Press "Enter" to skip to content

Coin Street

Once in a while you get the chance to do something different – a little bit special.

For the past six weeks I have had the absolute pleasure of giving a bunch of students from the East End of London the opportunity to be photographers, and today I have been printing their work for them for a small exhibition to be held next week. Look at the work below, and remind yourself that these boys and girls (well, more lads and ladies, to be fair) had never taken pictures seriously six weeks ago, and certainly had no experience of using an SLR. More to the point, our sessions together were only for a few hours each Thursday, amounting to less than 24 hours. A standing start to this in less than a day!

They have shown imagination, creativity, insightfulness and flair. They now talk and write knowledgeably about Eugene Smith, Donovan Wylie, Garry Winogrand, Ansel Adams, and many other seminal photographers, and the research they have done in homework as preparation is frankly staggering.

It would be remiss not to mention the other people who have coached them. The enthusiasm and commitment displayed by fellow mentors Simon Mutter and Heather MacRae of Venture Thinking cannot but have inspired. Most significant, though, is the dedication, organisation and sheer force of personality of their teacher, Suresh Ravendran. If he is indicative of the calibre of teacher at Little Ilford School, then the students there are very fortunate indeed.

I hope that photography will continue to be a major factor in the lives of these students, and that they themselves are proud of what they have achieved. I know I am.

Photo by Romeo
Photo by Romeo
Photo by Iyub
Photo by Iyub
Photo by Lyus
Photo by Lyus
Photo by Kris-Ann
Photo by Kris-Ann
Photo by Abrar
Photo by Abrar
Photo by Adam
Photo by Adam
Photo by Quiwanie
Photo by Quiwanie
Photo by Quiwanie
Photo by Quiwanie
Photo by Lyus
Photo by Lyus
Photo by Adam
Photo by Adam
Photo by Romeo
Photo by Romeo
Photo by Romeo
Photo by Romeo
Photo by Mark
Photo by Mark
Photo by Mark
Photo by Mark
Photo by Shanti
Photo by Shanti
Photo by Shay
Photo by Shay
Photo by Ricky
Photo by Ricky
Photo by Rupert
Photo by Rupert
Photo by Kipras
Photo by Kipras
Photo by Abrar
Photo by Abrar
Photo by Shanti
Photo by Shanti
Photo by Ricky
Photo by Ricky
Photo by Rupert
Photo by Rupert
Photo by Shay
Photo by Shay
Photo by Kris-Ann
Photo by Kris-Ann

4 Comments

  1. Yvonne Powell
    Yvonne Powell July 13, 2009

    I am extremely impressed. These students are year 10 and have never had the opportunity to do photography like this. It is wonderful to see such creativity through the eyes of the young and inspired!

    Yvonne Powell Headteacher Little Ilford School

  2. Emma Deba
    Emma Deba July 13, 2009

    Amazing work from these young students – some very impressive shots indeed. It is great to see the kind of exciting projects (e.g. working with creative professionals and on location) that young people in Newham can get involved in through the Creative and Media Diploma.

    Emma Deba, Newham 14-19 Team.

  3. Sharon Grainger, Newham 14-19 Team.
    Sharon Grainger, Newham 14-19 Team. July 22, 2009

    I am so impressed with what these students have done!! If they can do this kind of work in Yr 10 then I can’t wait to see what they are doing in a few years time!!! I spent 3 years learning photography and they definatley put me to shame!! Well Done!!

  4. Leo Bieber
    Leo Bieber December 11, 2009

    Michael what a wonderful project. you are growing and training the future!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *