Photography

Documenting what we do and the nature around us is certainly appropriate and enjoyed by the students. Yes, we use film (black and white). 

Camera Obscura

The students 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 lens mounted in one wall, allowing light from outside into the darkened “camera.” The image of the outside world is projected on the opposite wall upside down and backwards in living color. The students learn how the lens affects the image and what effects come from changing the focal length.

Photograms

The students take objects found in nature or on the farm and place them on light-sensitive paper, where they block the light. The paper is then developed, leaving the outline of the object on a dark background. This project is a great introduction into how photographic paper and film work.

Pinhole Cameras and the Darkroom

The students make and experiment with pinhole cameras, exposing the film and then developing it in the darkroom. Through this process, they gain an understanding about how film, chemistry, and light work together to form an image. Students have use of the enlarger and can develop black and white 35mm film and make prints.
website

Digital Photography

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

Devil's Gulch Ranch,