In this increasingly digital age, we are used to seeing our photos the second after we click the shutter. Many people have never shot 35 mm film, and even fewer people know how to develop their own. But that is exactly what a recent program at the Bradford Library has taught local teens and tweens during its Nature Hike and Photography Class held Aug.
12. The day started with a bus trip to Marilla Reservoir, where the children were joined by Dr. Mary Mulcahy, a biology professor at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford.
“Dr. Mulcahy has attended our nature walks for the last several years,” said Bonnie Leposa, children and teen coordinator at the library. “She is a wealth of information about the local flora and fauna.
” As the group walked, Mulcahy pointed out various local plants and explained their uses and purpose in the ecosystem. She was even able to spot and point out an invasive species growing around the reservoir. The teens were given their own 35mm camera that had been loaded with black-and-white film for the occasion.
After a quick lesson on the mechanics of using the camera and the basics of composition, the kids were set free to take pictures of whatever they found compelling. “We decided this year that we wanted to do something a little different with the cameras,” said Leposa. In the past, the children have gone on nature walks and then drawn or painted pictures of images that were interesting to them.
“We decided to go with the photography asp.