The Good Memory Project (TGMP)

is a photography initiative founded by Beomsu Shin and Clara Kelley to help children create meaningful memories they can carry into adulthood. Drawing on research into the relationship between photographs and memory, TGMP gives children tangible records of their own childhood: visual anchors they can return to later in life as sources of identity and encouragement. The project centers on the belief that underprivileged youth, who often face greater instability, benefit especially from having positive memories to hold onto.

TGMP's first edition partnered with the Northside Learning Center in Syracuse, which serves a predominantly refugee-background student population. Over five weeks, we taught a foundational photography course covering camera use, composition, lighting, sequencing, and photo series development. Each student then received a disposable camera loaded with analog color film to document, over the course of a month, what mattered most to them and how they saw their world. The resulting photographs were developed, curated, and exhibited at the Learning Center — giving the students' perspectives a public audience. For many, it was a chance to feel seen.

The Good Memory Project plans to continue the program in future years, expanding its reach to other communities.