Amanda was curious about the connection between children’s picture making (with cameras and film) and children’s experience.
To explore this, she introduced simple digital cameras to the classroom, in collaboration with Research Associate Dr Jo Ray who supported the children with using the cameras and film.
Everyone in the class had the opportunity to take still or moving images during periods of free play and during their forest school sessions.
Class member’s footage included imagery that appeared documentary in feel, as well as other more abstract and sensory material.
Some class members were excited to play, posing, instructing or composing images with other people and things.
Some made still images sparingly, others shot large quantities of images that resembled an animation.
Over a six week period, the activity shifted from making footage and images, and playing with the cameras, to reviewing what had been captured.
Reviewing did not engage children for long durations. Instead, it provoked excitement of recognising friends and familiars. Some of their recollections and observations connected with images they saw.