MBCC Photography Club a hit

Joseph Crichton, Youth Focus Writer

Western Bureau:Budding photographers who are either considering the art as a profession or a hobby are honing their skills at the Montego Bay Community College (MBCC) Photography Club, where several students are taking the business of photography quite seriously.

According to Priyanka Mahbubani, the club's president, the initiative started in 2011 out of the need to enhance visual arts in the school and to increase confidence among students as they developed their talents.

"Members are given the opportunity to express themselves creatively, whether it is through modelling, applying make-up, or hair styling," said Mahbubani. "So it is really a multifaceted club that involves all the elements of photography, whether it is people, nature, or buildings."

"For persons interested in this field as a career, they are given exposure and are therefore able to enhance the skills necessary for them to start at the entry level … . As a club, we try to get professionals to visit our meetings occasionally and give insight about the photography field," added Mahbubani.

CREATIVE POOL

It is not unusual for a club of this nature to be so popular on the college campus, especially since it involves a creative pool of individuals, and as Mahbubani stated, the club allows persons to be make-up artists, stylists, creative directors, and much more. It allows students to express themselves through their talent.

According to Mahbubani, a photography club is an excellent way to boost career options while offering an alternative extra-curricular activity, and so she is encouraging other institutions to form a photography club.

"It is important that youth get involved in extra-curricular activities as initiatives such as the MBCC Photography club is a perfect extra-curricular activity," said Mahbubani. "It allows them to have fun while expressing themselves creatively and positively."

"It also prepares them for a possible career … . It allows youths to discover new talents as well, thus helping them to build confidence while gaining a sense of self-worth and accomplishment."