HOW PHOTOGRAPHY EMPOWERS CHILDREN LOOKED AFTER
In May 2024, children looked after and care leavers in the London Borough of Waltham Forest took part in a three-day photography project led by Create’s professional photographer, Tracey Fahy.
This was part of our changing:spaces programme curated to turn blank spaces into inspirational places for work or play, using murals and other forms of visual art.
The May project was funded by Fitch Group and produced high quality artwork for its Canary Wharf office, centred around the theme of ‘Celebrating Diversity’.
The project offered a creative experience, enabling the young people to learn new skills, build friendships, develop confidence and self-esteem and have fun, enhancing their overall wellbeing.
We spoke to Isaac about his experience with the project.
LEARNING NEW SKILLS
“[During] the project that I took part in, we took pictures and learnt micro [photography] and street photography, where we went out on the streets and took pictures of people. It was a beautiful and fun experience. It’s something I haven’t done before, and I would never have done it [without this project]. It made me want to invest in my own camera.
“Using cameras just feels more real [than smart phones]. You really have to take into account what you’re taking a picture of. You take the pictures slowly, one by one. It’s more delicate and so you think about what you take more. It’s just like picking your own moments to capture.
“I created a photo of two people walking in front of a colourful building. They were walking at just the right speed, and I captured it at just the right time. It felt good. I had my zoom on, I had it ready, and then just as soon as they walked past, I hit the click and I got it at the right time.”
I want to carry on taking pictures. This was just a life-changing opportunity to have and I don’t take it for granted.
THE JOYS OF COLLABORATION AND CREATIVITY
“Everyone’s style was different. Some people liked taking pictures of everything, because they just loved the fascination of taking a picture. It was amazing working in a group. We just had fun. We all worked together, and we all made the time more enjoyable.”
When you are creative, you use your brain more and you can see how much more powerful your brain is.
“[Being creative] helps you not get anxious; it gives you a break from the real world. Because when you take pictures, it makes you feel like you’re in your own world.”
I learned that you can do whatever you want, if you believe in yourself. And taking pictures is not just about taking a picture, it’s making sure you capture the moment.
ARE YOU EXCITED TO EXHIBIT YOUR WORK AT FITCH OFFICES?
“I think it’s nice because it shows what we can do and what we have done. I am proud [that the artwork will be in Canary Wharf offices] because then they get to know that kids nowadays are not just all stuck to their phones. We can actually do other stuff and we can be artistic and we have creative minds. Because some people think all kids nowadays have no imagination. But technically, we have a good imagination, and that’s what putting these up in the offices is proving.”
Words from fitch
Fitch Volunteer: “Working with Create and Waltham Forest was a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience. Seeing the enthusiasm the kids showed and how inspired they became during the photography workshop was truly heart-warming.”
Samantha Goober, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader and Consultant: “We want children to feel empowered through photography, enhancing their skills, development, and wellbeing. We are excited to showcase their art in our offices, celebrating their creativity and accomplishments.”
The project was funded by Fitch Group