Focus on Diversity: Uniting Cultures through Photography
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by
INPRO
“The whole point of taking pictures is so that you don’t have to explain things with words”, Elliot Erwitt.
In a world overflowing with all types of diversity, we can not underestimate the power that photography has in connecting people. Poland, Hungary, and Georgia, this was the country composition of the participants, aged 16 to 23, who took part in a five-day training course titled “Focus on Diversity: Uniting Cultures through Photography.”
Lighting, framing, angles, and composition are some of the technical aspects that work as the basis of photography and that were discussed in the program. Additionally, it’s crucial to acknowledge that photography goes beyond these technicalities; photography carries a responsibility in an ethical dimension, a responsibility that started to get explored in a workshop titled Photography & Contemporary Problems, and that continued throughout the rest of the program.
No matter the topic, a program lives and dies on its participants, on their openness to learn, interact, and connect. Despite their cultural differences and age gaps, they shared ideas and perspectives embodying youth exchanges’ values. This unity not only enhanced the learning experience but also emphasized the program’s core message: that photography can meld minds and hearts, fostering connections that defy boundaries.
Rzeszów’s peaceful atmosphere and friendly hospitality made the whole experience hundreds of times better. Its charming streets and ambience made it perfect for relaxation during free time, making it an ideal setting for exploring photography and culture.
On the program’s final day, we organised a photo exhibition, marking the culmination of the five-day event. Here, the photos created during the program were displayed, and the atmosphere of the event was positive and vibrant. These pictures had a meaningful impact on people – they evoked emotions and sparked conversations.
As these young participants move forward, they now understand that a single photograph can challenge stereotypes, celebrate diverse cultures, and promote unity. They will continue to capture shared human experiences, whether or not they have a camera in hand.
