Make a giant camera!

Build a Giant Camera with Julien Scheffer

Turn a room into a camera obscura (dark chamber) to experience the true magic of photography.

Saturday 20th November

10am - 1pm

$50 / $37

In this workshop you'll get to experience first hand the curious optical phenomenon that all cameras rely on to produce photographs.

Together with other participants, you will turn a whole room into a giant camera, stand inside it, and see the outside world gradually appear on the floor, walls, ceiling and all other surfaces (including people!) inside the room.

The workshop starts with Julien explaining what a camera obscura is and showing examples of camera obscuras built in different eras, as well as photographs made using unusual camera obscuras. The group then uses curtains and tape to block out all light and create a dark chamber inside which images are naturally projected through a controlled aperture.

All participants will get the opportunity to experience the camera obscura phenomenon (it's a truly magical experience!) and take photographs using their digital cameras if they wish. The session ends with participants taking down curtains and returning the room to its original state.

WHAT YOU'LL GET

• All participants will get first-hand experience of the camera obscura phenomenon, which is really like standing inside of a giant camera and seeing with your own eyes how all photographs are made. It's a powerful feeling that may make you want to delve deeper into the art of photography.
• By building the camera obscura yourself, you'll also understand its working principles and become able to create your own camera obscura at home and almost anywhere.
• It's a fun activity to share with friends and is guaranteed to delight.

WHAT TO BRING

• Your digital camera (and a tripod, if you have one) - recommended but not required
• Snacks to keep you going

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL

Please book via Humanitix so that we know you are coming.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Julien is a visual artist and professional photographer with a passion for play, experimentation and discovery. Photography has been a way of life since he was given a camera before setting off for Australia quite some years ago. 

Since studying Fine Arts at the University of Tasmania Julien has been teaching photography to students of all walks of life at the University of Tasmania's School of Creative Arts, TasTAFE and Foundry.