The works were developed within six different Masterclasses that took place from August 1st to 9th in PelÄi, Latvia.
Workshop No. 5 - Before Photography: A Study of Camera Obscura
By Takashi Homma
The phenomenon of Camera Obscura (or dark
chamber), when the outside scenery is reflected in a dark room through a small
hole, has been known since long before the invention of photography in 1827. It
is considered one of the key inventions that led to the possibility of fixing
the image as a photograph.
In modern times, our society seeks to avoid
darkness, and we lack the chance to see an image in a dark room by accident.
Going back to the beginnings of thinking about photography and its basic
principles is an opportunity to explore and understand the creative practice.
For this reason, the workshop started with the
experience of the camera obscura phenomenon, obtained by darkening an entire
room. Then, each student created their own unique pinhole cameras, by using an
empty box or a can. They also learnt how to transform their digital SLR camera
into a pinhole with the help of a small hole in the lens cap. Finally, each of
the participants created a series of photographs taken with their self-made or
digital pinhole camera. The subjects reflected participants’ own interests and
practice. The daily group gatherings and editing sessions were combined with a
review of the work of important authors, including the tutor’s own.
List of Participants:
Aija
Krodere (Latvia)
Alexandra
Soldatova (Belarus)
Anu Tehver (Estonia)
Elke
Eichmann (Switzerland)
Fidelia Regina Randmäe (Estonia)
Ida
Taavitsainen (Finland)
Ingrid
Gustafsson (Finland)
Katrine
Skovsgaard (Denmark)
Mark
Boyarsky (Russia)
Paulina
Stadnik (Russia)
