Step into Photography: Reflexive Disclosure (2012-2013)

A collaboration between students and professional photographers thinking critically and ethically about image making

A one-year project during which we delivered accredited photography courses to low income families from Lambeth with the support of the Walcot Foundation, Harman Express, Iniva, The Photographer’s Gallery and professional photographers.

The young people aged 15-23 gained a Silver Arts Awards (http://www.artsaward.org.uk) in Photography challenging themselves and building creativity and the adults, a SEPE Award (Supporting Employability and Personal Effectiveness), a new BTEC qualification delivered by Superact and Edexcel (http://www.superact.org.uk/component/project_records/24?view=projectrecord&Itemid=311).

Throughout the programme, the group discovered their love of photography inside and outside the darkroom. Students utilised digital, analogue and camera-less photography to explore a range of photographic genres including self-portraiture and urban landscape photography and built a portfolio. They gained personal development, self-esteem, leadership skills, creativity, social awareness, self-expression, communication skills, critical thinking and visual literacy while making new friendship .

The project culminated in an exhibition, Reflexive Disclosure, brings together the work of novice photographers: young people and adults from the London Borough of Lambeth. The exhibitors took part in ‘Step into Photography’ a project run by Fotosynthesis, with the support of the Walcott Foundation. Throughout the 18 – 36 week programme, the group discovered their love of photography inside and outside the darkroom. Students utilised digital, analogue and camera-less photography to explore a range of photographic genres (including self-portraiture and urban landscape photography).

The work displayed in the exhibition at INIVA evolved from collaborations between students and professional photographers, who encouraged exhibitors to think critically and ethically about their image making and writing. Consequently individuals learned to visually communicate and question their self-identity and environment, and reflect on their role within the creative practice of photography.