Pinhole Photography with Peter Renn

Photography

Ref: SWE41833

Location: West Dean
£416
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Places available

About this course

Needing no lens, pinhole cameras are easy to make and endlessly fascinating to use. This is a practical course, making all kinds of cameras from simple tiny ones to multi-image experimental designs. It is for anyone interested in photography, especially experimental and low-tech approaches.

Course Description

On this course you will: Learn about the principle of the pinhole image, and how camera designs affect the photographs made. Build a number of working pinhole cameras from everyday materials (supplied). Work with the cameras you make, shooting pictures and processing them. Outcomes: On completion, you will understand how a pinhole camera works, have practical experience of camera design and building, as well as processing and converting images. Timetable: On the first evening, there will be an introductory talk, plus discussion of the potential and expectations. On the first full day, you will learn about how a pinhole image is formed, practical considerations when designing cameras and techniques of camera building. You will design and construct your own cameras before testing them with light-sensitive paper (supplied). On the following day, you will have the opportunity to explore more experimental designs and explore variations, making more cameras and/or making more pictures. 

Course Materials

Included

On this course, the tutor will supply materials, including materials for making cameras, papers, processing chemicals, etc.

What students need to bring

  • Notebook
  • USB memory card 

Available to buy

A variety of art and craft materials are available to buy in the Gardens Gatehouse Shop.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes). Possible equipment restrictions in tutor absence.

Timetable

Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm  
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break  
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)  
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break  
Teaching finishes: 5pm    
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
Teaching finishes: 3pm  

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

General Information

Terms & Conditions

Tutors

Peter Renn

Long established as a photographer, printmaker and educator, Peter Renn has been working in photography since the late 1980s. He has made editorial, fashion and advertising work for clients nationally and internationally. He has also taught all ages and abilities including smaller groups such as photography societies and private clients.  With specialist expertise in large format, film and darkroom-based work he is particularly interested in historic processes and alternative/experimental forms of image making.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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Further study options for art craft and design short courses

Further study options

Take the next step in your creative practice, with foundation level to Masters in Fine Art study. 

Depending on your experience, start with an Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design (one year, part-time), a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design made up of 10 short courses taken over two years (part-time) or advance your learning with our BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Craft: Materials, Making, and Place (six years part-time). All will help you develop core skills, find direction in your practice and build an impressive portfolio in preparation for artist opportunities or higher-level study. See all degree and diploma courses.