Photography

pPhotograms

Photograms are made by taking found objects and placing them on light-sensitive paper inside a dark room. Then, when the paper is exposed to light and developed in photo chemistry, a shadow image of the object appears on the paper. This project is a great introduction into how photographic papers and films work. It is also a wonderful way to teach young photographers and artists about the fundamentals of composition and encourages them to see and explore their surroundings as they search for unique shapes and images.

Camera Obscura

The campers learn how a camera works in our camera obscura. The camera obscura is a room (actually a storage light tight shed most of the year) that has a small hole in one wall, allowing light from outside into the darkened room or “camera.” The image of the outside world is projected on the opposite wall upside down and backwards. The campers are able to experience a camera in its simplest form and are given new insight into the science of light and cameras.

pPinhole Cameras and the Darkroom

Once students experience and understand the camera obscura, they are then ready to build a pinhole camera. A pinhole camera is the simplest of all cameras, being nothing more than a light tight box with a small pin sized hole poked in one side and a sheet of light sensitive material inside such as film or photo paper. The pinhole is kept covered until the camper is ready to create a picture, at which time they uncover the hole and allow light to pass through and expose the light sensitive material. The campers then develop the image in our darkroom. The results are magical. Campers come away with a new understanding of light, as well as having their imaginations sparked as to the many possibilities from creative expression through the medium of photography.

Digital Photography

Students are also encouraged to take photos of everyday life on the ranch; many are loaded onto this web site.