On October 12th, following interviews with 27 youngsters with whom we collaborated so far as well as few new faces, we selected the core OPC group. The plan was to select 15 of the most committed, but our hearts were bigger then our brains so we invited 24 people to join us. The next stage of the selection process will take part at the end of February 2009.

For now the group has been split into two where each group will take part in monthly half-day workshops/meetings to be conducted alternatively at the Building Aziza school and the Bophana Audiovisual Resource Center.

The workshops aim to:

• Encourage participants to explore their own photographic vision, initiate photographic research and conduct their own projects

• Explore different photographic techniques and functions

• Increase awareness of cultural and ethical issues related to photography

• Explore different historical and contemporary photographic perspectives

• Analyse different possibilities of working within photographic industry, both locally and internationally

• Introduce business and financial management topics within photographic industry

Picture by: Nathan Horton

Front row from the left: Chan Mao, Bun Thath, RaChun, Thy Heang, Seng Simouy, Maria Stott, Chen Ry, Chieng
(squatting Ly Thy)
Back row from the right: Ravuth, Pha Lina, Chea Meng Heing(we call him Mo), Chna Moniroth, SoRen, Kosal,
Yos Kosal, Phana, Sok Ieng