Using photography as a tool of change in your community is one of the best ways to preserve the culture, tradition, and heritage of the people in such a community. Telling unique stories of what is of value to indigenous people who have worked for years to build these values, as a photographer through my lens I have told stories of everyday people in my community to help realize how important storytelling can effect change in the community and also these stories can serve as a reference in years to come.
Over the years, a lot of African communities have been liberated from social challenges which directly deprived them of freedom, in this vein photographers have also connected to their community by narrating the stories from start to finish making sure no stone is left unturned.
Photographs play an important role in everyone’s life; they connect us to our past, they remind us of people, places, feelings, and stories.
One great thing about photography is that you practice and build up your portfolio, and help others in the process. It’s not just about building up your skills, but also gives you the satisfaction of knowing that you have made a difference. It’s a truly wonderful feeling.
HOW TO USE PHOTOGRAPHY TO CONNECT COMMUNITY
- Create a photo community: A photo community will help curb social vices faced by most young people in a particular community, this will bring hope to such people who are usually in need of valuable means of engagement.
- Find valuable ways of connecting with that community: Building a photo community is of little use if it doesn’t prove valuable for members of the community. There needs to be a value proposition that will keep members of the community valuably engaged.
- Valuable message: Look for a target audience to reach with the message you pass across through your photography craft. This gives the community a sense of their voices being heard, and their stories being told in valuable ways.
- Be a voice: Let every of your story be a voice to the change. Tell that story that will proffer a solution to what is a challenge to the community.
