A new project is offering Preston residents and newcomers the chance to share their first impressions of the city through the lens of a camera. 

The participatory, co-produced community photography project, run by Preston-based Wot Wud U Do, aims to capture the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of those who are new to Preston – including refugees, immigrants, students, workers, and visitors – by using photography as a tool for self-expression.

Through a series of free workshops, the project invites participants to express their opinions on both the positives and negatives of living in Preston, by creating their own images that reflect their unique perspectives on the city. 

Read more: Skate Like a Lass exhibition in Preston to showcase northern skateboarding communities

Participants will see their images displayed around the historic Winckley Square.

The project kicks off with a free street photography walk in Preston, guided by professional snapper Garry Cook, on Saturday 1 March. 

With guidance from Cook and local experts, participants will be empowered to share their stories and raise awareness of the issues that matter most to them.

The findings from the project will be used to inform local decision-makers and services, helping them to improve the experience for those new to Preston. 

By bringing together diverse voices through creative expression, the project aims to foster a sense of community, improve social connections, and highlight areas where the city can grow.

Cook said: “I’m excited to be part of this project which will encourage participants to think deeply about where they live while taking photos and developing their camera skills.

“To be working with Dave at Wot Wud U Do has been a brilliant experience and we’ve both had massive support from the Friends of Winckley Square CIC. I can’t wait to see what images get produced by the people who take part.”

Garry continued: “Preston has developed a strong reputation as a photography town, through Lancashire Photography Festival, which has exhibited the work of internationally-acclaimed photographers across the city, and also through the many, many local photographers who are constantly capturing the city in all its glory.

“There’s also Preston Photographic Society which is one of the biggest groups in the UK who meet up every week to talk about photography and develop their skills. The passion for photography is already massive in Preston.”

During the project, participants will be offered hands-on photography advice, learning key skills in a series of practical workshops. These sessions will cover everything from basic photography techniques to how to tell a personal story through images. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet others, build new friendships and develop life skills.

As well as providing valuable insights into people’s impressions of Preston as a city, it will also help increase awareness of social issues, reduce social isolation, develop skills and create community connections across Preston.

The project will begin with several workshops in March, culminating in an outdoor exhibition around May 2025.

The project has been made possible after a successful a crowdfund campaign and is part funded by Lancashire County Council’s Crowdfund Lancashire initiative.

If you live in Preston and would like to take part in the project, email dave@wwudes.co.uk.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.

Read more: See more of what’s on in Preston

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

This story was made possible by you, our readers, and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an arts project or event in the city we should be covering, you can submit it for our event listings and/or send details to contactus@blogpreston.co.uk for us to cover it as a story on the Blog.