome to visit my store at http://www.larisa-crockett.pixels.com
There’s something powerful about having natural landscapes in your home interiors —it connects you to something greater, something whole. It’s no wonder beautiful, serene photographs are used in healing therapy, with a positive impact on the brain for those in need, or anyone in general. Why not use that positivity?
The company where my print store is hosted (Fine Art America) offers museum-quality prints with a money-back guarantee. In addition to prints for interiors, they offer a large variety of merchandise, so you’ll find great gift ideas for any occasion.

I also create photography books, which serve a similar purpose: calming and healing by the power of nature. Some people find them a great source of motivation for bucket-list destinations, while others see them as a meaningful gift for loved ones who’ve shared their own travel experiences. Photography keeps our memories alive, letting us revisit those places by simply flipping through the pages again. You’re welcome to visit my book store at http://www.blurb.com/user/larisacr
If you’re a business owner, consider placing photography books in your waiting room for your customers. They can transform the space into a calming environment, offering a moment of tranquility and inspiration while they wait.

When we travel or go on hikes, photography helps me focus on gratitude and the divine beauty surrounding us every day—beauty that often goes unnoticed. In my photography course for kids, I teach them to see the world around them with fresh eyes, noticing details in nature or other surroundings. It awakens their natural sense of spirituality—something that, sadly, is often lost in today’s tech-driven world.
A message to parents:
You are the most important person in your child’s life, and you have the unique opportunity to help them explore new skills before they step into adulthood and start searching for their true passion. I’m so grateful that my dad gave me that camera on my 12th birthday—it was the gift that allowed me to discover my path and set me on a journey I’ve loved ever since.

I also love photographing people, but that’s a whole different story. Thanks to photography, we know how our ancestors looked, and we can see who we resemble! Photography creates our family chronicles, which can be passed down through generations. My mom is still grateful for the black-and-white photos I took when I was learning photography. Your child could be the one to create your family’s chronicles!
This past summer, I visited old friends from school and university, and everywhere I went, I saw old black-and-white photos I had taken years before. They were treasured by everyone. Photography is like a time machine, giving us the chance to relive precious moments, share them with our children and grandchildren, and preserve memories for future generations.
When I photograph people, I know I’m freezing moments in time for their own “time machine.” I offer Mirrored in Time sessions to capture the growth and milestones of children, as well as fun dress-up sessions that always bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Check out my photo sessions at www.Larisacrockettphotography.com

There’s a reason why we do what we do. I’m forever grateful to my dad for giving me that camera on my 12th birthday—it changed my life. No matter what happens in my life, I know I’m a part of something much bigger. I’m so happy my photos can bring a smile to people’s faces and that kids who dive into photography early learn to appreciate the world around them, focusing on the good and the positive. It helps them develop keen observation skills and a deeper connection with life—skills that will serve them well in their overall development and academic studies.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think one thing non-creatives might struggle to understand about my journey is the deep, personal connection that comes with pursuing something purely out of passion, not for money or external rewards. They say that if you do something for years without being paid (that’s my case) and you still grow in that field, it’s your true calling—and that’s how I feel about photography.

For me, photography has been a lifelong journey of constant improvement. This field is ever-evolving, and if you truly love what you do, there’s always something new to learn. I’ve been fortunate to learn from some of the best teachers in the world and have gathered years of experience that I’m now excited to share with kids. I want to inspire them to see how a camera can be a fun, powerful tool for making a positive impact in their own lives and in the world around them. Photography isn’t just an art—it’s a way to change the way we see and connect with the world, It’s about learning to see the world differently, finding joy in the smallest details, and expressing your thoughts and feelings in ways words alone can’t capture.

And for many non-creatives, it’s hard to understand that the real reward isn’t always recognition, though that’s nice when it happens. The real fulfillment comes from the quiet joy of knowing that you’ve captured something meaningful, something that will never exist in the same way again. It’s about leaving behind a trace of your own perspective in every frame.

And perhaps most importantly, the journey of being a creative is one of constant self-discovery. It pushes you to evolve, to question, to refine, and to always stay curious. As I share my knowledge with kids, I’m not just teaching them photography; I’m helping them understand how to see the world through different lenses—literally and figuratively—and how to tap into their own unique creativity. Because when you embrace creativity, you open the door to endless possibilities.
You are welcome to open that door at www.photoschool.pro

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely! For me, photography is more than just an art form—it’s a powerful bridge that can take kids from the virtual world of video games into the real world, one full of kindness, humaneness, and natural spirituality. I want children to start truly seeing the world around them, not just looking at it. It may sound a bit unusual, but a camera teaches us to see without the camera too. It encourages us to observe more deeply, to connect with our surroundings, and to care more about the world and the people in it. A camera can inspire kids to become givers rather than takers.
In my photography school, the second level of our curriculum focuses on using photography as a tool for change—photography with a purpose, for causes that raise awareness and make a difference. It’s about using creativity to make an impact.
Let’s be grateful for the beauty around us and celebrate the world we live in!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.larisacrockettphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larisacrockett/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LarisaCrockettPhotography
• Twitter: https://x.com/LarisaCrockett
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/larisa-crockett-photography-tampa
• Other: http://photoschool.pro
  http://www.larisa-crockett.pixels.com

  https://www.blurb.com/user/larisacr

  https://www.etsy.com/shop/LarisaCrockettPhoto