Published on 11 March 2020
Get the exposure you’re looking for
Do you want to really nail your photography skills to upgrade your social media posts, take professional ID or passport shots, create fun family images or just capture awesome pics with your friends?
The Onkaparinga Youth Enterprise Hub (OYEH) is running workshops to give young people, including entrepreneurs and small business start-ups, experience in a photography studio.
Participants will work under the mentorship of Blaze Pilgrim, a successful young photographer and founder of Digido Studios.
“I believe in bringing colour and substance to people’s ideas, and what better way to do it than by using a camera as a vehicle to teach people how to think like entrepreneurs,” says Blaze.
“At OYEH we work diligently to identify the needs of young people and to create innovative solutions to support them in pursuing their dreams.”
The idea for the pop-up photography studio started when a disability job provider asked Blaze if one of their clients could do some work experience in her small business.
Blaze collaborated with the OYEH Steering Committee to create a pop-up photography studio and provide alternative pathways to gain work experience.
“We quickly realised that many people in the community could benefit from the program, and honestly at that point it took on a life of its own,” says Blaze.
“Since we first started running the program, we have formally trained more than a dozen aspiring photographers.
Through the pop-up studio, participants are providing free photography services for local artists, small business owners, friends and families.
And the best part about it, Blaze says: “It’s generated tangible opportunities for paid work outside of the pop-up studio.”
Past workshops have produced some exciting success stories including Caitlin Horn. Caitlin embraced the workshop process and has since launched her own business as a photographer with a number of paid photography gigs under her belt.
Caitlin will be providing support to Blaze in a mentoring role during this latest round of workshops.
“OYEH was a one in a million find for me; it’s been such a valuable and inspirational experience,” says Caitlin.
“Everyone is very supportive and caring—they’ve become like a second family.
“I have come along way and OYEH has helped with that. I feared using a camera in my first pop up studio session, yet now I’m running own photography business, Eyes of Greatness Photography, whilst still being plugged in with OYEH and getting so many wonderful opportunities.
“OYEH really is one of the hidden gems of Noarlunga Centre and I’m looking forward to being involved in the pop-up photography studio.”
OYEH is located at the Hopgood Theatre, Colonnades Shopping Centre, Noarlunga Centre.
The workshops will be held on Wednesdays, 11 March through to 1 April 2020 from 3 pm to 5 pm. They are free and suitable for 14 to 30 years of age. Bookings are essential.
To make a booking or for more information call 8384 0535 or book online.