Peterborough residents take centre stage in free online community photography exhibition
Beginners, amateur photographers and local people who simply enjoy taking pictures are having their work celebrated in a new free online exhibition showcasing Peterborough through the eyes of its communities.
Peterborough Through Our Lens, created by Peterborough Together Project through its Community Clickers initiative, brings together photographs taken by local residents during a series of free community photography walks held as part of Pride in Place.
Throughout August, participants explored Orton Longueville, Welland, Dogsthorpe and Paston, using cameras and mobile phones to capture nature, wildlife, architecture, colour and the everyday details of their neighbourhoods.
No previous photography experience or specialist equipment was required. The walks were designed to be fully inclusive and relaxed, bringing people together through photography while encouraging them to get outdoors, meet others and see familiar places from a different perspective.
Community Clickers participant Suki said: “Our group leader was incredibly kind and helpful, showing us different ways to approach photography and how to capture interesting pictures along the way. It was great to learn something new while enjoying the outdoors and meeting other members of the community.
“The best part was that this was a completely free event, making it a lovely opportunity to get out, connect with others and enjoy something creative together.”
The resulting photographs have now been brought together in Peterborough Through Our Lens, a free online exhibition where participants are individually credited for their work.
Dee, Photography Lead and founder of Peterborough Together Project, said: “Community Clickers was never about having the best camera or being an experienced photographer. We had complete beginners, amateur photographers and people simply using their phones.
“Photography gave people a reason to walk together, talk to one another and really look at the places around them. People shared what they'd spotted, exchanged ideas and encouraged each other. It became as much about connection as it was about photography.
“Now, rather than those photographs disappearing into people's phones or sitting on memory cards, we're giving people a platform where their work can be seen and celebrated.
“Every person noticed something different, and that's what makes the exhibition special - it's Peterborough seen through the eyes of the people who live here.”
Young volunteer brings the exhibition to life
The exhibition itself has also created an opportunity for a young local creative.
It was built by Dawid, a 16-year-old Art & Design student at Peterborough College who volunteers with Peterborough Together Project.
Dee added: “We're really proud of Dawid. He's taken the photographs created by members of the community and helped turn them into a professional online exhibition.
“Giving a young person the opportunity to use and develop his creative skills on a real community project feels very much in the spirit of Peterborough Together Project.”
Peterborough Through Our Lens is free for everyone to explore online here: https://www.peterboroughtogetherproject.uk/photowalks