March 30, 2023
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The Mentoring Association continues to bring children and mentors together, because our children truly need that very «significant adult» who makes life feel easier and more confident to navigate. We organized and held an open event where nineteen of our boys and girls, as well as mentors, mentor candidates, and volunteers created together, learned about the specifics of product photography, the secrets of a photographer’s work, and how to create a high-quality advertising product. And the Arts Library warmly welcomed us with its cozy, home-like atmosphere.
This time, the children and mentors didn’t limit their imagination and got as creative as possible! Together in teams, we created advertising photos: using available materials to set up lighting properly, searching for interesting backgrounds, diffusing light with colorful transparent folders and parchment paper, and creating our own masterpieces.
Children and adults truly get to know each other and open up easily and joyfully during such engaging events. This is how the first step toward forming «mentor-child» pairs begins — in an atmosphere of kindness, joy, and trust.
We are sincerely grateful to our trainers Yulia and Dasha, who captivated the workshop participants so much that time simply flew by. Your inspiring stories about how to grow and where to start, and how to create your own awesome portfolio, truly motivated the teenagers to conquer new horizons. At the end of the event, each participant was ceremoniously awarded a certificate for participating in the «Advertising Photography for Beginners» workshop and gaining new skills: working with light, teamwork, composition, and a creative approach.
This experience and the opportunity to receive feedback and advice from experts gave the children valuable new knowledge and, most importantly, even more confidence in their own abilities.
«I really liked it, I had such a great time» – Vika, 17 years old
«Thank you so much for such an interesting event! It was educational and provided valuable knowledge for teenagers, because almost everyone takes photos at least for themselves or for social media. I liked that there were both theoretical and practical parts, we worked in groups, the speakers were open and approachable, and during the group practical work they came over and gave practical advice. At the end there was a photo review, and it was very important to hear feedback, especially for those who photographed, edited, and submitted photos on behalf of the whole group. I’m very grateful to the trainers for the new knowledge and to Maria for organizing the event» – Oksana, mentor
«I didn’t even expect everyone to do such an amazing job! (Apparently our trainers didn’t either :) The atmosphere was wonderful and inspiring, everyone genuinely immersed themselves in the process and, as a result, we got great outcomes and an awesome time together! I really want to thank the girls who led the workshop — it was incredibly informative, professional, and lively) such great value and such a rarity) Thanks as well to our wonderful Masha, who brings us all together and always finds something interesting, something engaging both for the children and the mentors, so all you really need to do is show up and enjoy it. Also, huge thanks to our Arts Library, which tirelessly hosts all these events. And special thanks to all of us: both mentors and teenagers! For your openness and sincerity! Hugs to everyone! I’m really looking forward to our next adventures!» – Artem, mentor
«At the advertising photography workshop, together with the children we immersed ourselves in the process of photography and created advertising masterpieces. And all of this happened in the amazing atmosphere of the Arts Library, whose walls pulse with a love for beauty. We attend events with children to support them, to show them that there are people they can always turn to, people who can help and who truly care about their stories. And every time, returning from spending time with the children, you realize that you receive far more than you give» – Lena, volunteer
"It was my first time attending an event like this. On my way there, several thoughts were spinning in my head — what would happen, how would it go, what would I even say to them? In the end, as soon as I crossed the library threshold, those thoughts disappeared completely! It was really interesting talking with the children; each one was different, each one unique. The conversation flowed naturally, as if I had come to a gathering of old friends. And the smiles on their faces brought me joy and happiness. I hope I was able to share that joy with the children, the organizers, and everyone else who attended the event" – Oleh, guest
