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Young Photographers Develop More than Photos

Mormon youth activities are all about improving talents, helping others and growing faith

Youth from an Auckland Latter-day Saint congregation have been busy taking pictures.

Paul Conroy, an avid photography enthusiast, volunteered his time and expertise recently to teach the group of teens from Albany, Auckland, how to take better, more creative and striking photographs. 

The training started with an introductory night earlier this year.  Mr Conroy showed the young people examples of various types of photos, teaching basic principles of photography.

Last week, in a follow-up session for the more keenly interested teens, Mr Conroy provided more detailed training. He then took them out into the community to practice their developing skills.

First, they caught up with some Latter-day Saint members and missionaries who were helping a family spruce up their yard.  The gardeners proved to be excellent subjects for the student photographers. 

They then walked along a street with their cameras looking for interesting angles and subject matter – from drains to tree trunks, to pigeons.

“It was a great day,” 17-year-old Lewis said. “Mr Conroy is a really talented photographer and I learned a a lot from him.”

12-year-old Jared had an equally positive experience. “I have had a camera for a while now, and have been taking pretty good pictures, but now I can take even better ones.” 

Mr Conroy is an IT specialist by day but loves doing photography at night and on weekends.

Latter-day Saints place a strong emphasis on formal and informal education, in addition to religious education.

Youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged by parents and Church leaders to continually grow and learn throughout their lives. 

Activities organized for Mormon youth cover a broad range of subjects ― from giving community service, to sports, to other pursuits such as photography. The youth themselves play a big part in selecting, planning and running their weekly activities.  Youth leaders are members of the same congregation who volunteer time each week to provide support to the youth.

Young women and men in the Church participate in what is called the “Personal Progress” and “Fulfilling My Duty to God” programs.  These programs provide opportunities for the youth to identify those areas where they would like to learn and achieve more; to put their plans into action; and then to share their achievements with their peers, families and others.

The Church provides youth with a booklet, titled, “For the Strength of Youth.” It contains advice from Church leaders regarding practical ways to make choices that lead to happier, stronger lives.   

On Sundays, Latter-day Saint youth attend Sunday School and other classes where they participate in the Church’s “Come, Follow Me” curriculum. The lessons are designed to be conversational and interactive, and are based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, as well as ancient and modern-day prophets and apostles.

Watch a video about two young Latter-day Saint teenagers, Spencer and Dayton, who participate in Sunday services and other activities during the week in their local congregation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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