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Resources
Web links
Downloadable Resources
Tangible Resources
Lesson 1:
Small box/tin can, photo paper, thin piece of metal such as brass shim, solid tape such as electrical tape, craft knife, needle, sandpaper, black paint.
Lesson 2:
Materials for a Darkroom (see downloadable resources).
Human Resources
photography expert
Preparation
Find a photography expert to teach how to make a camera and use a Darkroom; ask them to prepare an age-appropriate lecture about the basics of photography; source materials.
Goals, messages & concepts
Specific goals
- To learn how to build a pinhole camera.
- To learn how to develop photos by using a darkroom.
- To use inspiration from Rineke Dijkstra to explore the art of portrait photography.
Specific messages
- You don’t need to be a professional to use photography as a medium.
- Trying out the techniques of other artists can help you find different ways to express yourself creatively.
Main terms
- Photography
- light
- lens
- exposure
- darkroom
- pinhole camera
- camera obscura
- realistic
- figurative/abstract
- portrait
- composition
Practices & skills
STEM practices
- Developing and using models
- Asking questions and defining problems
Soft skills
- Dealing with uncertainty
- Learning failure is a part of learning
- Teamwork and collaboration
Management skills
- Planning
- Use of resources
Course of activity
step 1
Lesson 1:
- Reflect on the previous class, reminding students how they learnt how to be more expressive by imitating the technique of other artists.
- Introduce the photographer and explain that they will be learning about photography and making their own cameras.
- The presentation by and discussion with the professional photographer should explore topics like what light is, how a lens bends light waves, and how light sensitive film is used to create an image.
- Experiment with photo paper by covering it with everyday objects and seeing the impression left when exposed to light. Allow students to have a go at using a camera obscura.
- Build a pinhole camera with the help of the expert.
- Reflect on the work of the Dutch photographer Rineke Dijkstra. What do her portraits tell us about the people in them? Can you see similarities between the portraits? What do you think she is trying to capture?
step 2
Lesson 2:
- Recap the previous lesson.
- Explain how the DIY cameras work and load them with photo paper in a completely dark room such as a cupboard with no windows (you can have a red light to see by as this doesn’t react with the black and white photo paper). Experiment with taking a photo.
- Go outside to take photos inspired by the work of Rineke Dijkstra. Students should plan who they are going to photograph, what they are trying to capture, and the composition of their photos.
- With the help of the photography expert, develop the photos in a Darkroom (see resources). Make sure you don’t open the door whilst someone is using the Darkroom.
- Reflect on the photos and the development process.
- Remind students about the field trip to an art gallery next lesson.