Bradford exhibition showcases young people’s photography

An exhibition showcasing the photos of young people has opened in Bradford, aiming to show what the city looks like through their eyes.

Click & Connect is a project run by Bradford City FC Community Foundation to teach photography skills to 14 to 22-year-olds from underrepresented backgrounds.

All the photographs in the exhibition, which is on display at the City Hub, were taken using phone cameras as part of the project’s commitment to making photography more accessible.

Pavan Sembi, from the foundation, said: “There aren’t enough fun, free activities for young people, and with it being Bradford 2025, I thought how interesting it would be to see Bradford through the eyes of young people.”

Over five sessions those taking part were taught by local artist Shy Burhan on techniques including how to light a selfie through to the history and heritage of Bradford.

Ibrahim, 15, submitted his close up photograph of his sister’s eye to the exhibition.

“I was sitting with my sister, and her eye was just shining,” he said.

“In my opinion the eye is very beautiful. Everybody is unique in their own way, and I wanted to capture that.”

His sister Shazma, 21, said his confidence had grown since starting the project.

“From day one I saw that little spark in his eye, he likes seeing people happy and that’s what he’s been able to do by taking pictures,” she said.

“What the project has done is given every kid the opportunity to come and sit down at that table and be themselves.”

Ms Burhan said representation in the arts was crucial for young people.

“It’s so important for me that inner city young people have access to photography, because the arts are universal, and they should be afforded that access,” she said.

“Because I come from an underrepresented community myself, I’m Pakistani, Muslim and working class, I know how hard it was for me to break through those barriers.

“When you see somebody who looks like you, that talks like you, that grew up in the same place as you has had national success as an artist, it makes you relevant to them and they can relate to you.” she says.

“I would like to see more opportunities for underrepresented young people who often slip through the gaps to have that introduction to the creative sector.”

Click & Connect is open now at the Bradford City FC Community Foundation Building.