Photo series by National Geographic in collaboration with the Sandro Demaio Foundation

Words by National Geographic

In response to the expanding rift between us and the food that we eat (or throw away), National Geographic mentored thirteen young adults to capture the complexities of Melbourne’s dynamic food system.

National Geographic Photo Camp teaches young people in diverse communities around the world how to use photography to tell their own stories, explore the world around them, and develop deep connections with others. Through Photo Camp, world-class National Geographic photographers provide students with personalized, immersive training on both the technical aspects of photography and camera equipment, and the effective use of photography to reach audiences.

National Geographic launched Photo Camp 15 years ago, and since then it’s become one of our most impactful programs. So far, we’ve reached thousands of young people in 24 countries, including youth from migrant, refugee, and developing communities, and our Photo Camp Melbourne students are the newest members of that worldwide community.

In Melbourne, Photo Camp partnered with the Sandro Demaio Foundation to help aspiring young photographers investigate through their lenses how food systems in their city can be sustainable and accessible. To tell the full story of the food system, our students split into four teams, each examining a different aspect of the lifecycle of food: production and distribution, markets, food consumption and culture, and recycling and waste.

The students exhibited their work to their community, family, and friends during a final show at the Sandro Demaio Foundation, and their photography will be on display as part of the upcoming festival21 in Melbourne.

Taking over the heritage-listed Melbourne Meat Market on 2 February 2019, festival21 will use knowledge, leadership, storytelling and art to demonstrate the powerful potential of food. Come along (it's free!) to see the National Geographic Photo Camp exhibit and get involved in festival21's free talks, lectures and workshops.

To check out the festival21 program (it's incredible), click HERE.