Meet True North Photo Society | We are a group of seven fine art photographers who love to create through the photographic medium.

We had the good fortune of connecting with True North Photo Society and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi True North Photo Society, why did you pursue a creative career?
Creation—especially the act of making art—is how we express ourselves and fulfill our essence as creative beings. Through photography, we ask questions—of ourselves and of those who engage with our work. Our images challenge assumptions, inviting deeper thought and shifting perspectives.

Whether we create in solitude or in harmony with one another, our ideas demand to be seen. They take shape in light and shadow, in texture and form, in the quiet moments and the bold statements. It’s not just what we do—it’s who we are. It’s woven into our DNA, guiding how we see, how we create, and how we move through the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
We are an eclectic group of photographers, each with a distinct vision and a deeply personal approach to our work. With seven of us, it’s only natural that our creative journeys have taken different paths. We started at different points in our lives, and our artistic processes vary. Yet, no matter how our styles evolve with each new body of work, we share a collective passion for pushing the boundaries of our creative visions. Here is a little about each of our members:

Creativity and self-discovery are inseparable. Along the way, we’ve all faced obstacles—some personal, some creative. Self-doubt has a sneaky way of creeping in when we least expect it. But then, so does inspiration. The key is perseverance—keeping the window open long enough for inspiration to fly in.

Through mutual support, we remind each other to keep those windows wide open. And when the magic happens, when creativity takes flight, it’s nothing short of exhilarating to witness.

Brandy Sebastian brings together the transformative powers of feminine energy set within nature. Her dreamy portraits are rich with rhythm and dimension. Nature is the perfect backdrop revealing the essential beauty of body celebrating itself as it moves in the world.

Soft and gauzy, Barbara Beck creates unique and richly layered floral and sea life prints through unique hands-on photographic processes. Her prints are painterly and one-of-a-kind. Her prints embody the soft quiet beauty found in nature and serve as a metaphor to express the sublime beauty of the human spirit.

Otherworldly beauty results when Pricilla Monger’s photographs blur momentary stillness with color and form. Simplicity of composition, lighting, harmony and mystery characterize her striking abstract images. Multilayered, her images ask you to explore the hidden narratives present both in every part and the whole simultaneously.

The dance of light and play of shadows, the interplay between simplicity and emotion are elements Susan Hill uses to create her images. Her work resonates with quiet depth of multidimensionality. It conveys hidden contours of light which ask the viewer to see time and to see a place beyond time.

Working in both Black & White and color, Patricia Grabski combines storytelling with realism to capture the haunting beauty of quiet desolation. She transforms the language of photography from momentary stillness to an ongoing conversation.

Subtle yet profound, Judith Preston’s work portrays the textural richness and endless patterns in nature. Versed in Color as well as Black & White, her work is meditative and reveals a lasting connection between place and story.

Annie Lemoux creates intimate and powerful works that explore identity and self-expression. Using the body and self in the fluid weightless medium of water, she deftly uses traditional methods, as a lens, to interpret the beauty and strength of the human figure.

What sets our group of seven female fine art photographers apart is our fearless spirit of experimentation. We don’t just create—we explore, push boundaries, and dive headfirst into alternative processes. Whether we’re testing new techniques or refining ongoing work, we support one another through every creative twist and turn. Growth is our constant, and together, we embrace the ever-evolving nature of our artistry.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: After arriving in San Diego, my best friend and I would head over to Moniker Coffee in Liberty Station to slow down and catch up. Their coffee shop is nestled in a delightfully charming boutique that offer the most unique clothing and gift items. After kicking around Liberty Station to soak up some sunshine and take in the local galleries, we’d head off to Balboa Park. It would take days to enjoy every one of the excellent museums. Some favorites are the Timken (free) and the Mingei. Kehinde Wiley’s amazing work is currently at Timken. The Mingei is a fascinating museum with delightfully unique exhibits. Don’t forget to check out the Chiluhy piece. Hungry? Their restaurant is sure to delight, as well. Or, for some great Mexican food, head over to National City for lunch at Quatros Las Milpas. The long line says it all. Cash only. Then, stroll on over to Barrio Logan to check out some amazing murals. Walk a few blocks to Bread & Salt gallery to see their latest show or visit with their studio residents. They are super friendly and love to talk about their work. Dinner at Tribute Pizza in North Park. You’ll need reservations. Make them in advance. After a day of “art-seeing”, you’ll be famished. They won’t disappoint.

Day 2: Head to La Jolla. Stroll along La Jolla Cove. The ocean views are breathtaking. You may glimpse groups of plein-air painters capturing the natural essence of La Jolla Cove. Walk on over to Sugar and Scribe. Arrive hungry. Their portions are ample. Every item on the menu is fantastic. Plus, their award-winning owner/chef, Maeve, is an absolute gem. A post-breakfast walk along Girard Ave to Warwick’s Book Store. The oldest independent bookstore in the US. There, you’d find a huge selection of art, architecture, and must-reads. Super friendly and knowledgeable assistants. Check out Meanley Ace Hardware next door. Random, yes, very, but it’s like a curiosity shop. You’ll never know what you may find. The Atheneum is up the block. Take in a noon concert, enjoy the latest exhibit, and pursue their extensive arts library. Set a timer, you may need it. The Museum of Contemporary Art is down the street and around the corner. Fantastic ocean views and amazing art. Need to stretch your legs, then head up the coast for a hike at Torrey Pines State Park with its spectacular view. A great way to spend a late afternoon. Back to La Jolla for a performance at the Prebys Performing Arts Center or check out Beaumont’s for good food and live music.

Day 3: Head to Del Mar for some beach time. If you time it right, you can take in a Surf competition for dogs. Cedros in Solana Beach has a lovely local Farmer’s Market. Keep heading north along the Coast highway to Leucadia, Encinitas, and Carlsbad. They all have fantastic beaches, local shops, and delicious roadside eateries. Don’t forget to stop at the Surfing Madonna to take your photo. It’s a cultural icon. Rent bikes in Oceanside. Check out their surf women’s competitions. The work of local artists can be enjoyed at North Coast Arts, the Photographer’s Eye Collective Gallery in Escondido, and the Oceanside Museum of Art in Oceanside. There is always great music to be heard in Solana Beach at The Belly Up.

Day 4: Head inland for a day in San Diego’s wine country. You won’t be disappointed. Whether you are relaxing and planning your next adventure or talking “art talk”, some top choices to visit
are Hungry Hawk, Cordiano, Espinosa and Altipiano. Good wines, a beautiful atmosphere, and several delicious foods. Hankering for extraordinary “local” Mexican food, try Craft Taco in Escondido. You’ve never had tacos like these before. They are still a bit under the radar, so go while you still can. Head back downtown for an evening concert at the Rady Shell. Or, for more local sounds, Tio Leo’s in the Morena district. Good food and great live music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Our group, as a collective, is passionate about continually evolving as creatives by exploring new photographic mediums and techniques. We strive to push the boundaries of our work. Together, we serve to ignite curiosity and eliminate limitations in how each of us “see” our craft. We inspire one another through critical print reviews. While being gentle with the ego, these reviews help us discover unspoken themes and qualities in our work. This support is critical as it frees us to welcome new perspectives and to ultimately grow as artists.

Even the projects that are perceived as “failed” teach us lessons that we carry on to our next body of work.

What inspires us? We are inspired by many different sources. It’s unlimited. It comes from music, paintings, movies, and dreams. It comes from our past experiences, from our emotions, from our hearts. Of course, it comes from other photographers and artists. It comes from the simplicity of nature. It also comes from reading and weaving those insights into our work. Reading “The Mindful Photographer” by Sophie Howarth and “On photography” by Susan Sontag serve to rewire our relationship to our photographic craft. Twyla Tharp, a renown choreographer, creative artist, and author of “The Creative Habit,” gives us lessons and a road map to unleashing creativity. David Bayles and Ted Orland peel back fear and how to push through it in “Art & Fear”.

Website: https://www.truenorthphotosociety.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truenorthphotosociety/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrueNorthPhotoSociety

Image Credits
TNPS members hands creating Salt Prints: Brandy J Sebastian

TNPS Group Photo: Brandy J Sebastian

“Dancer’s Connection” Earth Dancer Series – Process: Digital Archival Pigment Print

“Wild Garden No2” – Process: Wet Cyanotype Tea Toned and Hand Colored by Barbara Beck

“See You at the Top” – Process: Cellphone Photograph by Priscilla Monger

“Salk Study #6” – Process: Sepia Toned Silver Gelatin Print by Susan Hill

“Apparition” – Process: Digital Photograph by Patricia Grabski

“Fern” – Process: Platinum/Palladium Print by Judith A Preston

“In the vortex” – Process: Polaroid 809 Emulsion Lift by Annie Lemoux