Photo Media Studies
This module introduce sstudents to darkroom process such as exposure and development of both film and prints. Students learn about darkroom chemistry and how to create photograms, use and develop prints from a pinhole camera, and shoot and develop film and negatives with a Holga camera. Work takes place in the darkroom, but also outside while shooting with the Holga and Pinhole cameras.
A photogram is a camera-less photographic image. Rather than taking an image of an object with a camera, the photographer places two- or three-dimensional objects on photographic printing paper and then exposes them to light. Light passes most easily through translucent objects and is obstructed by denser objects. Light striking the paper will darken it. Areas protected from the light will remain white. Areas that let some light through, for example a translucent object, will become gray. The process is as old as photography (1826) and has, as is typical of simple techniques, a great deal of opportunity for exploring creative ideas.
Pinhole cameras are lens less cameras with an aperture based on the camera obscura. The pinholes you will be using are paint cans with pin sized holes and a magnetic cover. Light comes in through the hole, reflecting the image on the back of the can, upside down. Just like light entering the eye does on your retina. You control the exposure of the image by moving the magnet and letting light hit the paper for an exposure time dependent on available light. Longer exposures mean more light enters the camera and a darker image is created.
The Holga is an inexpensive plastic camera manufactured in China that could be considered a toy by many. It was the inspiration for Instagram’s square filtered aesthetic. No two Holga cameras are alike. Some can produce sharp images and another soft-focus images. Most Holga’s have some light leaks that cannot be controlled but can be minimized with black electrical tape over the back after the film is loaded. They are unique just like people.