May 2015

Our member of the week features Chloe Cheng, our program manager in Hong Kong. She has been organizing advanced photography workshops with domestic helpers in Hong Kong. Let’s see what kindled her interests and propelled her through her planning.

“Then what?” This is the question I have been asking myself. Having participated in various one-off services, I started to reflect on what I can really do to make a difference. Then I came across with Lensational, in which I affirmed my belief that photography brings people together, regardless of their races, gender and ages and so on.

I always believe that no one is born to be “underprivileged”. It is the circumstances that make one appears to be the minority. If the “better-off” are welcomed to pursue their dreams, why can’t the “worse-off”? Every one is born equal and we all have the rights to choose what we want. I thoroughly enjoyed organizing workshops and outings for the domestic helpers in Hong Kong. Their passion in photography surprised me a lot; this has encouraged me personally in searching for what I like. I hope, in the near future, we can help develop a portfolio for them to pursue their dreams through photography.

I am still confused of what I can do to make a change. Yet, I am at least doing “something” right now.

Thanks Chloe! Want to discover if Lensational is for you? Want to help out in our upcoming events? Send us an email at info@lensational.org

I am still confused of what I can do to make a change. Yet, I am at least doing “something” right now.

This special week, we would like to honor our program leader Sunnie who brought the concept of Lensational all the way over to Bangladesh. Here, she will tell us from where she became connected to Lensational and how her experience has been so far.

I have never thought of pressing a shutter to change the world until I met Lensational.

Having been working in a social enterprise for few years, I felt connected with them instantly when I met the founders of Lensational. “If photography can improves gender inequality, why not on my passion, racial inequality?” I asked myself. Then, I got into the organisation and then my world has changed. I spent almost every Sundays to go on photo teach with my new “Indonesian friends”. Although I have no knowledge on photography skills, I help them know more about their “new home” around Hong Kong. One of the helpers told me that she found herself as a human rather than a maid during photography workshops. She changed her world through the lens while she gained confidence by pressing every shutters. Indeed, cameras turns to a common language for both of us, changing our ways to see the world.

I don’t know how powerful the photography is. At least, it has changed me, her and maybe other women who need this stage to show their talents.

Thank you so much Sunnie for your emotional sharing. Can’t wait to hear more stories from you about your Bangladesh trip! If you are interested in working with us and experiencing the magic of women empowerment through photography, send us an email today at info@lensational.org !

The first blog of May introduces you to our MVP of the week: Cherie Tam! She has a dedicated public relations manager for the past year and is very active in picking out amazing pictures with meaningful messages on Instagram! Here’s her little sharing about Lensational and photography:

Photography is an unrestricted way of communication. One simple photo can tell a story with a meaningful message. Instead of using words to explicitly ask for donations or describe a story, photos can do more than that and to provide readers a room for free interpretation. Not only has Lensational attempts to help lots of women in the developing country financially and emotionally, but also achieves to be more environmentally friendly by recycling cameras in the developed world.
Thank you so much Cherie and we look forward to our projects together over the summer! If you want to effect changes and help our cause to empower women, send us an email at info@lensational.org !