new and different ways. The projects on show at D Eye Y were developed with input from members of the local public, who were invited to partake in a series of workshops held in Battersea Park, commissioned by the Pump House Gallery. Participants were taught how to make cameras out of objects as unexpected as peanut shells, and how to take fantastically warped portraits of their surroundings with their own bespoke SlitScan cameras – which they themselves made from scratch. Holding an image of the world in your hands, with the knowledge that you have Done It Yourself without any digital input, suddenly seems impossibly far-fetched and incredible. BBKP’s projects are about innovation, problem-solving and the practical exploration of materials. Their inventive approach to their apparatus creates a new kind of camera vision and lends a real physicality to the photographic print which comes to be valued as an object in itself, not just one of hundreds of images. Take your time over this show –there’s a lot to see. (Words: Florence Ritter) D Eye Y is on at the Pump House Gallery until April 7th. For more info, visit: www.pumphousegallery.org.uk

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Confession: before I bought my very first SLR in 2008, I thought those suckers were MAGICAL. The sheer size of them, the changeable lenses…the power of having one in your hands. I truly believed once I owned an SLR, I’d be up there with RANKIN.

Wrong.

The first picture I took with my Canon 450D was the ugliest picture I ever shot in my life. Dull. Boring. And that was on AUTO mode. I could hear my discarded Samsung point and shoot mocking me, “it’s not the camera that makes a good picture, you fool” – and I soon learned that this was very true. So I did a few short courses and learned how to use manual mode…I understood how to compose…I learned the difference between aperture and shutter speed (easy things people, trust me), and I went from being an SLR novice, to being endorsed by top photojournalist Edmond Terakopian, and this month, receiving a commendation by the Sony World Photography Awards(!). So with all that I’ve acquired over the years, I’ve been inspired to organise photography workshops around London to help people take great pictures and get to grips with their camera too.

The workshops are from 1 to 4 hours  and by the end of it, you’ll become a more confident photographer, learn how to take great shots outdoors and never struggle with your camera again. Lastly, you don’t need an SLR to take part – just a camera and a weekend (or weekday evening) to spare! (Words: Matilda Egere-Cooper)

For more info, visit The Culture Club photography workshops website.

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