On July 30, 2025, the REYN Bulgaria Network and the Trust for Social Alternative Foundation held an online webinar on the topic: “Take My Photo!” – The Potential of Photography in Early Education. The webinar was attended by over 140 participants from across the country – principals, teachers, early childhood development specialists, and representatives of institutions.
The event was opened by Linka Toneva-Metodieva from the Trust for Social Alternative, who emphasized how photography can be not only a document, but also a source of inspiration, a means of expression, and a bridge between kindergarten and family.
📷One photo, a hundred benefits
Aljosha Rudas, program expert at the International Association “Step by Step,” presented the numerous possibilities of photography in everyday pedagogical practice. Photos can serve as:
- a means of observation and reflection,
- visual documentation of learning processes,
- a communication channel with parents,
- a tool for inclusion and increasing the visibility of child development.
🧠 Critical thinking through the lens
Nora Gavazova spoke about how photography can serve as a tool to make children’s learning visible – both to educators and parents. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, she presented approaches in which photographs document not just the result, but the process of thinking, exploring and interacting.
Photography in this context:
- facilitates pedagogical observation,
- assists in analyzing the interests and development of the child,
- engages parents by giving them a window into the daily life of children in kindergarten,
- encourages children’s reflection when they talk about what has been photographed.
⚖️Photography and the law
Alexander Kashamov, executive director of the Access to Information Program, presented the main legal aspects related to photography in an educational environment. Key points:
- requirement for informed consent from parents,
- rules for storing and using images,
- restrictions on publishing photos on social networks or other public channels,
- the need to clearly inform parents about the purpose of the photos.
🌟Good practices from Shumen
The team at the Bratya Grim Kindergarten in Shumen presented innovative ways of using photography in their work:
- creating individual and group albums,
- involving children in the shooting,
- organizing exhibitions and photo stories,
- using photos as a basis for thematic boards and educational projects.
Key conclusions from the webinar:
- Photography has high educational potential when used consciously and with respect for the child’s personality.
- It provides an opportunity to reflect on children’s experiences, for analysis by the team, and for communication with parents.
- It is important that photography is carried out in accordance with legal requirements and with a commitment to protecting personal data.
The presentations from the event can be found here.
A video recording of the webinar can be found here.