12/1/2012 9:45:00 AM

A group of talented Bahamian youth have won the opportunity to learn about photography from the best in the business during National Geographic Photo Camp in Cape Eleuthera, the Bahamas. From Tuesday, Nov. 27, to Saturday, Dec. 1, 20 students will learn the basics of photography from National Geographic photographer Raul Touzon and National Geographic photo editor Todd James. Photo Camp is presented by the National Geographic Society, the Bahamas National Drug Council (BNDC) and the United States Embassy, Nassau.

During the workshop, Touzon, James and Photo Camp staff will mentor the students on the basics of photography, photographic vision, equipment and technique. They will lead them through the process of creating a story through photography and writing.

The youth who will participate were picked as finalists in the first “Youth Expression Against Drugs” Essay, Rap and Poetry Competition, held by the U.S. Embassy and the BNDC. The contest encouraged students in the Bahamas to consider the harmful impact of illegal drugs, how to resist negative peer pressure and act as leaders against drugs in their community, and to express that through essays, poems and raps. The program is part of a continuing partnership between the U.S. Embassy and the BNDC to reduce the demand for illegal drugs and foster the development of young leaders in the Bahamas.

Following the theme of the BNDC’s campaign, “Drugs and Crime Are a Waste of Time,” Photo Camp will discover, document and reflect on the natural beauty of the Bahamas and the importance of preserving the islands and their people.

At the Preserve the group were split into groups and given photo assignments by their instructor for the photo camp. They concentrated on the wetland/ pond area, the waterfall, mangrove boardwalk, and medicinal beds for their photographs.

Levy Preserve