Young people turning their gaze on our older generations

The participants of this project have had a unique opportunity to be mentored and work with Melissa Powell, an outstanding photographer from our community.  Melissa has been documenting the events and lives of the Wimmera that have shaped our understanding of what it means to live here, and produced many memorable images through her work at the Wimmera Mail Times, and as a freelance photographer.  We feel privileged to have been able to facilitate this project with Melissa and have access to her ever growing professional and educational talents.

Through this project Melissa has encouraged and demonstrated the act of photography and illustrated the relationship that must be produced between the subject and the photographer.  The participants have then used these skills to document how their lives intersect with older members of our community.  Through the series of master classes the physical act has been transformed, heightened as the participants were introduced to the digital darkroom.  Together they have learnt the techniques to harness the potential that the physical act captured, and have experienced the demands placed on a professional photographer.