FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS HELD AT ST BRENDAN’S COLLEGE, KILLARNEY

Budding paparazzi from St Brendan's College, Killarney enjoyed a lesson with a difference on their return to school this week when Kerry Film Festival and the Irish Film Institute presented a morning of workshops on the history and basic principles of photography and film appreciation.

Mike Foley, of Kerry Film Festival and Foghlú Foto, first explained the development of photography, displaying an array of cameras ranging from one of the earliest models to modern digital equipment. Students learned about the influences of early cameras on 16th century art and were invited to compare the merits of digital Vs traditional film. They learned more about composing a photograph and some of the tricks of the trade from seasoned snapper Mike.

Baz Al-Rawi of the Irish Film Institute then gave the students a fascinating presentation into just how much work and thought is involved in film-making, focussing on the ways in which various aspects add meaning and symbolism which extend far beyond the dialogue. The reaction of the students to Baz and Mike’s workshops revealed fascinating insights into the technological environment in which today’s students are learning. This was particularly evident when it emerged that only one of the students who attended the history of photography workshop had used a traditional ‘film’ camera, and that the most familiar clips shown to students at the film appreciation workshop were made using computer generated imagery (CGI), highlighting the convergence of cinematography and video-game development.

Teacher Simon Moore said the students had really enjoyed the workshops, which were a very pleasant way to return to school after the Easter break.