Budding photographers exhibit their work

We held an exhibition for budding young Arsenal photographers in north London on Wednesday evening.

The event showcased the pictures of eight youngsters, who have been working with Arsenal in the Community and the Wembley to Soweto Foundation to develop their camera skills, with the support of The Arsenal Foundation.

The group, who are all involved with Arsenal in the Community projects in the local area, had the chance to develop their skills with the Arsenal club photographer Stuart Macfarlane and other professional snappers over an intensive three week course.

Armed with digital SLR cameras courtesy of Canon, the students took pictures pitchside at Arsenal matches and documented what they saw in the local area. The best pictures were published in a special feature on The Guardian’s website.

With funding from The Arsenal Foundation, participants Joshua Campbell and Shawdon Smith from Elthorne Estate had the chance to travel to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil earlier this year to take pictures around the 2016 Olympics.

Joshua said, “This course has been one of the best things I’ve ever done. I never thought I’d have a picture in The Guardian – that’s mad! But my confidence has grown so much and this experience has reinforced my belief that anybody from any background can achieve excellence and succeed if they work hard.”

Shawdon added: “This was more than just a photography course. The Wembley to Soweto Foundation is a family that cares about the community. They also want to help the next generation. I’ve developed so many skills on this course and I know that through what I’ve learnt I can help others on my estate.”

Arsenal in the Community deliver hundreds of sport and educational sessions every week in north London to groups ranging from primary school children to elderly local residents.

Budding photographers