Introducing Photography as Art and How to Make a Silhouette

A couple of days ago I stumbled on an article about a Canadian photographer Francois Bruenelle who photographed real-life doppelgangers from around the world. Francois Bruenelle has set out to make two hundred photos of doppelgangers and create an international  exhibit and a book with them titled I'm not a look-alike! So far he has photographed about one hundred.

Elisa Berst and Corinne Barois, photo by  Francois Bruenelle, Paris France 2010

Okay, you may be wondering what in the heck is doppelganger? They are look a-likes or a double of a living person. What is amazing is that he was able to photograph them together. It will also so shock you when you realize that they never met or were related to each other!

Nuno Filipe Mendes Godhino and Miguel Gonçalo Costa Silvestre Francois Bruenelle,  photo by  Lisboa Portugual 2010

 It is fascinating that these people are not related. 

Donmar Williams and  Martine Chase, photo by Francois Bruenelle, Weehaken  U.S.A. 2011

When viewing  Francois Bruenelle's works, I am reminded that art comes in all mediums; children often think about art as something to do with painting. It's good to introduce them to different mediums, one that does not involve paint brushes, watercolor, etc...

Logistics and cost issues may make it difficult to introduce photography as part your Art Masterpiece program. Check around second hand store for used cameras, pick up inexpensive disposable cameras, or if you are lucky get a Polaroid-so they can see instantaneously the results. 

Teach them how to properly hold a camera. Explain camera care. Encourage them to be creative, and photograph whatever subject appeals to them.You can even hold photo contests or hold an exhibition, and invite family and friends.

If you do not have a budget to purchase cameras. how about introducing them to the concept of positive and negative images, shadow and light by having students make a silhouette? 

What you will need is...

• Large sheet white and black (any color will do, however black works best) paper
• Thumb tacks or masking tape
• Black crayons
• Lamp

Tape a piece of white paper on a wall  Set up a light source and ask students to take turns standing between the paper and the light. With a black crayon, follow the outline of the shadow on the paper that is cast from the student. Cut out the figures and trace them onto black paper. Cut out the black figures and glue them onto large pieces of white paper.

They make great gifts; who would you give them to?