.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

POSTED Grace

After holding a camera in my hand for the first time, I realised how great this training was because I was learning professional skills. I took the camera home and began to love photography. I have already started making money, thanks to my new photography skills. 

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

POSTED Grace

So far, I have taken photographs at three weddings.

.

.

.

.

..

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

POSTED Grace

 I have realised I can make a good living out of photography.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

POSTED Moses

My family. It is important to have photographs of your friends and family – it is a way of keeping people in your heart. I don’t have pictures of my family who died in the genocide so I have no way of remembering them.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

POSTED Alem

I am so happy to be a photo trainer because it shows I am developing myself and other people. I like photography so much. I have no words to express it. I have interviewed people before and produced case studies for my work, but the training will help me to get the very best stories.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

POSTED Ataklti

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.

..

..

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

POSTED Ataklti

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.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

POSTED Ataklti

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.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

POSTED Ataklti

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.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

POSTED by Ataklti

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.

.

.