ABOUT  US

Refocus was founded by Amy Coppins and Kate Denman in January 2008 and continues to be run by the co-founders, who plan, direct and train the courses. Amy and Kate first met whilst studying for their Bachelor’s degrees in photography at Nottingham Trent University’s School of Art and Design. Their shared passions included not only photography, but also social justice and change, which later led them down the unusual route of teaching photography to people whose voices are often not heard.

After university, Amy Coppins embarked on a one year internship with the Independent Photographers Group (IPG) London, and it was there that she worked with photographers Tom Stoddart, Peter Dench and Richard Baker. She then moved into freelance picture researching and editing for the Saturday Telegraph magazine and the Times Online. She later worked as a trainee photographers’ agent at Corbis Artist Representation. Since 2007, when Amy decided to re-direct her career to teaching, she has been a photography and language trainer, as well as a co-director of Refocus. She has been the central organiser for the 2011 youth exchange project, organised exhibitions in London and Scotland and has trained students on all refocus projects.

Kate Denman completed her Bachelor’s degree in photography in Europe and has since followed an international career in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). Kate has worked in Spain, Vietnam, Chile, Syria, Lebanon and Portugal, primarily for the British Council, as well as with smaller language schools. While teaching English, Kate has continued to work in freelance photography and is now pursuing a career focused on international development. She is currently completing a Master’s degree in Gender, Education and International Development at London Institute of Education, and recently spent two months in India, working with UNICEF on a project encouraging gender sensitivity in local media. Meanwhile, Kate has co-directed Refocus – creating syllabi, training students during participatory photography projects, and organising exhibitions in Damascus, London, Portugal and Spain.

Volunteers

Zaher Alkashash is refocus’ photo technician

Zaher is a Syrian photographer and technician in Damascus. His wonderful photo lab, Alwaha photo center, has provided us with amazing pictures at amazing rates. For the past two years he has been an incredible help with all our photographic needs.

Mhyar Muhammad is refocus’ webmaster

Mhyar is a Syrian web designer living in Aleppo, North Syria. For the past 2 years he has single handily designed and managed our website. He has and continues to be a vital part of refocus, for without him this site would not exist and our exposure would be very small.

Bassel Halabi

Bassel is Palestinian living in Syria. He has helped refocus immensely, both as a translator in the classes and by providing valuable IT support throughout the projects.  He joined refocus in July 2009 and hopes to continue in the coming projects. 

Muhsen AlIbrahem

Muhsen is Syrian living Damascus.  He has been a huge help and support to refocus, liaising between us the Youth Union and the participants.  He was the interpreter throughout the project “Bridging the Gap” and continues to facilitate communication in Syria. 

Kate and Amy would also like to say a HUGE thank you to all the people that help refocus. Especially to Mike,  Mehyar, Haider, Rima, Jochen, Mohammad – two olives, Bassam, Sejal and Bob.