My name is Sarah, and I recently participated in the Risers programme at Breadwinners, a charity that supports young asylum seekers and refugees into employment in the UK. My experience with this programme was truly inspiring, opening many doors for me to build my future and develop my skills. I have always dreamed of becoming a journalist, with the ability to tell stories through images. Through Breadwinners, I was introduced to the PhotoVoice workshop. When the team suggested that I participate, I didn't hesitate for a moment. I felt it was an opportunity I couldn't miss to take my passion to a deeper level, especially with the focus on people's stories and experiences. I was excited to join and learn from this unique experience.

During the workshop, I learned several new techniques that greatly improved my photography skills, particularly the art of storytelling through images. What struck me the most was how everyone sees the world from a different perspective. At the end of the session, after Tom (who was leading the workshop) shared a wealth of valuable information, he challenged us to take five photos, each representing different themes. We were then tasked with using storytelling techniques to explain what those images meant to us personally.

One of the photos I took was of a car parked outside. To many people, a car is just a way to get around - like going to work, school, or visiting friends. But for me, this car is very special. It stands for my escape from my old life and my journey to a safer place. It helped me reach my freedom when I really needed it.

Every time I walk outside and observe the cars around me, I think about the countless stories they could tell. For some, a car is the only shelter they have, the roof they rely on when they no longer have a home. For others, it’s a vital source of income that sustains their families.

What amazes me is how a single photo of a car can carry so many layers of meaning. We all know a car is just a machine with wheels, but the stories it can represent are endless. That’s what makes workshops like this so valuable—they help us uncover the stories that can be told through a simple image.

When the workshop ended, I was deeply moved by the stories shared by the other participants, through such simple photos. This experience gave me a new appreciation for the power of photography.

After participating in the PhotoVoice workshop, I realised I have many exciting plans for the future. I hope to use the skills I’ve gained to work on a photography project that documents the stories of refugees and migrants within our community. Photography has become more than just a hobby for me - it’s now a tool for communication and connection. I want to use it to shed light on important social and humanitarian issues through images that tell powerful stories.

My entire perspective on photography has shifted since the workshop. I now see that every photo has the potential to tell a story, one that might not be immediately obvious. Photography is no longer just a way to document life - it’s a means of expressing myself and creating a real impact. I’ve come to understand just how powerful a single image can be in sparking emotion, starting conversations, and sharing important messages.

In the end, my experience with the PhotoVoice workshop was truly transformative. It helped me see photography from a completely new angle, and I now understand that a photo isn’t just a snapshot - it’s a story waiting to be told. This workshop opened up new opportunities for me and inspired me to keep growing as a photographer. For anyone who loves photography or has a passion for storytelling, I highly recommend getting involved in a similar experience. It’s not only an opportunity to improve your skills but also a chance to discover the incredible depth that a single photo can hold.

Thank you so much to PhotoVoice and Henry Smith Charity for the fantastic workshop.

Learning to tell stories with photos