Swazi Teens Learn Photography with Support from U.S. Embassy

16 Swazi teenagers recently completed an intensive photography workshop with professional photographers Krisanne Johnson and Samantha Reinders through the support of the U.S. Embassy in Swaziland.  The workshop, entitled “My Future, My Voice” sought to promote self-expression of Swazi youth through photography.  The students’ photographs can be seen at a public exhibition at the Mbabane Public Library from January 30-February 1, 2013.

Participating students came from area schools, including St. Mark’s, KaBoyce, Woodlands High School, Hermon-Gmeiner, Setsembiso Sebunye, Mbabane Central, SAIM Christian, St. Mary’s, Waterford Kamhlamba, Ezulwini Community Secondary School and Swaziland National High Schools.   Students were nominated by their schools for their creativity.  The majority of the students had no prior experience taking photographs.  After the 8-day workshop, students developed a clear understanding of how to take pictures that tell a story, using light, framing and other techniques to capture the best possible images.  The quality of the photographs at the exhibition demonstrates how much they learned.    Each of the participating students received a camera and will continue to practice and develop their photography skills independently.

Ambassador Makila James explained that the U.S. Embassy supported such a project because, “we believe it is critically important for young people to have ways to make their voices heard and share their life experiences.    Whether through photography, music, poetry or the visual arts, art is a powerful way to make your voice heard in the world around you.   As you have seen, these photographs tell a beautiful story of teenage life in Swaziland, told through the eyes of the teenagers themselves.   It is something very special to see life through their eyes and I think we can all agree that it is a privilege to have this opportunity.”

American photographer Krisanne Johnson led the workshop, together with Cape Town-based photographer Samantha Reinders.  Krisanne Johnson commented, “I am overwhelmed by the quality of work produced in such a short amount of time.  I was excited to lead this workshop because it is a great opportunity for the teens to show modern youth culture in Swaziland and to build a shared humanity with youth around the world.”

The Embassy appreciates the partnership of Sun Express Photo for their support of the printing of the photographs for the exhibition.  The exhibit is open to the public and will be displayed at the Mbabane Public Library through on Thursday, January 31 from 8-5 and Friday, February 1 from 8-1.

Visit the following social media sites to see the photographs:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/myfuturemyvoice

Instagram: @myfuturemyvoice

Twitter: @myfuturemyvoice