From Learning to Lens, MAAHMG Youth Curators Document “The Denim Experience“
Putting the skills they learned over the summer during the program, three of the MAAHMG Youth Curators worked as photographers during The Denim Experience fashion show, a fundraiser for Lovely’s Sewing & Arts Collective on October 2 at the Machine Shop in Minneapolis.
The youth curators photographed the behind-the-scenes action as models and designers prepared for the show with hair, make-up and last-minute wardrobe detailing. Then it was lights, camera, action as they photographed the models strut the runway. The experience gave them an opportunity to apply the skills they learned in class to a real-world event.
Youth Curator Shon Smith described the experience as both fun and challenging. “Some challenges included finding space and competing for the best angles to take pictures,” he said. “I really enjoyed everyone’s outfits—everyone was dressed nicely, showcasing their fashion sense.” Shon credited the Youth Curator Program for teaching him about photography, saying, “Everything I know about the cameras we used was learned in the youth program, which helped me know what angles to go for and the best lighting for pictures.”
Youth Curator Ayla Porter said the event was rewarding. “I gained a lot of experience while having fun. There was so much to capture, which was challenging but interesting,” she said. “The whole event was alive with creativity, and it was a great opportunity to explore photography. I especially enjoyed talking to business owners and photographing the models.” Ayla added that the skills she learned in the program were invaluable. “I applied what I learned about using a camera and finding good lighting, and those skills helped me so much at the fashion show.”
This month, the curators will build on their technical skills in an editing workshop at the museum where they will learn Adobe lightroom and photoshop to edit the photographs they shot at the fashion show.
The Denim Experience fashion show was curated by designer Keiona Cook, founder of Qe’Bella Couture and Lovely’s Sewing & Arts Collective, which teaches youth sewing, yoga, meditation, marketing, money management and other life skills. The fashion show featured local designers including MAAHMG co-founder Tina Burnside who made her debut as a designer showing her first collection. Thanks Keiona for inviting the Youth Curators to photograph the show!
The MAAHMG Youth Curator Program is funded by an Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund grant from the Minnesota State Legacy Fund from the Minnesota State Legislature.
