Children's Photo Exhibition
 | Children's photo exhibition - one of the brightest photo projects I've participated in. Nordea approached me to participate in a charity action - to be the leading photographer in teaching children and creating the exhibition "Contrast. Nature and City Environment. Different Views". |
Introduction
For eleven years Nordea and the family support center "Lejasstrazdi" together prepare a special holiday celebration! This year together with photographer Andrejs Zavadskis the art of photography was explored, capturing untouched nature landscapes in Ķemeri bog and city views in Riga. Using the double exposure technique, contrasts were combined and beautiful art works were created.Photographer Andrejs Zavadskis: "Double exposure is a type of photography that, combining different compositions, creates a surreal feeling and unites various stories in one photograph. In the photo master class the children showed great enthusiasm, looking for interesting and exciting frames. The result also turned out impressive, which is confirmed by the children's own delight about what was done."
Process
The idea was to show children how to photograph nature and city environments. Or at least try to guide them in proper photo technique and inspire. From the obtained photos to create double exposure photos, from which the exhibition was made. The task was not from the easiest, because the youngest child was only 2 years old. To accomplish the task, 50 single-use film cameras were purchased, because that's the easiest way to take a photo, so that children's joy of photography isn't complicated with photo theory and camera capabilities. The simplest way was chosen - the most elementary camera, so that the little ones would more concentrate on the frame and the real photo moment, not break their heads about camera settings.
The first location was "Ķemeri" bog, where with one camera, or with 24 frames, everything interesting that the children saw had to be captured.
The second location was Old Riga. Something completely opposite to nature's peace, yet very diverse. If in the bog the environment was calm, peaceful, unchanging, then the city bustle was completely different. For children it was much easier because the eye attracted many things. Some little children often photographed colorful storefronts.
At the end of the photo session we rested at Bastejkalns, where delicious sweets and juices awaited us. We shared the day's experiences and photographed the remaining frames to fill up the entire film.
All cameras were signed and sent for developing and scanning.
Double Exposure
After developing the films we went to visit the children at "Lejasstrazdi", to together choose and with a computer combine 2 photos - one nature frame and one city frame. All this could also be done with one more advanced film camera and with chemical printing help, but for children that would be too complicated and dangerous, therefore we chose to photograph with the simplest camera, and then edit with a computer. Here's a video of how it went:
Exhibition
The exhibition opening was at a special place, restaurant "Kolonnade. Our Stories." The restaurant was closed to visitors and opened for the children's exhibition opening and cozy evenings, discussions, special guests Kaspars Zemitis.
The exhibition was available to the public for a month from the opening.
Contest
Facebook Nordea page held a contest among visitors who could vote for their favorite photo. The author of the photo who received the most votes won a prize - a digital photo camera. This way we supported the new talent.Contest link. The contest was won by Viloleta, 12 years old, with this photo:
Children's Photos
The exhibition had only the best photo from each child, but in total very many unique frames were shot. Here you can view all children's photos:
Lejasstrazdi
Family support center "Lejasstrazdi" leader Solvita Eihe: "One of the most effective ways to promote children's interest in various forms of artistic expression, along with encouraging them to look broader, is acquiring new, practical skills. We are pleased that in the photo master classes conducted together with photographer Andrejs Zavadskis and Nordea bank employees, children with genuine interest tried their hand at photography and participated in preparing exhibition materials. There are children who after the master class expressed interest in becoming photographers, which confirms - photography is both exciting and useful."
In the family support center "Lejasstrazdi" in Lejasstrazdi, Dobele parish, live children and young people from 2 to 18 years old who are left without parental care. We invite you to donate to the family support center "Lejasstrazdi" donation account: Reg. No: 90009147261, Donation account: LV23NDEA0000083452439, with reference to Family Support Center "Lejasstrazdi".
Conclusion
Huge thanks to "Nordea" bank and everyone who participated in organizing and supporting this event. Children got a great opportunity to develop young photographers, try something new and participate in creating the exhibition. To feel like artists and see the world from a different perspective.Behind the scenes. See how happy the children were.