Last week saw a brand new exhibition open at St Sebastians Community Centre. The exhibition was created by members of the community who have been taught by professional photographer (and Royal Photographic Society Fellow) Howard Barlow.
The group have been meeting every week to explore how to improve their photography skills. These skills are not just for themselves but will benefit lots of others too. Fay Wall, who runs a Local History Group based at the centre joined up to improve the photos taken of the group; "we have these amazing days out and go see some really interesting places but the photos never really add up to much, so I wanted to join to become our designated photographer!"
Howard Barlow has been impressed with the quality of the work that has been produced over the past 6 weeks; "When we started out I was a little nervous - some members had cameras but didn't even know how to use them! But photography isn't about the quality of the camera, it's about having a keen eye for what will make a good picture!"
Indeed one of the group has impressed Howard so much, that he is being put forward to become a member of the Royal Photographic Society! Adrian Turton, has always been a keen photographer, so why join this course? "Confidence. I had no confidence that I was taking good photos, but I know now what goes into making a good photograph and can get the results I want." Adrian's photos will now be put to review by the RPS and Howard is confident that a Fellowship is in his grasp; "It will be great for Adrian, for St Sebastians and the community as a whole to have someone from Charlestown be able to put the letters 'FRPS' at the end of his name".
Following the success of the group, a photographic club is being set up and will meet regularly at St Sebastians. We at Salford Community Reporters can not wait to see what photographs and stories the group start creating! All their photos will be published on the Community Reporter website and who knows where the group will go next?