Cleveland Printing Room: Teen Institute with the Lomo'Instant Wide

The Cleveland Print Room began teaching a class under their Teen Institute titled: "IF: Instant Foto". The class is an introductory instant photography program with several sites within the City of Cleveland including Cleveland Public Schools and Recreation Centers. They have several 8-week sessions running during each semester. Students use Lomo'Instant Wide cameras to learn composition, visual storytelling, and alternative photography processes. At the end of each semester the printing room holds a student exhibition where friends, families, and members of the Cleveland Print Room are invited to support these young artists and even purchase their work.

In the fall, they are launching a more intense program titled POV: Photo Visionary Mastery Program where advanced students grades 6-12 looking to pursue photography as a career apply and, if chosen, get to choose to take one or more of their other programs (including IF) but with more advanced curricula. They will learn how to create portfolios, write CV's, create exhibitions, and will talk to many professionals within the field to learn about all the wonderful possibilities in photography.

We got to talk to one of the instructors, Bridget Caswell, as well as three of the students about their experience.

Instructor Bridget Caswell

Hi Bridget, what are you hoping the students get out of exploring photography as an analog medium?

I am hoping that exploring photography through an analog medium allows them the opportunity to be thoughtful about the photographs they take.

Why do you think it's important to introduce photography in this way when most teens just use their phones?

I think it’s important to introduce photography this way when most teens use their phones because it challenges them to really think about what they’re shooting. They don’t have a limitless amount of data to rapid fire at something. They have to be mindful and creative with their choices.

What were some of the best moments from the class?

The best moments from my class where seeing the expression on my students faces when they got the shot that they were challenging themselves to get. The proudest moment for me was during their gallery exhibit, looking around the room and seeing my students beaming with pride as they showed their family and friends the results of their hard work. The moment they realized they were capable, talented young photographers.

Why choose the Lomo'Instant Wide as the camera of choice for the students?

The Lomo’Instant Wide camera brings out the creativity in the students. Being able to make multiple exposures and giving them a little more frame gives them the opportunity to really explore their artistry.

What more can you tell us about the program and the future for The Cleveland Print Room?

The Instant Foto class at The Cleveland Print Room is a wonderful way to be introduced to photography. With the combination of learning photography basics and techniques with a tool kit of the Lomo’Instant camera and fuji film it gives our students an opportunity to really grow as a young photographer.

Students Gabby, Owen and Na’Caylah

What were you trying to achieve or go for with this photograph, why did you choose this particular one above some of the others you shot?

Gabby: With the goldfish one, I was trying to capture the frantic movement in the tank. I like how the image is slightly blurred. With the second image, I didn’t know what to expect when I snapped the picture. This shadow and contrast are interesting and everyone who sees this picture interpretates it differently.

Owen: In this photograph I was trying to capture the light on the flowers inside the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. This photo was achieved while I was focusing on something just outside the flowers. I was playing with the light and liked the way the colors range from dark to light.

Na’Caylah: I wanted to create a picture people would like. I'm glad the picture turned out good even through i was walking fast.

What was your favorite part of working with the Lomo'Instant Wide?

Gabby: The ease of use let me be more creative, I didnt have to focus on ‘how’ and focus more on ‘what’.

Owen: My favorite part of using the camera is both how easy and complicated it is to use. To get the right lighting is easy, but the focus is complicated and takes some getting use to. The complicated element makes it challenging and fun. With digital format it is easier to focus and make good photos. With instant cameras it is challenging to get a quality photograph.

Na’Caylah: I liked the field trips and the plants I saw.

What did you learn about photography from this class?

Gabby: Photography doesn’t have to be complicated.

Owen: Photography doesn’t have to be complicated.

Na’Caylah: I learned not to take pictures of other peoples artwork and to be original.

What photographic projects do you intend on pursuing moving forward? Would you return to instant photography?

Gabby: I want to explore different techniques. I think using the instant camera is fun and a nice compliment to film and digital photography.

Owen: I want to explore different techniques. I think using the instant camera is fun and a nice compliment to film and digital photography.

Na’Caylah: I would like to paint in the future. I would love to come back to the photography program.

written by sarahlindsayk on 2018-09-11 #culture #people #places #workshop #education #lomo-instant-wide

Mentioned Product

Lomo'Instant Wide

We're thrilled to introduce the Lomo'Instant Wide — the world's most creative instant wide camera and lens system! Combining high quality craftsmanship with versatile features, the Lomo’Instant Wide is the instant camera for any and every person who revels in capturing every beautiful, bizarre and bewildering moment in a creative, super wide, crisply sharp and perfectly exposed way.