Hamar, Norway | 15-24 July 2024
by Rebeka

Before this exchange, photography was just a hobby for me. But during the project "photography for envrionment", I realized how images can tell stories that truly move people. I learned how to use light and composition to convey powerful messages. One of the most important lessons for me was understanding that environmental protection concerns all of us, no matter where we come from. I took photos of deforested areas near my hometown and published them in an article. It was amazing to see how my pictures sparked discussions in my community. Now, I feel motivated to raise even more awareness about environmental issues and use my photographic talent to advocate for environmental protection.

I would love to participate more in these kind of projects.

Hamar, Norway | 15-24 July 2024

by Leo

Before this exchange, photography was just a hobby for me. However, during the project, I realized how images can tell stories that truly move people. I learned how to use light and composition to convey powerful messages. One of the most important lessons for me was understanding that environmental protection concerns us all, no matter where we come from. I took pictures of deforested areas near my hometown and published them in an article. It was amazing to see how my photos sparked discussions within my community. Now, I feel motivated to raise even more awareness about environmental issues and use my photography skills to advocate for environmental protection.

Hamar, Norway | 15-24 July 2024

by Denys

"This exchange program showed me just how much influence a single photo can have. I learned how to tell stories about the environment through photography that make people think. I found the discussions about climate change and landscape destruction particularly interesting. During one of our excursions, I took pictures of polluted rivers and forests damaged by human activity. These images deeply moved me, and I realized how important it is to make these issues visible. Back in Austria, I organized a workshop at my university on environmental photography, where I shared my experiences and photos. It was amazing to see how many people were inspired by the images."

Hamar, Norway | 15-24 July 2024
by Raja

One of the most unforgettable moments of the ‘Photography for Environment’ project was the Cultural Night. It wasn’t just about learning photography and environmental care — it was also about coming together to appreciate the rich diversity that each of us brought from our home countries.

That evening, we didn’t just get a taste of each other’s food; we got a glimpse into the heart of each culture. Each country represented — from Austria to Norway, Turkey, Romania, Estonia — showcased its unique traditions, and it was such a powerful experience. I can still remember the flavors of Turkish baklava, the sound of Norway music, and the colorful dances from Romania and Estonia.

We shared more than just food and dance. Each participant also gave us insight into their country’s history, traditions, and even some of the challenges they face at home, whether related to environmental issues or cultural preservation. It was a night that reminded us how connected we are, despite coming from different parts of the world.

What struck me most was how much we all had in common, even with our differences. The music brought us all together, whether it was the rhythmic beats of Turkish drums or the melodic tunes of Eastern European folk music. The dances, too, were full of life and energy, each move telling a story of the place it came from.

Through this cultural exchange, I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world’s diversity. It wasn’t just about celebrating our differences, but also about realizing how much we can learn from one another. This experience opened my eyes to the beauty of sharing traditions and building bridges between cultures. I came away from that night with new friends and a broadened perspective, eager to explore more of the world and its people.

Hamar, Norway | 15-24 July 2024
by Iryna

Before participating in the "Photography for Environment" exchange in Hamar, Norway, I had always viewed nature from behind the lens, capturing its beauty without truly interacting with it. Photography was my way of appreciating the outdoors, but I had never felt a deeper responsibility towards the environment. That all changed during this exchange.

One of the most eye-opening moments for me was during our forest excursion, where we not only photographed the natural beauty around us but also took part in something I had never done before — picking up litter in the woods. At first, it felt strange to be doing something so hands-on, something I had never really considered in my daily life. But as we filled bag after bag with discarded plastic, cans, and other waste, I started to feel the weight of the problem.

For the first time, I realized that environmental protection isn’t just about admiring nature from a distance — it’s about taking action. The physical act of cleaning up the forest made me aware of the impact that even small actions can have. It’s one thing to take beautiful photos of nature, but it’s another to actively work towards preserving it. This experience changed me. It made me realize that I don’t want to be just an observer anymore; I want to be part of the solution.

Back in Austria, I’ve carried this lesson with me. I’ve started organizing clean-up walks with friends, and I now see my photography as a tool to inspire others to take action, too. The combination of art and activism has opened my eyes to a whole new way of engaging with the world. This project didn’t just improve my photography skills; it gave me a sense of purpose that I had been missing."

One of the highlights of the ‘Photography for Environment’ project was the nature excursion. We ventured deep into the Norwegian wilderness, where we had the chance to practice our photography skills while experiencing the beauty of untouched landscapes. Guided by local environmental experts, we learned about the unique ecosystems and the threats they face, such as pollution and deforestation. During the hike, we captured the vibrant wildlife and serene landscapes, but the experience went beyond photography. Being surrounded by nature reminded us of the importance of protecting these natural spaces, sparking a deeper connection with the environment we aim to preserve through our photos.