Circle Kids with Cameras Video

Circle Kids with Cameras from Josh Birnbaum on Vimeo.
The photography classes held at this summer’s Circle Round the Square program introduced children to the basics of photography, editing, digital media, and critical art reflection. Kids were provided cameras, computer training, and guided photographic assignments that were intended to help them explore their world visually. We stressed the idea of telling one’s own story, a personal narrative whereby the individual shares their life through the camera. Our class focused on self-portraiture, leading students through a variety of exercises intended to make students think about the distinct way in which they see the world, and the way in which they seem themselves in that world. The older kids were able to utilize social media to share their work, saving their images to online archives and sharing the best ones with friends and family. By fostering an environment where children learned the aspects of making and sharing self-reflexive images, we are enriching their lives through the creation of art and enabling a deeper introspection of self that is a requisite part of one’s overall wellness. See more of the children's work from this past summer at www.circlekidswithcameras.blogspot.com.