David Hockney inspired photo collage

This is probably my way of dealing with the disappointment of not being able to get to London to see Hockney's show last spring. This is also me remembering how much my own children enjoyed using a disposable camera to collect their own unique perspective on trips to keep for their memories.

Both of these things factored into my decision to create a photo collage project in the Contemporary Art camp inspired by David Hockney's artwork.

9 year old

Keeping my budget in mind two children shared each disposable camera.

I had not realized that this generation has not only never seen a disposable camera, they have no idea how to use a camera that is not digital! So after a lesson on the mechanics of how to use an "old fashion" camera, we took off for a walk in the studio neighborhood and woods.

When a child found something they wanted to shoot, we all stopped and let the child capture their image with a series of ten photographs.

Needless to say not being able to see what they had shot right away was a bit of shock for them.

What do you mean it has to go to the store and be developed?!

What do you mean it takes two days?!!!!!

I figured I wouldn't share with them how we also had to buy flashcubes when I was young and processing was over a week! That would be as mindboggling as when they learned I grew up with TV cartoons only on Saturday morning and no remote control.

I digress, back to David Hockney.

When the photos were developed they eagerly went through them. Some were disappointed with a few pictures that were out of focus and some were surprised that they didn't have the angles they had anticipated, but all but one child had useable photographs.

9 year old

For that one child however, all of her photographs were underexposed and did not develop. She had chosen to do facial close ups of one of the other campers and the camera just could not handle that kind of angle. We discussed that although disappointing what a great learning experience. We brainstormed what to do next and even though her project would be different, we agreed it would be equally as wonderful using my iPhone and black and white pictures off my computer printer.

10 year old

To be truthful, this was a great opportunity for everyone to learn some photography basics with their results as we discussed why some things had worked and others had not. I had not anticipated this project opportunity but it was a welcome bonus.

7 year old

I think when we first looked at Hockney's photo collages, the kids figured it was easy. They quickly learned putting together a photo collage artwork is difficult. It is a huge puzzle full of many choices.

6 year old

Two photos work together, but then how do you get the other to make sense?

How do you deal with creating a fluid image when you are missing a section of subject?

Or have too many of the same subject angle?

7 year old

In the end, they all figured it out.  They all got such great compositions. And like all children's photography, the works are a very interesting perspective for adult viewers who get a special look at the world through a child's eye.