A local photography club led by a professional photographer aims to raise schoolchildren’s confidence and nurture creativity.

Last year, local photographer, Katrina Dimech, began teaching basic photography skills to children between the ages of six and 13.

Katrina’s photography club benefited from donations given by local groups and businesses, including Mason’s Removals, Dinas Powys Community Council and The Barry Round Table.

She used the money from these donations to buy six cameras so that children who could not afford their own equipment could take part.

“Coming from someone who struggled to concentrate in certain subjects at school I understand the importance of expressing yourself through creative arts,” said Katrina.

“It is particularly therapeutic for those children who don’t necessarily thrive academically.

“After being made aware that local young children didn’t have the opportunity to learn photographic skills, I set up a club to teach camera skills, composition, lighting, and photography history to those who have an interest.

“Parents of the children attending often comment that they have seen a huge difference in their child’s confidence, sense of independence and are pleased that they are making new friends.

“The age range I teach spans from age 6 to age 13 and the club is ever growing in numbers.

“I'm a firm believer in outdoor teaching. We have taken trips to a photography show in Birmingham and visited Bristol Zoo. We regularly photograph local sites such as Cosmeston, Penarth Sea Front and Dinas Powys Mill Fields.”

In December 2019, Katrina hosted an exhibition to showcase the children’s work.

She also began an annual competition which is open to all children in the Vale.

The competition in 2019 was judged by local photography enthusiast, Chris Williamson.

“On December 17, the children held their first exhibition to showcase what they had been working on all year,” Katrina said.

“We also held a competition which was free for all children in Cardiff and the Vale to enter with medals and trophies to be won.

“This will be an annual occurrence and we hope that for our next event more schools and local children will get involved.”

Katerina’s club hosts classes once a month.

For more information, or if your child would like to take part, contact: info@shutterhire.co.uk