Experimental Photography
As part of our National Lottery Heritage Funded programme “Looking to the Past, Linking to the Future”, we have facilitated a new block of photography sessions. Changing things up slightly from the last block, the group have been utilising a variety of different mediums when undertaking the new sessions. As part of this block they have been taking part in:
Digital Photography
We took a closer look at the tools, materials, and happenings around Parklea and nearby spots.
We played around with camera settings to capture black and white shots, got the hang of handling the camera, and tried our hand at close-up photography.
Digital photography also helped us document our adventures while experimenting with different old-school techniques.
Analogue 35mm Black & White Photography
Using cool vintage cameras from the '90s, we snapped photos at Newark Castle and around Parklea.
Our goal was to give an authentic visual spin to what we saw, using some out-of-the-box film developing methods.
We brewed nettles from Parklea into a 'tea' and mixed it with simple biodegradable household items like washing soda, vitamin C, and salt to make a natural film developer. The results were pretty impressive.
For another batch, we tried a caffenol developer, swapping nettles for instant coffee, which gave the photos a punchier contrast.
Everyone got involved in the process, like moving film from the camera to a developing tank in a 'dark bag,' relying completely on touch.
Cyanotype
This non-camera photography technique dates back to the mid-19th century. We wandered around the site, collecting objects to create compositions that reflected Parklea's activities and plant life.
The cyanotype process is all about picking objects, arranging them, and creating the cyanotype image. This hands-on approach kept everyone busy, with tasks like timing exposures, cleaning the cyanotype, and returning borrowed items, like tools, to their spots.
Polaroids
In this creative exercise, we explored the concept of 'place' and heritage.
We mapped out specific spots around the site using the GPS app “What Three Words,” usually used for finding lost hikers. We marked these spots with stakes featuring the three words, kind of like naming a street.
We gathered data about each spot, using a soil pH reader to check the ground next to the stakes, which ties into the area's farming history.
We took Polaroid pictures and buried one at each spot to symbolize preserving memories. The idea was for them to decay over time, mirroring how time passes.
This process highlighted how fragile and subjective defining 'place' can be, sparking thoughts on heritage. At one point, a stake went missing, and a buried Polaroid got lost, which caused a bit of a stir despite the project's creative, questioning nature.
We’ll be showing off this work on custom-built OSB boards, mirroring the style seen in modern exhibitions and universities, while using recycled and reusable materials as much as possible.
This has been made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and thanks to National Lottery players.