"Don't touch that" and "It's not a toy" - these are the most common things said to children about professional cameras, but in a special workshop held in Mitchelstown Library, those ideas were thrown aside as children became photographers for an afternoon in Carole Bradley's photography workshop.

Held in the library on Thursday last between 10am and 2pm, the workshop was a big hit, with 34 children trying their hand at being 'snap happy' over the course of the morning.

INSPIRATION

Carole held her first exhibition of photographs last year and since then, her style, perspective and subject choices have all evolved and grown and she has sold some pieces from the current exhibition. While preparing her material for the current exhibition in the library, her grandson Lucas wanted to play with the camera and she realised that this was a novelty that many children might not get to experience, and so the idea of the children's photography workshop was born.

Speaking about the workshop, Carole told The Avondhu that the workshop went really well and she said that the children enjoyed it thoroughly, while for some, the experience has meant that a digital camera has been added onto the list for Santa this year.

"They loved the idea of being able to use a proper camera and the first thing most of them asked was 'Can I hold it myself?'," Carole said.

Many kids nowadays use their parent's phones to take pictures or videos, so this workshop was a way for them to hone in on that and learn a little bit more about photography in a fun way. Carole had little studio props for her workshop, with frames to put around people's faces and little moustaches, crowns and hats that the kids and parents could hold up to themselves for comic effect.

She added that for any children considering getting a camera for Christmas, this gave them the opportunity to try one out and decide if they like it or not.

"THRILLED"

"I was thrilled with the response and the library staff were so accomodating. Today (Thursday), the children will be able to come into the library and see samples of their own photographs on display in the exhibition and they will be able to take their work home with them," Carole said, adding that she was amazed by the pictures, saying that the different perspectives achieved by the children was really interesting.

Carole's photographs will be on display in Mitchelstown Library until August 31 and she hopes to host another one in Fermoy Library before Christmas.

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