AS PHOTOGRAPHY
At the beginning of the AS Photography course, before learning about all the different functions on film and digital cameras and how to use them creatively, the students first make and use a pinhole camera.
A pinhole camera is a darkened box, into which light is introduced through a tiny aperture, uncorrected by a lens. In this case, the students used an empty drinks can, but pinhole photographs can be made with anything light tight, from a mouth to a pumpkin, from a room to a moving van. They are based on the principles of a Camera Obscura, used by artists for centuries, but with photo-sensitive materials introduced.
This is photography in its purest form; a light-proof container, a small hole and some photo-sensitive material. As such, the results are reminiscent of some of the earliest photography. In more conventional photography, subjects take place in an orderly space. In contrast, the pinhole process causes subjects to blend with the spaces, creating distortions. This gives the image an eerie quality.
As a photographer, with pinhole photography, you are in control of the whole process from making the camera to what you photograph and how. By starting with pinhole, students learn how cameras work, and therefore how to use them as a tool for making creative work.
AS GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
As an introduction to the design process, students carried out research into the papercuts of Matisse and responded by painting and composing their own papercut collages in a complementary colour combination.
They analysed the typography of Herb Lubalin, and then explored and devised their own type management solutions considering font, letter arrangement and colour choice to reinforce meaning.
Looking at the work of brand management company, Mystery, focussing on the restaurant chain Giraffe, helped them to devise and manage a profile for their own cafe/bar considering target market and psychogenics.
Final outcomes show logo and branding applications on the exterior and interior of their cafe/bar.
