Desert Light Foundation
Desert Light Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that provides access, education & mentoring in photography to disadvantaged & vulnerable young people to equip them for future opportunities.
Light is fundamental to photography
It is not just about illumination; it’s about how light interacts with the subject and how the camera and the photographer captures it.
How do you see the world?
Photography can increase opportunities for young people to secure sustainable economic, health, cultural and social benefits for themselves and their communities.
It equips them with the skills needed to support their education and participate in further studies.
Photography gives a different perspective on the life, lived experiences and circumstances of young people.
Evidence shows that the creative process may cultivate resilience, develop self-expression skills and foster a sense of belonging and connection to self, community and place.
Photography promotes well-being and creativity by strengthening a young person’s sense of self and emotional well-being.
Desert Light Foundation was born from the experiences of our CEO, Russell Ord, during his time in the desert regions of Northwest Australia. With a background as a surf and ocean photographer primarily in the Southwest, Russell drew inspiration from the local communities and the unique desert light during the "golden hour" — a time known for its soft, flattering light that enhances photography.
Throughout his career, which spans over 18 years, Russell has supported his family through his talent and art, gaining valuable insights along the way. His natural ability to connect with young people through photography emerged as a powerful tool in supporting the educational initiatives within the communities he visited, laying the foundation for what Desert Light Foundation stands for today.
Today, Russell and his team work towards providing mentoring in photography to young people who otherwise would be limited or unable to access them due to location, financial, social, and health disadvantages. Believing that photography and creative industries can provide meaningful opportunities for positive engagement, young people demonstrate that they can be agents of change, overcome the hardships, and face adversity differently.
We deliver in-school photography programs that support the development of disadvantaged young people, helping them with creative thinking, self-expression and photography skills.
We partner with schools and organisations to increase access to creativity and photography by bringing professionals to mentor and workshop with young people in metropolitan, regional and remote areas.
We support young people facing hardships in striving to establish and build creative businesses by providing entrepreneurial mentoring opportunities.
We work with partners and the community to improve disadvantaged young people's social, cultural and economic well-being.
