"A very broad educational guidance was given to these kids to capture
the story of `My Seattle,'" said Davis. Corbis employees taught
the kids how to use a camera, offered a few tips about composition, etc., and
the children were on their way to complete this five-week project. The resulting
photos were very diverse. Images included children riding a school bus, family
togetherness, kids playing games, sports or doing homework. One image showed
a pattern of fall leaves on the ground, another featured a beloved family pet.
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"Boys & Girls Club Chess" by Dina, from the Southwest
chapter.
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"One thing that this project tends to reinforce is how powerful photography
is as a means of expression," Davis pointed out. He added that one Corbis
executive commented on how handy and portable the single-use cameras were, and
how they could be easily carried in a pocket to capture any event that presented
itself. As for the resulting images, "It's more about the person's
eye than about the equipment," said Davis.
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Maria Benitez is an International master of Spanish danceCorbis
CEO Steve Davis pointed out that the "My Seattle"
project emphasized how powerful photography is as a means of expression.
Right:
"Untitled" by Machelle, from the Rotary Boys &
Girls Club.
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Once they were given the assignment in October 2002, the kids had about two
weeks to turn in their photographs. At that point, cameras were turned in, film
was developed, and photos were edited by Corbis employees.
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"Untitled"
by Tré, from the Wallingford branch.
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Last year, Corbis sponsored a similar project, entitled `My America,'
in which members of a Los Angeles-based Boys & Girls Club photographed the
world around them. Although this will not be an annual event, Davis said that
Corbis was evaluating this program and will possibly incorporate the best processes
from projects like these in the future. "This was a fun project about
passion, fun and photography--and that's what we're all about,"
commented Davis.
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"Friendship" by Araya, from the Rotary Boys &
Girls Club.
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Boys & Girls Club
The Boys & Girls Club offers programs and services nationwide that are designed
to promote and enhance young peoples' development, especially those from
disadvantaged situations. The Boys & Girls Clubs of King county comprises
11 full-service clubs and four extensions. This organization is one of the largest
of its kind in the nation, serving over 17,000 members.
After looking at the photos on these pages, I'm sure you'll agree
that we can learn a lot from children's unique view of their world, and
of the world at large.
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"Basketball" by Aisha, from the Rotary Boys &
Girls Club.
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To view some of the images from the Corbis "My Seattle" Camera
Project, log onto www.corbis.com/myseattle.
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"Untitled" by Dan, of the Southwest branch of the
Boys & Girls Club.
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