Tiny Pinhole Cameras

I have been looking for a way to use all the 35mm film canisters I have stored in a box. I finally found one when I was browsing the internet at sites concerning pinhole cameras. This site shows a real easy way to turn those black canisters into tiny pinhole cameras with a minimum of effort. I haven't made one yet but will be trying it out next week.

Assignment #1: Four Photos Story

RUNNING AWAY

I first saw Photo #3 on the Jupiter Images site. I could not find the photographer’s name, however. I liked the photo because, on its own, the expression on the boy’s face can mean many things such as sadness, anticipation, and hurt. Mostly I saw sadness and a feeling of being lost. I liked the photo for the very clear reflection of the boy in the window, so deep in his own world that even as he looked out all he saw was himself.

I then found Photo #2 from Gina Hanf which I also liked. I’m constantly taking amateur photos such as this; dirt roads and hiking trails mostly, so it caught my eye. I like how the tracks stream toward the clouds giving a sense of infinite space. The absence of people gives off a lonely, kind of solitary mood, a track going nowhere in particular. It was then I decided to tie the two together and what more natural topic than a young boy running away from home.

Searching the web I found Photo #1 from Donncha which was perfect for the first frame. This young boy, walking alone on a busy sidewalk and completely ignored by the adults in the photo gave his reason for running away; he felt his parents weren’t paying him any attention. The boy’s eyes are looking down, there is a sense of sadness and he is not looking where he is going, possibly because he doesn’t know.

The last frame, Photo #4 from Paolo Pellegrin is because I like happy endings. I wanted the boy to return home. This photo is perfect because the mother’s face is somewhat blurred. I imagine a tear-stained and worried face. But because it is blurred it doesn't detract from the boy, whom the story is about. He appears jubilant with his arms outstretched for, after thinking it over, he realizes life at home is not so bad. There is a definite diagonal division in the photo, between the mother and the son that could signify the cause of the boy running away. However he is running toward it in this last photo, and it will be erased, and hopefully forgotten, by the time he reaches his mother’s arms.

Why Photography?

Hi-

I'm taking this course because I love to take pictures! When I go on vacation, my hand is permanently molded around my camera as I want to capture everything. In my everyday life I am constantly looking at things as through the eyes of a camera. Most of my vacation photos are of the buildings, the scenery, etc. Rarely do I take photos of people, even those I'm on vacation with. Not sure why not..... I am working full time in the business world and there is not much 'creativity' there. I was anxious to take a fine arts course as a creative outlet and when I saw Photography open, I signed up quickly. Also, I have mainly electives left for coursework at Stonehill and it will be nice to work hard at something I truly enjoy doing.

In this class I am hoping to learn how to use the manual adjustments to get some more creative photos. I think black and white photos are the more interesting because you are relying on shadows and contrast, as well as the composition, to make it meaningful. I took photography in high school many, many years ago and about five years ago took an adult ed course at a local high school. Both gave me a taste of darkroom processes but not in much detail and most of it is forgotten now. I also think I have a pretty good eye for what would make a good photograph (composition wise) but that is my opinion, it will be nice to get other's opinions and see if I can improve it.

My personal goals in photography are to be comfortable with my camera and using it creatively. I have always wanted to work as a photographer but common-sense and needing a reliable income took precedence. I'd also like to get more comfortable with asking the locals (when on vacation) if I can take their picture in their own habitat. I'm sure most wouldn't mind. Some of the assignments might force me to do this. Maybe if I improve my recreational photographic techniques, I'll hit on a great idea to make money at it, but right now its purely for my own pleasure.

Thanks.
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