I am a photographer and a photography writer and through this trait I meet several interesting people and have been fortunate to work on several inspiring projects. But I have never come across anything as special as YPI KIDS. Have you ever wondered about the point where your profession becomes passion? Or when photography become more than just photography? That happens, and it has probably happened to all of us - an image that we shot meant so much to someone else. The point where a photograph becomes an object of endearment is the point when photography becomes more than just photography, more than a profession or an art, it becomes an important factor in someone's life. In my previous article about YPI KIDS I gave a brief introduction of what they did. Moving forward, this article will analyze the projects sponsored by YPI KIDS to enable kids "at-risk" or suffering from cancer photograph precious moments.

Yes, cancer - a terminal disease and whenever someone uses the term I see people all around getting cautious and scared or sad. And no doubt it is sad because even after being in the 21st century man hasn't found a cure for certain illnesses. But then there are those who suffer from it, fight with it and don't let it let them down. YPI KIDS helps such children realize their dreams through photography. The program gives them a chance to shine, to show the world what they believe in and what they cherish. It lets us see how strong they are and appreciate the small things in life. The YPI KIDS project is called Project: Tomorrow.

C. Paul Denckla (founder of YPI KIDS, see image on right) explains the project and states that, "The project sponsored by YPI KIDS is entitled Project:Tomorrow. Given the name itself, the participants' focus is on the FUTURE and moving forward on a positive note from the moment they sign up. To participate in the project each child must sign a Contract agreeing to fulfill a number of obligations including …attend a class where they learn the basics of Portrait photography, complete a Personality Profile, complete a photographic Portrait Assignment, attend the Finale Exhibition, etc.

Their Portrait Assignment is to take a photo of someone who is or will be important in your life TOMORROW. Each child is given a HOLGA camera, which he/she gets to keep, and just one roll of film that will take 12 images." Paul Denckla also photographs each child and takes a portrait of them.

He further explains the details of the project and states that, "Each of the participants must also complete a writing assignment explaining why they chose their subject. In addition each of the Portrait Subjects must also complete a writing assignment about what it means to be chosen by the child as the subject of the Portrait Assignment. An important element of the Project: Tomorrow is the secrecy surrounding the photos and writing assignments. The child does not see which of his images or the portrait taken of him will be displayed until the Preview party of the Finale Exhibition. The same is true of the writing assignments." On the opening night of the Finale Exhibition, which takes place in a select venue, each participant gets a display of two photographs: first, the portrait he/she took and second is the one of them taken by Paul. These photographs are blown up on 2' square canvases and supported by the writing assignment which are put on plaques and hung beside the images.

This night is the most special of all, as the young photographers are the stars that night and this is their moment to shine and show the world their work and achievements and the things they hold close. The Exhibition is attended by the participants, their families and friends and is also open to the general public. "There are speeches by key members of the Project and each Participant gets a Certificate of Completion (“diploma”). They also get to keep the HOLGA cameras that they used in the Project as well as the images that were hung in the Finale Exhibition and a CD of all the images that were taken by them."

This project definitely makes one stop and wonder about the endless possibilities offered by a medium like photography. And it goes to show that we as photographers can make such a huge impact in the lives of people. Photography is definitely a medium that captures time and lets us share and enjoy memories that are precious to us. YPI KIDS does this very successfully.

Stay tune for more on the YPI KIDS in our next posts. The next posts will analyze the kids projects and provide an insight into the 2010 Project: Tomorrow by YPI KIDS.

images courtesy YPIKIDS.com

Second image is from YPI KIDS Project Tomorrow 2008 by 15 year old photographer Zoe Kurtz, photograph of her mother Sharon Kurtz