Photo Start was founded in 2016 by David Lehman after reading an article about young people in the Nairobi slums pursuing photography as a way of staying off the street. David travelled to Nairobi to visit the children, and established Photo Start after this initial trip. Since then, Photo Start has taken on many new partners, and hundreds of new students.

Photo Start, a United States non-profit organization, has partner programmes in Nairobi, Kenya and across the Western Cape of South Africa.

Photo Start exclusively partners with other organizations in order to deliver programming to students around the world. Photo Start operates no schools of its own.

Photo Start students partake in a programme of theoretical and practical photography. This includes classroom learning as well as organized and free shoot periods. Students enjoy going for regular walks through the community, taking field trips, and putting their work on display at exhibitions.

No. Cameras are brought to classes by the mentors each day. Students have an opportunity to earn a small camera after they finish Photo Start workshops.

Absolutely not! Photo Start is a free programme and is distributed at no expense to our partners. This includes needed resources that the partner may not have, such as cameras and tablet computers.

We serve students ranging from 6 – 18 years old.

Please fill out our volunteer inquiry form HERE.

We are always looking for people to evangelize, support, and provide whatever support might be unique to YOU! This may include hosting fundraisers/exhibitions, organizing a donation drive, or even dedicating your special event to benefit Photo Start. Contact us for more information.

For one time, or recurring, monetary donations, please visit THIS PAGE.

For in-kind donations, please visit THIS PAGE.

For other donations, please contact support@photostart.org

Photo Start is a registered United States 501(c)3 organization. Donations made within the United States are tax deductible.

Spending most of our time in Africa, it may take a bit longer than we’d like to accept, inspect, and issue donation receipts. We aim to have all receipts delivered within 4-8 weeks of receipt of donation. For further information, feel free to e-mail support@photostart.org

Photo Start is funded by private donations, direct from our supporters.