Learn About Photography! After School Art (Grades K-3)

In this session of K-3 After School Art, Mrs. Norma will lead an exploration through image-making techniques from a pre-digital age!

Oct 4: Exploring Cameras: Mrs. Norma will be bringing in a large format 4×5 view camera and a medium format, as well as a few 35mm cameras for the children to look through and discuss. With some modification, students will be able to attempt to make digital images from the large and medium format cameras. A discussion surrounding photographic principles and famous photographers will set the stage for the following classes.

Oct 11: Pinhole Photography: Building on student observation, participants will make very basic pinhole cameras and attempt self-portraits. While we do not have the facility to develop these images Mrs. Norma will do so at home. Participants will also explore creating a pinhole “filter” for digital cameras such as cell phones and tablets.

Oct 18: Cyanotype Lesson 1: This class will begin an adventure in cyanotype with a discussion on Anna Atkins and exploration of chemistry used to prep cotton fabric for image making! As these chemicals have to dry overnight, image-making will happen in the next class period. This week’s class will end with a discussion of layout and sketching to prepare for exposing the fabric next week.

Oct 25: Cyanotype Lesson 2: Our fabrics are ready this week! We will prep our images and expose our fabric to sunlight, then use large sinks to rinse our work in specialized baths and hang to dry. While we wait, we will explore image transferring using tape! If time allows we will start a 2nd image transfer method or wait until next week.

Nov 1: Polaroids: What do you really know about Polaroid photography? We will discuss the history and many uses of this type of photography and even explore creating some Polaroids of our own. The latter half of class will be dedicated to finishing up any unfinished work, writing artist statements and prepping for our Nov 2nd  gallery show.

5-session Cost: $75 (includes all materials, snacks, and transportation)

Please join us for the free, family-friendly exhibit held Nov 2nd, from 5-7pm!