Community Photography Outreach :: Santa Fe Digital Darkroom

Reality from the Barrio

The Santa Fe Digital Darkroom Photography Workshops believes in using photography to help empower others to find their own creative voice and vision. Reality from the Barrio, a social documentary honored in the PDN Photography Annual 2003-The Best Photos of the Year was inspired by a traditional wet darkroom photography program that Leslie Alsheimer developed and directed in partnership with the Santa Fe Boys & Girls Club's gang diversion program. The book became a thesis project for Leslie's master's degree in social work. Books and DVD's are available for purchase in our on-line Store. Also available a 6 minute audio visual presentation available for Free Download in our Shop Books and Tutorial Manuals page under FREE TIPS.

Reality from the Barrio is a powerful collage of photographs and prose about life as seen through the eyes of native Santa Fe youth. It is a celebration of family, culture and community through rites of passage, and the pain and love of every day living. This book offers a glimpse into the hope and potential for change that can emerge in communities where marginalized populations are afforded legitimate means of expression.

When we are no longer afraid to see things as they truly are, we can possibly bridge the gap between worlds that seldom meet and often misinterpret one another. The more we listen to and validate all cultures, the more capable we may become of resolving conflict and celebrating the beauty in diversity. Reality from the Barrio hints at the kind of artistic expression that might issue forth if ever such programs were adequately funded in our schools and communities."

-Leslie Alsheimer,
Director of Photography

" Santa Fe is an art mecca. However in 1994, an exhibition by young artists from the Santa Fe Boys & Girls Club was censored and removed from a local mall. An authentic community voice was silenced. From this incident, Reality from the Barrio was born. Through words and images, we are given a glimpse into a seldom seen Santa Fe community. Reality from the Barrio is an important contribution to the literature of the region, an eloquent and sensitive examination of Santa Fe's barrios. This book is an eye -opening look at the pride and dignity these young rtists have in their barrios."

-Miguel Gandert
Fine Art Documentary photographer

The Santa Fe Digital Darkroom Photography Workshops also Directs Community Photography Outreach, a project based non profit collecting and disseminating used cameras and photgraphic equipment to worthy non-profit photography programs around the world. In partnership with Elizabeth Hightower, Outside Magazine editor, she is also currently developing and directing Forward Focus: Workshops with Creative Purpose , a non-profit organization utilizing the power of visual imagery and the written word to support and encourage grassroots nonprofit initiatives dedicated to fostering social and environmental change. The Workshops provide a collaborative forum that combine education, adventure, and creative purpose to celebrate what people are doing to create a better world, supporting and encouraging acts of connection, compassion and contribution, i.e. creating works that matter.

SAFARI Workshop in Tanzania Coming Soon!! Ask us for more information.

Photo credits in order of appearance: Ruby Garcia Age 14, Erasmo Valdiviezo Age 15, Reality from the Barrio cover Hope Cantu Age 14, Jennifer Hendrickson Age 16, Lori Padilla Age 16, Erasmo Valdiviezo Age 15, Raquel Garcia Age 17.

Have some cameras or equipment you'd like to donate? Community Photography Outreach, a project based non profit utilizing the power of photography to promote positive social change, can put your old equipment to good use!! Give the gift of photography...all donations are tax deductible !

CONTACT US
Send us your comments or questions or Join our Mailing List! info@sfdigitaldarkroom.com