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 aspect this year and the kids really responded,” Leposa said. Many teens and tweens were delighted with the covered bridge and the swallows that nest there. Others were excited to see the trees and various plants growing in late summer.
“When they were out with the cameras they looked at things with a different eye than they would if they were just on a walk,” said Leposa. “I think that taking pictures helped them gain an understanding and appreciation of the beauty of nature.” Once they had made their trip around the reservoir the children were taken back to the library.
There, they enjoyed a pizza party before having another class that detailed how to develop their pictures. They learned about darkroom chemicals such as developer and fixer and how long to time each. They also learned why darkness is important for loading film into the developing tanks, and how to temp every step of the development process.
Several people chose to take and get their film developed privately, but many people chose to have their film developed by a volunteer at the library. Many people don’t know this, but there is actually a darkroom in the building that has been used as a closet for many years. The developed film was then scanned and made digital so the images could easily be shared.
The next step is to choose several nice photos from each child and get them blown up to be hung at the library. The photo gallery will be revealed at a later date. Teens and tweens who wish to get involved at the library can do so through the Middle Ground and Teen Book Clubs, which are always looking for new members.
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