I saw this exhibition and met the photographers at Lancaster Children's Centre in May. First I was shown original books from the 1980's where traveller children had been given disposable cameras to depict their life, to show others how they lived and educate them. Someone at the Children's Centre found albums which had space for recording a voice over for each numbered photo. They gave cameras to children living on traveller sites all over Lancaster. The result was an eclectic mix of ages represented and varying aspects of their lives shown in print. It was interesting to see what they do both on and off site, setting up travelling circuses for example. Hearing them speak about their images was inspiring. They were also given a party to celebrate their work, local librarians and teachers were invited. They decorated covers to keep their work in and it was great to see how proudly they did this.
Showing posts with label participatory photography. Show all posts
Showing posts with label participatory photography. Show all posts
Monday, August 12, 2013
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Book Review - I wanna take me a picture
I wanna take me a picture By Wendy Ewald and Alexandra Lightfoot
I read this book as it was recommended to me a long time ago due to my interest in participatory photography. I put it on my Amazon wish list a few years ago, and totally forgot about it until a couple of months ago when I put in another order and saw it there.
In my current job, I am curious to find out what the children think about the project I am working on and so I am trying to find a way to help them communicate their thoughts. Whilst looking into that, I read this book and have lots of other ideas about getting some of the kids to photograph their lives in general so we can get an overall picture of where they are coming from.
The book has lots of information about setting up darkrooms and teaching about film, which is now not so relevant although still interesting to read about. There is a lot also about setting up projects and about exposing pupils to images and getting them to talk about them in order to develop 'visual' literacy. In a climate there literacy is so important, I feel this may be another way to help develop the pupils in the schools I work with. The book talks about pupils from different backgrounds using photography to share what happens in their lives with fellow pupils, and this will also give teachers an insight. Writing about the photos can also help develop their writing skills. The combination gives a strong way to tell people about their lifestyle.
There is also a wide range of projects described, and how they have been set up by the authors. They seem easily adaptable, it will just take some planning to figure out what to do. I am particularly interested in exploring the "Alphabet Project." using the Malay alphabet and words as a base for the pupils to learn and think about English vocabulary. There are also a lot of ideas from the authors about presentation of images, from exhibitions to fold up books, which can all tie in to the English curriculum. A wonderful and inspiring book.
I read this book as it was recommended to me a long time ago due to my interest in participatory photography. I put it on my Amazon wish list a few years ago, and totally forgot about it until a couple of months ago when I put in another order and saw it there.
In my current job, I am curious to find out what the children think about the project I am working on and so I am trying to find a way to help them communicate their thoughts. Whilst looking into that, I read this book and have lots of other ideas about getting some of the kids to photograph their lives in general so we can get an overall picture of where they are coming from.
The book has lots of information about setting up darkrooms and teaching about film, which is now not so relevant although still interesting to read about. There is a lot also about setting up projects and about exposing pupils to images and getting them to talk about them in order to develop 'visual' literacy. In a climate there literacy is so important, I feel this may be another way to help develop the pupils in the schools I work with. The book talks about pupils from different backgrounds using photography to share what happens in their lives with fellow pupils, and this will also give teachers an insight. Writing about the photos can also help develop their writing skills. The combination gives a strong way to tell people about their lifestyle.
There is also a wide range of projects described, and how they have been set up by the authors. They seem easily adaptable, it will just take some planning to figure out what to do. I am particularly interested in exploring the "Alphabet Project." using the Malay alphabet and words as a base for the pupils to learn and think about English vocabulary. There are also a lot of ideas from the authors about presentation of images, from exhibitions to fold up books, which can all tie in to the English curriculum. A wonderful and inspiring book.
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