Kids snap up camera classes

School children on the Dampier Peninsula were focused on cameras during a series of photography classes run by a professional snapper.

Photographer Sally Mayman recently held a number of workshops with students from Sacred Heart School at Beagle Bay, Christ the King Catholic School at Lombadina and the One Arm Point Remote Community School.

They were organised by the Moran Art Prize, one of Australia’s largest and most prestigious art competitions.

Every WA school is eligible to apply for the free photography sessions, which were established in 2008.

They are designed to create a fun way to foster creativity amongst students of various ages.

Christ the King Catholic School teacher Clare Kavanagh said the children were thrilled with idea.

"It was hands on and allowed them to explore their country in another medium,: she said.

“They were able to play with all of the features of a digital camera and develop an understanding of the purpose and perspective of photographs."

After spending the mornings shooting images, students spent the afternoons printing their top five images from the day.

Ms Mayman said the students were excited to be given their own camera for the day, to explore their community and beach.

“The printing was also a highlight with the students taking home their best photos,” she said.

A spokesperson from the Moran Foundation said the workshops aimed to introduce children to photography by encouraging individual and collaborative creativity, building self-confidence and time stamping a wonderful school experience in their minds.

The workshops are held at metropolitan, rural and remote schools every year and involve thousands of school-aged children.