Mick Taylor
Zoom In Volunteer

Self Portrait

I have been volunteering at Zoom In since November 2007. I found out about Zoom In via the Merton Volunteer Centre. Having worked for a major communication organisation for 36 years I decided that I wanted to do something that involved my interests one of which was photography. I do one day week - a Thursday - and have done a lot and learnt a lot in the time I have been there.

I have helped with the young work placements that the organisation welcome. This has been great fun and involved photo projects such as pinhole photography, photo montages and darkroom work. Some of the projects I have been involved with includes:

• Copying the existing 35mm slide sets into Photoshop and on to the PC for the courses Zoom In hold. Seems simple but it's amazing how long scanning and retouching can take.
• Taking photos for use as teaching aids on the courses.
• Processing films for various projects such as the one Zoom In runs with the Refugee Council in Brixton.
• Completing a database of the members, students and others.
• Putting up a shelf in the office and fixing the lights in the darkroom.
• Pulling together some of the Community Project portfolios.
• Covering the office, taking course bookings and giving advise on courses.

The great thing about all of this is that I have been learning all the time so it's been a real two-way experience. In fact it has been so great it has inspired me to undertake a BTEC (Level 3) in Photography. I started studying at SCOLA, Sutton in September 2008. The course is made up of five modules and lasts for 2 years. To see some of my work just follow this link.

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