Silk Photography

Established in 2007 Silk Photography began as a photography company working with models and performers. It soon became clear with the rise in online profiling & Personal Branding that the everyday person also wanted to look glamorous. Over the years we developed a technique of making people feel at ease during a photo session that did not make people feel awkward.  We called it the SILK EXPERIENCE (SILK: Sophisticated, Iconic, Lucid, Kinetic) . Every day people looking absolutely stunning. As the years went by we trained many students who had little or no experience on how to make a career from photography.

We now felt it was time to that Silk Photography expanded and has now created a sister company called Silk Education. This platform is being used to train people in a myriad of skills including, technical camera skills, studio and location lighting, photographic framing, filming, editing, make-up, costume design and much more.

Our vision for this year’s celebration centre’s on education and engagement. This year we are celebrating World Afro Day. We have chosen to start creating positive visibility of black youth in the North through interactive poetry, dance and art workshops all celebrating afro hair. There will also be a series of podcasts, engaging panels, and photographic exhibition of children celebrating AFRO hair and heritage dressed as royalty.

Born out the lack of visibility of positive Black Children imagery in the North we decided to celebrate World Afro Day in our own unique way by creating a special day for 90 children from St Margrets CE primary school to enjoy a day where Afro Hair and heritage is celebrated. Too often the only history children are taught about Black history is slavery. The opposite of slavery is kings and queens. So we commissioned Black designers to create ball gowns and velvet suits for the children to be photographed for an exhibition at the only children’s and family theatre venue in Manchester Z-Arts.

By collaborating with educators, policymakers, and influencers, we endeavour to create a lasting impact, transforming perceptions and driving positive change for the next generation of change makers.

The project was funded by Silk Photography and Shawe Drama. The artistic team who brought the vision to life was Miselo Kunda, Nikki Hayden, Sidnie Co Couture, Denise Douglas-Armstromg, Prudence Funyi, Sarah Agbiji, Chantelle Duncan, Otis Thomas. For information regarding the World Afro Day celebration up North please visit www.silkeducation.org.uk for more information regarding the World Afro Day movement please visit www.worldafroday.com