EXPOSURES 2006
Here are a few comments by '06 participants:

“This has been my second year on this program and I have enjoyed it so much. I will always remember the new friends I have made, and I love them very much. I really hope the program continues in the future. The diversity Exposures has put together has taught me so much – I want to be a part of this in the years to come. I thank everyone who has made it possible.”                              A 2nd year participant from Arizona

“My experience on this trip has been a blast, I will never forget the things we did. The friends I made I am sure will last forever, I hope. At times I wish we could stay here forever; but I know my family will miss me very much, so I have to go home. Well a lot of the things we did were very new to me. They will benefit me in the long-run because photography is something I plan to pursue. My favorite thing that we did was called cyanotypes. It consisted of a material covered in a chemical that helped bring out the picture. You could collage the things together or just put the picture over the cloth. Leave on for about 10-20 minutes and, depending on the sunlight. And out comes a beautiful picture.

You learn many things here on this photography trip, it is definitely worth it. The trip was a beautiful thing and there was much to photograph. The staff and participants were out of this world, and if given the chance, I can’t wait to see them again in the coming years. Thank you again to everyone and God Bless; Shalom; Hugonee; and all that good stuff.”
                                                             
                                                             A 1st year participant from Arizona

“This trip has been a very unique and interesting experience. I haven’t explored very many places within the United States, so coming to South Dakota was pretty different – especially since it almost seems like I am in a different country. Growing up in a place with so many different kinds of people, I’ve learned to appreciate cultural and societal differences and even search for them when embarking on any particular journey. It has been interesting to experience this exposure to a new culture in a country that I didn’t think held much more diversity that I haven’t yet been exposed to.

Most importantly, there are so many misconceptions about Native Americans all across the world and I am glad that I will be able to share my knowledge with people who simply don’t understand what it is like living life on a reservation or even being a Native American today. I really enjoyed the program and the way it is organized to really give back to the community here. I think that’s most important to learn about photojournalism; you’re making pictures for the people and sharing something about the culture and they should be shared with those people – not taken home leaving no effect on the subjects. Both sides of the camera should benefit and learn something.”
                                                            A 1st year participant from New York

“I learned so much about photography, people, culture, history, humanity, and so much about myself. I had a great experience, never have I seen such a beautiful culture and people, I learned so much about photography through humbleness, kindness, and wholeness. I think that overall the program was amazing, it was fun, and educating, and very different from anything else I could have done for the summer. I learned and taught something everyday I was away from home. I had one of the most beautiful experiences and hope to do it again.”            A 1st year participant from New York “I learned a lot while I was here. Not only different points of view but also how to be more precise in what I was trying to do. And I met a lot of new, exciting and intelligent people. I am glad they have the program and I hope and want them to come back year after year, for many more years to come.”        A 2nd year participant from South Dakota