An inspiring exhibition showcasing exceptional photography from the children of the Shine Camera Club opens this week in Wimbledon.
Founded by film-maker and photographer Cindy Sasha, the Shine Camera Club inspires children from low socio-economic backgrounds between the ages of 8-10 years old to dream big and pursue photography. Using analogue and film cameras, the children are taught the basic skills of photography at the Shine Merton Saturday School, and they are encouraged to stop, look at and snap the world they live in.
Ms Sasha said: “I never had the opportunity as a child to explore photography or to understand that it could be a career. “Growing up in a working-class background to dream was impossible, and opportunities didn’t present themselves like today. “I want to make sure this camera club inspires and allows children to dream again.”
Exploring Photography
The children have explored portraiture, still life and street photography over the course of four weeks, learning about cameras, lighting, famous photographers and discussing the power of an image. Respected curator, photography editor and former picture editor at The Observer Magazine, Jennie Ricketts, has selected the best work, which will be exhibited this summer at Elys department store in Wimbledon, during the Wimbledon tennis Championships from June 24 until July 16.
Ms Ricketts said: “I’m really pleased to be involved with Shine Camera Club, which will provide an opportunity for a group of children, who may not otherwise have the chance, to discover the world of photography and learn how to use a camera.
“My hope is, at the very least, the exhibition of their work will allow the children to enjoy the experience of having their images displayed for an audience, but also that we may reveal a potential future talented photographer among them.”
Kristina Burton, project and development manager at Mitcham Town Community Trust, offers Shine Camera Club a safe learning space for children to feel inspired through creativity and to build their confidence to pursue photography in later life.
Ms Burton said: “Shine Merton Saturday School is delighted to be working with Cindy Sasha on a series of highly-imaginative photography workshops. Providing disadvantaged primary students with an opportunity to have a camera and take images under professional instruction is a true rarity. It is also a prime example of how children can thrive and shine.”
Shine Camera Club Exhibition, 24 June — 16 July 2022, Elys Wimbledon, 16 St George Street, London SW19 4DP