An award-winning photographer has put the focus on inspiring the next generation of youngsters.
Budding photographers in Lowestoft and Saxmundham have benefited from a community project, as a two-day workshop was run by professional photographer Julian Claxton.
Mr Claxton of Oulton – who runs the African project 'Give a Child a Camera' in Uganda, helping children in rural Africa to learn a new skill and tell the story of their life through their own images – turned his attention to a group of young people at the Saxmundham Youth Booth.
The Saxmundham Photography Project was run in conjunction and funded by Access Community Trust, who run the Sax Youth Booth, with additional support from Seckford Springboard. The Youth Booth provides an active and engaging place for young people to meet, play sports and socialise.
The photography project was delivered in response to interest shown in photography and media from the young people, both in Saxmundham and Lowestoft, with Mr Claxton inspiring them to develop skills and shoot amazing photographs of their environment.
After a short theory lesson, cameras and equipment were handed out and the group of nine headed to Dunwich for a day of exploring, learning and creative expression. Mr Claxton was able to suggest interesting angles, exploring different types of lighting as he helped the amateur photographers achieve some breathtaking photographs. He said: 'It was a miserable
day to be out with the cameras, but we all had great fun exploring the woods and using the wet environment to our benefit. The creativity on show was excellent and I enjoyed it as much as the young people.'
After a brief editing spell, the youngsters learned the art of street photography and fine tuned techniques. A mini exhibition of the young people's work has been displayed in the Youth Booth.
Jack, from Lowestoft, was one of the workshop participants. He said it was the first time he had seen his work in print and added: 'Wow, the photos look excellent.'
The aim now is to get some of the images made into wallpaper to be used throughout the Access offices and other community projects to further promote the work the young people have achieved and leave a lasting
image legacy.
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