INSTRUCTOR: Marc St. Pierre

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This workshop will focus on experimentation with a variety of photographic techniques. Each student will build a pinhole camera and also use a Holga (plastic camera) to expose film. After processing our film on location, we will make prints using the techniques of Cyanotype and Van Dyke brown (two 19th-century processes that use the sun to print beautiful blue or brown images.) For students equipped with digital cameras and portable computers we will make “digital negatives” which can translate into interesting “hybrid” images when combined with the 19th-century printing techniques.

COURSE GOALS: This program intends to stimulate creativity by using a variety of photographic tools. Demonstrations, critiques and examples of other artists’ work will augment the hands-on experience of each participant's on-going investigation of images. Students will also learn from each other through field trips, shooting excursions and working in the studio. In addition, the students will develop an appreciation for the people, the architecture, and the culture of this general region of Italy and of Nocciano in particular.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Students will:
· Gain an understanding of how light travels to form an image
· Explore some of the intrinsic possibilities of the Holga and the pinhole cameras, such as shape of box, time of exposure, pinhole size, movement, etc…
· Discuss composition and design
· Explore the region, its culture and architecture behind the camera’s eye
· Interact with other participants to learn other ways of seeing
· Manipulate images with layering, overprinting, multiple pinhole, etc…
· Become proficient in developing and printing techniques.

RESOURCES:
Barnier, John. (2000) Coming into Focus: A Step-By-Step Guide to Alternative Photographic Printing Processes, edited by John Barnier. Chronicle Books, San Francisco, CA.
James, Christopher. (2002) The Book of Alternative Photographic Processes. Delmar, Albany, N.Y.
Renner, Eric. (1995) Pinhole Photography: Rediscovering a Historic Technique. Butterworth-Heinemann, Boston Massachusetts
Shull, Jim. (1974) The Hole Thing: A Manual of Pinhole Photography. Morgan and Morgan, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.

REQUIRED MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES:
· (1) holga camera,
· (2) watercolor paper (pad form)
· (2) Hake brush 1 inch,
· (1) box to make camera (example: corn meal box)

GRADING CRITERIA:
1. Attendance: Class attendance is mandatory.
2. Clarity and quality of all assignments. Assignments must be handed in on time.
3. Student presentations.
4. Group cooperation.
5. Participation in discussions and critiques.
6. Final portfolio of work.

College Credit through the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth will be available.