Our drop-in centre in Brixton, London holds weekly social evenings for separated children, giving them the opportunity to meet others in similar situations, relax and make new friends.
As part of this, we joined forces with Zoom In, a not-for-profit photography school, who organised a six month course in photography.
Participants worked with professional photographer Liane Harris to learn camera techniques and to explore issues that are important to them and which reflect their experiences and sense of community in London and the UK. With Clementina Cross they learned Photoshop skills and how to manipulate and enhance their images.
Both on trips in London and at their homes the young people took photographs using single-use cameras and digital SLRs, and also learned how to manipulate their images using Photoshop in order to make their own personal album covers.
This online exhibition is a legacy of the work of this project and was launched alongside an exhibition at PYMCA Gallery, East London (30 June - 12 July 2007).
About Zoom In
Zoom In is an organisation that exists to provide education, facilities and services through the promotion of the arts with particular but not exclusive reference to photography, digital art and multimedia for individuals and community groups. Zoom In promotes the attainment of independent goals through creativity, education, inspiration, encouragement and support for individuals and community groups.
Zoom In runs community projects through its education programme for adults and young people using photography as a tool to explore ideas and relevant issues. We aim to ensure our activities are addressing a need, and are accessible, reaching a wider audience through public exhibitions.
With special thanks to Abdallah, Abdel, Abdoul, Ahmed, Ali, Claudine, Favad, Lamarana, Loria, Mohammed, Rackiya and Shamin: lead project photography tutor Liane Harris and Photoshop tutor Clementina Cross; Caroline Watson, the Children’s Panel, the Tuesday Drop-In team, and Barbara Keating at the Refugee Council Brixton; Nana Varveropoulou and Refugee Week; and all the Zoom In staff and volunteers who have contributed fantastically during the workshops and for the exhibition.
The Photome project and exhibition have been kindly supported by MTV Europe Foundation, Sir Walter St John Education Charity, Local Network Fund, and the Refugee Council Brixton and have been organised by Katie Murphy at Zoom In Photography.
For more information visit www.zoom-in.org
