Photography and the search for meaning

PSA Journal, May, 2003 by Gwenn Karel Levine

* "What I like best about learning photography is when we get take home assignments--we can take any picture ... we want."

* "... My family likes how I take pictures now. I think I will be a very good photographer. Before I came here, I did not know how to load a camera."

* "I like photography because it keeps me entertained. When I am bored I just get a camera and film and start taking pictures. I just enjoy taking pictures."

* "I think when you make a mistake on something, you will learn from it next time."

In response to the question "What did you learn about yourself from taking photographs?", children gave answers such as these:

* That I am very creative

* That I really can take a good photograph

* That you can express yourself with one photo

* Always focus

* I can really focus on things when I want to

So where is the meaning in all this? It is in the excitement the children feel when they see their new prints each week. It is in the joy the teachers feel when we take PYPP students on field trips to the areas surrounding their schools and watch them start to see beauty, color, and abstract shapes in everyday places. It is in the standing ovation the children received at the exhibit/reception. It is in the knowledge that vendors, bankers, and reporters have taken a genuine interest in this mentoring program. And it is in the way photography has become a vehicle for a community to honor its children.

If you love photography and have contacts among non-profit agencies, consider making this happen in your community!