Through the Eyes of Youth is a program designed to educate youth aged 13 - 18, to learn to use a digital camera, with the primary goal of elevating the observation, storytelling and critical thinking skills, while studying cultural and technical aspects of photography.

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As part of each Through Each Other’s Eyes Exchange, two youths in the US and two in the international country of the Exchange will be given a problem-solving challenge/question and asked to answer through photography. The problem-solving challenge will relate to culture. The youths will be asked to photograph what the word “culture" represents to them. The Associate Photographers will work with them throughout the process to teach and encourage them to develop and practice photography skills that are dynamic, thoughtful and creative; to see new perspectives, tell a story with their images and share their sense of beauty with us.

 

The Exchange

The Exchange photographers will work with the youth to help them complete the critical thinking challenge. The Associate Photographers will teach them how to plan, shoot and process their images. This will be done through instruction delivered in a classroom setting or by working one-on-one with the youth. They can also work virtually with their Associate Photographers by texting questions or sharing examples of their work for critique by the Associate.

 

Showing their Work

Next, they will select, edit, then have their images printed and mounted. They will help hang and take down the images as part of the Exhibit for that country’s Exchange. The young photographers are expected to attend the Exhibit’s opening and speak to the public about their work.

 

Exhibits are typically up for several weeks and often for months. They are held at public facilities such as libraries and schools. The syouth will also be able to share their images and the images of the other country’s students at their respective school/community. Depending on the size of the school and length of time the images are on display, hundreds of students and staff will have the opportunity to experience their photographs.