Photo Start

Since 2016, we have provided more than 27,000 hours of instruction to 850+ (and counting) students in Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and the United States.

Photo Start uses cameras to connect children and young adults with new opportunities for success. We aim to close the digital divide and catalyze students’ economic advancement, creative talents and personal well-being.

Photography integrates science, technology, digital production, the arts, and storytelling for a low-cost, high-value, high-quality education. We include problem-based, social-emotional learning to nurture the focus, perspective, and vision of the leaders of tomorrow, who will impact their communities for generations to come.

Students also gain access to an incredible network of experts, mentors, professionals, and businesses. We open the door to opportunities that they may not have had.

Photo Start students have received awards, sales, commissions and assignments, both in their communities and beyond. Their work has been featured in photo books, exhibitions, on television, and in international media outlets such as the The New York Times, Independent UK, and Huffington Post.

MEET SARAH SUNDAY, FORMER STUDENT IN NAIROBI
We value local leadership and encourage former students to become Photo Start trainers, not only to teach what they have learned about photography but to encourage others growing up in similar situations. The contributions of former student Sarah Sunday highlight the value of students returning as teachers.

As a Photo Start student, Sarah was chosen to participate in The New York Times 2018 feature “This is 18”. Her photographs depicting a day in the life of her two teenage subjects were featured online and in print. She also received an award for her photographs in the “Girls’ Voices for Change” international photography contest.

Sarah now earns a living as a photographer and has not forgotten Photo Start. She spent two full days with students sharing photography tips and the impact photography has had on her life. Sarah’s success represents everything Photo Start hopes to accomplish with young people around the world.

Learn more about our impact: https://www.photostart.org/about/our-impact/