World of island images pens for Lewis

Budding photographer Lewis Cook practices his craft, taking a picture of his grandmother.

Ten years ago Torres Strait Islander Lewis Cook was his high school's unofficial photographer, snapping people and events with a humble Polaroid.

Now the young man is building a photographic portfolio that captures the essence of his beautiful home, Poruma (Coconut) Island.

Department of Communities disability local area coordinator Rita Kaitap has organised for Lewis, who has a mild intellectual disability, to work on his passion.

 Through Rita, Lewis was encouraged to undertake training to take his skills to a new level, with further training to come later this year.

Last summer it led to the part-time teacher’s aide holding his first public exhibition at the island library.

"The Indigenous Community Volunteers group offers free training to help people develop particular skills and abilities," says Rita.

"Last October, Lewis spent eight days taking a course they prepared in photography and Photoshop digital image manipulation.

"The library exhibition was seen as a natural outcome, displaying his landscapes and pictures of island activities which were also offered for sale on a CD."

The department provided Lewis with a laptop computer for full-time use and negotiated with the local community council for in-kind support for accommodation for the trainer and for space in the council training facility.  

Lewis is drawn into admitting it was "really good" to have his work shown off and for "a couple of CDs" to be sold.

A familiar sight locally with digital camera slung round his neck, he says he most enjoys photographing Poruma's beautiful coastal features.