“It encourages them to see the world differently”: the inspiring story of the Shine Camera Club

“I’ve been fortunate to grow up within a strong, close-knit community – a rarity these days,” says Cindy Sasha, a visual artist and creative producer from Mitcham, south London. It was through this community that she met Kristina Burton, the founder of Shine Merton – a Saturday school offering support for young people from low socio-economic backgrounds.

“When Kristina invited me to lead a photography workshop, I couldn’t refuse,” says Cindy, who set up the course in 2022. “Like many of these children, I was raised by a single parent on a council estate. My mother couldn’t afford to nurture my creative interests so I understand firsthand the challenges and lack of access they face.” Cindy wanted to create an interactive workshop that “encourages them to see the world differently”, she says. “In a time when kids are inundated with instant gratification from smartphones and tablets, the beauty of creativity is often lost. My goal was to show them that true creativity is about thinking outside the box and learning how to document their experiences through an analogue process.”

Cindy was mindful of providing more than just a one-off experience, so she decided to give each child their own point-and-shoot camera – theirs to keep after the workshop was over. Over the course of five weeks, they learn the basics of analogue photography with a strong focus on lighting. They also make zines to practise curating images, and go on two day trips – one to learn how to practise photographing people and places intuitively, and another to the Rapid Eye Darkrooms to learn how to develop film.

After each course, Cindy invites a photographer – this year it was Juanita Richards – to select two images by each child. These are then exhibited at Ely’s department store during the Wimbledon Tennis Championships. “I wasn’t sure what to expect working with kids aged 7-9… but when I saw the photos they took, I was blown away.”

Cindy picks out a few standout images. Sleepy Man by Ethan-Michael Isanga “reminds me of a child sneakily capturing their dad dozing off in an armchair”, she says. “The vibrant flowers and the use of flash add a playful, humorous touch.” Fernanda Sanchez Gallago’s portrait of Yakhouba is another favourite. “The council estate backdrop gives it a powerful, almost album-cover-like feel, it reminds me of Pink Floyd’s song Another Brick in the Wall,” she says. Lastly, Dereck Romero’s photograph Free Those Who Need to Be Freed, of a Palestinian flag blowing in the wind. “It’s a poignant reminder of a child’s deep awareness of global issues, showcasing their innate understanding that war is wrong.”

Shine Camera Club relies on donations, and Cindy hopes they will be able to continue next year. “My focus remains on delivering a meaningful experience, ensuring the children leave not only with confidence in their photography skills but also in their ability to achieve their dreams,” she says. “Seeing how proud they were of their work was more rewarding than I could have ever imagined.”