SAZMEDIA ISSUE
WELCOME
Hello! Welcome to Issue 7 of the SAZ MEDIA Zine. In this issue, we delve into our latest photography workshops. Every photo you see was taken by one of the young people who attended, capturing their unique perspectives.
Our workshops explored themes such as nature and architecture, but what we love most is watching participants come up with their own ideas. Giving them the freedom to follow their own creative sparks has led to some amazing shots filled with friendship, laughter, and connection a theme we’re especially proud to share in this issue.
These photos remind us that our workshops go beyond just teaching photography skills. They’re about bringing people together, taking time to notice the beauty around you, and celebrating joy and creativity.
HEATONNORRIS
COMMUNITYCENTRE
JULY 2024
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Young people from the Heaton Norris and Lancashire Hill area of Stockport came for a fun filled day at the local community centre, we split the session into two halves taking out two separate groups at a time. We explored the local park and our surroundings, we even found an orchid with plenty of fruit bearing trees. The young people found freedom in exploring their area through photography, it was like they saw things the had never seen before and they had a new found appreciation for where they lived, one 11 year old said “I feel like a child again”. I think this statement gave credit to having the space and time to just be. To take time to slow down, to appreciate what we have and connect with ourselves. Photography helps us reflect on all things great and small.
Watch the video here
AUGUST 2024
CULTUREBRIDGE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Being welcomed into Torkington Community centre in Hazel Grove was a wonderful experience, the workshop started off with cultural drumming which brought the multi cultural group together. Many of the group had been refugees and sought comfort in coming together at the centre with others with shared experience. We talked about how photography can be used to help us document our lives and offers a way to store and enhance memory. We then walked through the beautiful woodland close by that lead us to a park. With each step we listened to birdsong, the rustle of the leaves on a tree and the laughter of children. We felt connected to each other and our environment.
Watch the video here
MAKEBUILDGROW
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
AUGUST 2024
At Make Build Grown in Edgeley, Stockport, we gave out cameras and went through some of the basic settings, ensuring young people were confident before heading off on a 90 minute nature walk. We ventured down to the river Mersey heading in the Didsbury direction, we soaked in sunshine and got splashed on by the rain ever so slightly which made the walk very fun. Coming to a bridge we found some urban artwork and this made for an interesting photo opportunity, the colours sparked our imagination We came to a field with many friendly and curious horses, this was a fanatic opportunity for the young people to photograph them and they found it very relaxing to watch them. We headed back after a good rest, capturing the natural environment which included the river, trees, ferns and small insects amongst many other things. Some young people spoke on camera about their experience and we used that and some other footage to create a film.
Watch the video here
PIE
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
AUGUST 2024
Using the newly built bus interchange in Stockport as a base to meet young people we started the workshop off with a discussion around mental wellbeing and how we can use urban areas as a way to improve our wellbeing. The young people identified that simply getting out the house and meeting friends or going for a walk can improve our wellbeing. The new interchange provided a fantastic backdrop to explore relaxed and open urban spaces. Young people got familiar with a camera and were given freedom to explore the area before we walked through the town centre, looking at heritage buildings and new and improved areas. We even stopped for hot chocolates enroute. Young people made comment on how using a camera helps them see so much more than they would on an ordinary walk.
Watch the video here
STOCKPORTHOMES PHOTOGRAPHYWORKSHOP
OCTOBER 2024
We partnered with Stockport Homes to provide a workshop at Stockport Memorial Art Gallery. During this workshop we spent time looking at the current exhibition and amazing work of Helen Clapcott: A Portrait of Stockport. We then headed out on a walk around Stockport to capture images of Stockport's unique skyline, taking inspiration from Helens work, the young people captured images of Stockport's iconic viaduct and the colourful street art that we saw along the way. The young people all said they felt happier after the workshop and walk around Stockport than they did at the beginning of the day. In the following days the young people used their images to make a collage to create their own pieces of art.
Watch the video here
