The Camera Work CIC is a participatory storytelling company. Its mission is to provide a platform for expression in storytelling by enabling access to its requisite skills through a process of exploration and the discovery of our innate creative self. A creative self that can be applied to therapeutic ends, representation, communication and an enhanced quality of life.
This specialised work is steeped in visual language, traditional analogue photographic practices and reflection to create story. We use cameras to flatten out power and to afford all the chance to express themselves irrespective of their literacy or confidence levels, socio-economic status or physiological capability. Analogue camera work reverses the deskilling of creativity. It allows time, space and reflection while fostering a sense of connection and permanency into the work we do. We don’t operate in the throw away space.
We work with people who would ordinarily be denied access to a specialised programme due to systemic circumstances by providing an enabling environment in which people don’t find a voice, but amplify the voice they already have. We hold a mirror to attributes hiding in plain sight, we expose and develop what is already there. Lived experience is reflected as creative expression.
And much like the mirror in a camera changes that which is photographed, The Camera Work constructs a frame in which can people can change and transform not only how they interpret their social world, but also where, and how, they choose to stand in its image.
I’m Simon…
the creative facilitator for The Camera Work. I’ve travelled, worked and volunteered across the world over two decades, much of which documenting the social world, social injustice and representing the marginalised as a professional and fully independent photographer and filmmaker. I’ve both worked with and been commissioned by INGO’s, charities, museums and non profits as well self initiating and distributing projects both in the UK and internationally.
The birth of The Camera Work. This young girl, a child labourer, takes the group portrait i have since used for my bio on the left and i see what she sees for the first time.
30 degrees and part way through a 12 hour shift she still sought an opportunity to express her creative self and document her world. Even if only for a brief moment.
Documentary film and Photography work Here:
“The Camera Work is having a positive effect on my mind. It distracts me from thoughts and issues and shifts my focus elsewhere. I’m also looking at the world in a more interesting way”
“Great fun, relaxing, informative and thought provoking”
“I now have a greater understanding of what makes a good story and love the fact that i have been given a platform to tell the story of mobility challenges i face in my daily life. I now have the tools to express these challenges in a way that can be shared with others. I would have struggled to even attempt this prior to The Camera Work.”
“The Camera Work sessions have been a brilliant and unique service offered to our residents. It has been great to see the participant’s confidence increase over the weeks of the course. Some have found a new love for photography and some have re-found skills that their anxiety masked away !”
“The course helped me build my confidence for the future and things i come across in everyday life. By doing this work i was able to express my story of addiction in ways that i would not of considered in the past”
“Having attended this course i have explored the outdoors more and got some fresh air. I now think about the environment I am in and appreciate each day and each place”
“I really enjoyed every aspect of the course, it really opened my eyes into proper none digital photography, seeing the light and shadow. The most exciting part was waiting for your prints to come back. Some that you thought were mistakes ended up being some of the best prints. I can’t wait for the exhibition!”
“I learned to be more aware and open, to not shut out the world, that there is a wider world you can create through photography. I now realise the meaning of things around me and i can express my feelings via photo’s as well as having the confidence to work in a group. ”
