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Today I became a photography trainer! I trained Abba Fitwe (the local priest) and Kibam (19 yrs) and they were very interested in the camera. I saw they had great potential to become photographers. I try to talk to people clearly and give them confidence in the same way that Annie gave me confidence. Photography is a beautiful skill to pass on.
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As a photographer you travel, you meet interesting people and you learn about life. What a great job! You also come across new technologies so you stay ahead of the crowd. Photographs are unforgettable. When I see photographs I took a couple if years ago it transports me back to that time and place. When I see my photographs from Ethiopia Lives it makes me remember my life, the people I have met, and how far I have come.
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It’s so important for photographers like me to continue to learn about photography and all the skills that I will need as a photojournalist. The training is getting me excited about my future – it’s helping me develop my dreams. One day I would like to open my own studio. I’d love to have an exhibition too. And now I know how to caption my photographs now, so the audience will understand my theme and the messages I want to get across.
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We went out to the field today and did some photography practice. I helped Annie to train the participants. I got down on the floor to show them the importance of different angles and encouraged them to take close up photographs. I also helped people take detail pictures to add colour to their stories. I really enjoyed being in the field because it puts your photography skills to the test.
A funny thing happened this evening. I bumped into a friend from Mekelle who is in Adigrat for work. When I told him that I was in Adigrat to train people in photography he was so excited for me that he forgot to speak! So many of my friends are proud of me because I am a photographer – it makes me very happy to make them proud.
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The best part of the day’s training was the team work and exercises. Annie got us up on our feet and moving around. Sometimes training sessions can be a bit dull but not with Annie and Sarah around! We were given small exercises and had to present the results to the whole group. I haven’t just learned from Annie, I’ve also learned from the other trainees on the course. Hopefully, I’ve taught them a little something too.
I am so happy to see Annie again. It’s been four years since she was last in Ethiopia and my life has changed a lot. Annie is a good person and a good trainer – there’s a lot I want to say to her and a lot I want to learn from her. But I am a bit sad because she is in pain with her tooth! I hope she gets better tomorrow.
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