This blog post is written by photographer, ambassador and workshop lead Beth Hotchkiss.
The atmosphere buzzed with a mix of excitement and nervous energy as twelve girls, ranging in age from 10 to 17, gathered for a Girls Who Click (GWC) photography workshop in Alaska. “How many of you are photographers?” asked a volunteer. A few hands timidly rose, but most remained by their sides. It was a tentative start to what would ultimately become a day full of transformation.
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and clusters of small, green trees, the group soon settled into their classroom at the Eagle River Nature Center. Here, they embarked on a journey of discovery, learning firsthand how to unlock their inner photographers and make an impact.
Workshop Sessions: Learning and Exploration
The day began with introductions, a safety debriefing, and icebreakers. Then a set of speakers: GWC Ambassador Beth Hotchkiss, photographer Michael DeYoung, and GWC Photographer Cathy Hart, captivated the group through informative presentations. The girls discovered how science and photography connect, and learned how to contribute to scientific exploration through platforms like Zooniverse and iNaturalist. Moreover, the group was introduced to the principles of composition and the art of storytelling through images, setting the stage for the afternoon ahead.
Under the guidance of experienced mentors, the girls set out on their first assignment: to explore the Eagle River Nature Center and use their images to tell a story. Divided into groups, they ventured into different corners of the park. With cameras in hand – some owned, others borrowed – the girls began photographing their environment. For a few, it was their first time handling a camera. As they practiced framing their shots, their confidence grew with each click of the shutter. They experimented with different angles, played with light and shadow, and found an abundance of inspiration in their surroundings.
“My heart was full of joy watching the girls so engaged,” said volunteer Sara Peebles. “Once those cameras got in their hands, they came alive!” Mentoring three Afghan girls in the workshop, Sara noted, “it’s a new cultural experience for them. Afghan girls normally go to school and come straight back home.” Watching them photograph mushrooms, flowers, and other visitors at the Nature Center, Sara saw something click within the girls, later remarking, “their passion for photography was born that day.”
An hour and a half later, all the girls gathered back in the classroom to select their three favorite images and craft their stories. Some focused on the beauty of nature, while others were drawn to moments steeped in personal memories or emotion. The culmination of the workshop was full of pride and accomplishment as each girl presented their photo story to peers and mentors alike. Each narrative was unique, giving a new glimpse of the world as seen through their eyes.
Key Takeaways: Areas of Focus.
The Girls Who Click workshop left a lasting impression on participants and volunteers alike, inspiring all to continue exploring the world through their cameras and using their skills to make a difference. Three major lessons from the day were:
1.We are ALL photographers in training. Photography is a skill that is developed through practice; it requires us to embrace the process of learning and celebrate small wins along the way. Whether it’s our first day or fiftieth year wielding a camera, there’s always room for growth. You don’t become a photographer once you’ve reached an ‘expert’ level, you become a photographer the moment you pick up a camera.
2. Photography is about YOU. “The best camera is the one you have on you,” shared workshop volunteer Michael DeYoung. At its core, photography is not about the type of gear you have but about the person behind the lens—their vision, creativity, and unique perspective. No two people see the world in exactly the same way, which is what makes photography such a powerful art form. It’s our individual viewpoints that set our images apart and enable us to make a meaningful impact.
3. No IMPACT is too small: Photography can be used to inspire others, advocate for change, document moments, express feelings, and so much more! Understanding the power of images, and photographing with intentionality can help us make an impact. Whether you are creating a story for publication or sharing a moment with a friend, each photograph has the potential to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and ignite conversations. This is what makes photography worthwhile.
Conclusion: A Final Snapshot
Thanks to Our Sponsors
In addition to the generous support from Girls Who Click, this photography workshop was sponsored by Alaska Photo Treks, Subway, and the Alaska Society of Outdoor & Nature Photographers. Thank you to all who made this event possible!