Unlocking Potential: Canon Miraisha and Kings and Queens Art Academy Inspire Young Photographers

Guided by our Kyosei philosophy, four cycles of a basic photography workshop were organised tailored to provide the youth of this community with valuable photography skills. The workshops included mentoring sessions with experts, equipping participants with the potential to earn a livelihood and improve their lives and their community. Bariga, a community facing significant challenges, provided the perfect backdrop for this transformative project. Despite the obstacles, the youth of Bariga demonstrate resilience and determination, making them ideal candidates for such an impactful initiative.

These workshops were conducted by Tore Oraise, a young photographer who grew up in this community and is a beneficiary of the Canon Miraisha programme in 2018. Today, he is a Canon-certified trainer and a music video director for some of the biggest Afrobeat stars in Nigerian music. Tore’s presence echoes a powerful message on the impact of the Miraisha programme. He stated, “For me, the Canon Miraisha programme is not just training, but a rescue plan for young people in this community to become responsible citizens for themselves, their community, and the nation at large. It is indeed a privilege, and I look forward to more training like this to help grow the community and individuals in order to make ends meet.”

The workshops covered a wide range of topics, including camera handling, composition, and storytelling through images. Participants, totaling 79 students, gained valuable insights into the world of photography, learning not just the technical aspects but also the artistry behind capturing compelling images. One participant, May Essay Okanigbe, perfectly echoed this in her statement: “In these past few days, we have been taken through the history of photography, how it grew and evolved, and became digital. We learned about the types of cameras we have, the functions of the camera, how to set your camera, which is very important.

We broke it down - aperture, shutter speed, ISO, all the other settings that you need to know to actually give you good picture quality. We did all that.” Another student, Nonye Okonkwo, seconded this with her feedback: “Learning with Canon has been amazing for me. I've learned so much. Photography isn't just about snapping pictures; there's a lot more to it. It's both an art and a science. We've had plenty of hands-on practice to put our learning to the test. I think we've done a great job so far.”

These workshops were not just about acquiring skills but also about fostering a sense of community and belonging among the participants. The collaboration between Canon Miraisha and Kings and Queens Art Academy underscored their commitment to empowering individuals and fostering creative expression. Through their joint efforts, Canon Miraisha Programme and Kings and Queens Art Academy have set a new standard for collaborative projects, showcasing the positive impact of creative education in empowering individuals and communities.