Through Young Eyes

Through Young Eyes is a participatory photography project delivered by Conor Ashleigh and Saskia Wilson with assistance for the Community Migrant Resource Centre (CMRC) in Western Sydney.

Over a month, the facilitators worked closely with ten budding photographers to explore and photograph across the Cumberland Shire. The young people recently arrived in Australia from Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria and are CMRC clients.

During a series of workshops, the photographers learnt a range of photography skills that were put into practice during a series of photography trips that saw the group visit everywhere, from Rookwood Cemetery and Ramadan markets in Auburn to the Prospect reservoir. 

The participants used film cameras throughout the project to photograph the Cumberland Shire. Photographing with film ensured a slower pace and more significant consideration by the participants each time they raised their cameras to take a photo.

Young Eyes have not only built new photography skills among the participants, but the project has also strengthened their communication, teamwork and decision-making skills. Below is a series of photographs taken by the participants.