Kapiti Future Photographers

Before starting the workshop, I questioned why we have art in our schools but not photography, which is a creative skill as well as form of creative therapy.

As a full-time photographer who was taught at The Photo School in Raumati Beach, I am aware of how beneficial it is to learn photography on a proper camera.

I also understand how helpful photography can be for a young person at a delicate age when issues such as bullying and peer pressure come in with puberty, having used it as a tool myself. I was quite mentally unwell when I started photography and it grounded me, and continues to ground me. It was the only thing that kept me stable and focused and allowed me to express myself.

Now, I am enjoying teaching these students to do the same and seeing their amazing work, which they get to exhibit at the end of the workshop.

Last year, my students showcased their work during the Kapiti Arts Trail, in an exhibition at Waikanae Beach's Tutere Gallery and Creative Space.

The event not only helped to boost their confidence but raised funds for their 2017 Curious Cove camp.
One of my students Jessica Nixon said: “although we are only 10 and 11 years old, some of us are seriously considering making photography a career. Even if we don't end up being photographers we will be forever better photographers because of this class."

Kapanui School parent Jo Nixon said she was blown away by the students' photography exhibition.

“Michelle encouraged and nurtured the best out of each student. The final exhibition demonstrated the skills she taught them and the beauty she enabled each child to capture,” she said.

Kapanui School teacher Diane Richards said for many of the children, it was the first time behind a lens other than their cellphone.

She said: “both Michelle and I were amazed at the children's creativity and ability to look at the world from a very different perspective. Visual language is an important part of the New Zealand curriculum. Photography enhances creativity and raises children's awareness of the world around them."