Life through a lens

A BUSTLING flower market, the colour blue and street life were just some of the images caught on camera for a new photography exhibition.

Vulnerable youngsters, from supported housing project the Foyer in Croydon, were among the budding snappers who took part in an eight-week photography project funded by the Youth Opportunity Fund, Croydon Arts Council and the Hinchley Trust.

Guided by a top freelance photographer, who has worked for the New York Times, the 10 young photographers aged between 16 -22, were each given a camera and told to capture their unique perspective on life in Croydon's Thornton Heath.

The exhibition, entitled My Hood: CR7, went on show at the Croydon Clocktower on Friday 20 June and will run until 21st August.

Professional photographer Hazel Thompson, a photojournalist who took part in the project, said: "The group really just took off on the journey - it may sound corny but we were inspired by them. I am so proud of them. They produced such a high standard of work in such a short time. What blew me away was spending time with them and helping them see the world the way I do through photography."

Neelam Shah, 16, captured snapshots of Indian culture in her neighbourhood while Pinar Mehmet, 19, chose the colour blue.

Jessica Peprah-Sarpong, 22, who took photographs of life on the streets of Thornton Heath, said: "This project has been a great experience. It's been a way of bringing the community together and seeing Thornton Heath for the potential it holds."

Achol Tong, 20, who photographed the local flower market, said: "It's a place where people come from all over the community, select some beauty and take it home. I wanted to capture not only the texture of the market but the spirit of the place."

Opened in 2000 the Foyer, a partnership between the London Borough of Croydon, Broomleigh Housing Association, Oasis Trust and local churches, provides accommodation for 18 young homeless people between the ages of 16 and 25 for a period of 18 - 24 months - offering practical support to help them live independently.

Kate Lambert, who co-ordinated the project from the Oasis Trust, said: "The students were so supportive of each other's work. They raised their own expectations and belief in themselves. They will go away from this course with a 'can do' attitude.'