Tampa Photography Blog

As a photographer, one of the best feelings in the world is when you can teach a child about photography. Most of the time, they end up teaching you but regardless, seeing a child hold a camera and take it on is a beautiful thing.

The Goodlands is a program centered in a predominantly Latino community in Philadelphia that offers kids a chance to use a camera and understand the power of a single image. Kids are simply asked to take photos of what they see in their community. Some shoot the graffiti on the walls to show what needs to change and some shoot flowers and the beauty they find on the streets.

While working at The Shreveport Times in Louisiana, I had the pleasure of working with a group called YJMP (Young Journalist Mentoring Program). It was one of the best experiences of my career because I was able to reach students in middle school and high school and encourage those who wanted to pursue photography in college. Sometimes kids just need the opportunity and encouragement to pick up a camera and then their artistic vision does the rest.

Click here to see more photos by these young artists and read about the program.

Click here to view an interview with the kids and staff from The Today Show.

*Photo by Siani Lee Rodriguez*