During the month of November a group of local residents have taken part in a 4 week taster session that was delivered in partnership between Sketty Park Communities First and Sustainable Swansea. The sessions were free and open for anyone to join that had an interest in learning digital camera skills and raise their awareness of local environmental issues. Throughout the 4 sessions residents learnt how to use the basic functions of a digital camera, how to use flash and micro settings and lots more.

The group also learnt how to download their photographs to computer and some basic photo editing. Sessions happened in a number of places; visits were made to Swansea’s sustainability trail, and the group took photos in different areas of Sketty Park itself. Residents were able to identify local resources we have as a community, these included many community buildings, green spaces, recycling areas, art and culture groups, wildlife areas and facilities/ groups that encourage and offer local volunteering opportunities. Many of the photographs taken will later be added to the online interactive green map of Swansea. Links for this can be found at www.sustainableswansea.net

Following these initial taster sessions, all 9 residents that took part are very keen to continue their learning. The group will now continue to meet in the New Year and are interested in learning more abouthow to better use their cameras and its functions, and how to save their photos on computers and CD’s and mush more. The group will be meeting in the New Year on Wednesday afternoons 1-3pm, starting the 13th January 2010. If you are interested in learning about how to use digital cameras, maybe you have received one as a Christmas and are unsure of how to use it, then please do not hesitate to find out how you can join in, everyone is welcome. For more information contact Claire Jones, Communities First 01792 284740.