A group of curious and creative kids have been exploring their world through camera lenses this week as the first crew of “togs” to experience summer photo camp.
The camp was organized by professional photographer Natalie Wattie, who designed a summer program aimed at teaching children basic photography and editing skills while fostering their creativity through related activities, games, and workshops. Campers enjoyed daily photo walks using digital cameras, and were encouraged to select their favourite photographs, retouch them, and then print out their work.
Wattie is a big believer in building kids’ self-esteem. She explained that empowering campers to express themselves through photography while learning about the editing process is an important part of the camp experience.
“It is important for them to be able to have their photos printed out and to display them,” said Wattie. “It’s a different feeling than seeing a photo on a screen or a phone,” she noted.
The resulting photographs will be displayed during an exhibition at Jream Café in Huntingdon. A vernissage will take place on July 18, and the exhibition will continue until 15.
The exhibition will include a scavenger hunt to help visitors interact more with the photographs, as well as stacks of sticky notes so viewers can leave comments. Wattie will also have an instant camera on hand during the launch for the campers to snap photos with those who attend.
Wattie is excited to be offering a new activity for local children, and she is already planning on running the week-long camp again next summer.