Exploring photography with a smartphone
By Sukaina Ishmail
Five high school pupils have been learning how to see the world around them with a photographer’s eye and capture intriguing images using only their smartphones, thanks to a course they’ve been doing in Rondebosch.
Avuziwe Mini, Zin Zan Lamb, Ruth Jobling, Nieyaaz Petersen and Skyler Beets received certificates last Friday after completing the EduSnap Smartphone Photography Workshop, which started three years ago through a partnership between Rondebosch’s Cape Town Museum of Childhood and Orms Cape Town School of Photography.
EduSnap exposes photography to young people who might otherwise never get a chance to study it.
The five participants exhibited images, under the theme of “care”, at the Orms Cape Town School of Photography.
During five sessions at the Cape Town Museum of Childhood, they learnt about the camera features on their phones, exposure, lighting, editing and composition.
“We focused primarily on smartphone photography because it is more accessible to learners from all over,” said lecturer Lauren Theunissen. “The learners' photos and stories took place within their own spaces and communities. Also it's best to learn photography in an area that is familiar to you.”
It had been beautiful to see how the pupils had interpreted the “care” theme in their work, she said.
“I saw that family, spending time with each other and feeling a sense of community and connection was important to them.”
Cape Town Museum of Childhood outreach manager Chanel Fredericks said the pupils, from different backgrounds, had been pulled together by a common interest, and the workshop might inspire them to further pursue that interest.
“The workshop helps the learners to be creative in their everyday life with their own cell phones,” she said.
“When I first heard of the workshop,” said Avuziwe, from Cape Town High School, “my thoughts were that it was just what I needed. I love taking pictures of nature, people and even myself. It has been such a pleasure to be a part of EduSnap because it taught me how to cherish every special moment and to show gratitude to ‘care’.”
Skyler, from Elsies River High school, said: “I photographed my family as a form of care. When we spend time together, we make memories and enjoy each others company. I love going places where we get to experience things together. My family shows love and care through spending time with one another.”
