Tips on how to use our disposable cameras

We have been distributing quite a few cameras lately without conducting our famous workshop to offer tips in person regarding the camera.  Our cameras are not the most deluxe disposable cameras around, but the 35mm lens is quite nice actually.  We use ASA 400 color film.

The camera is best used:

Outside in natural light

If it is a cloudy day, you may want to turn on the flash.

 

When using inside:

The flash is not very strong and does not have a large distance, you will have to get closer to your subject than you might expect.  The flash will not light up an entire room.

When taking a picture:

• Make sure that your finger is not over the lens, you will not see your finger when viewing through the view finder. Because…the lens is lower than the viewfinder! (we don't want to see your finger in the picture!)
• Try looking at your subject from different angles before you take your shot, look for the angle that appeals to you the most!
• Try laying on the ground, or standing on a chair for a “different view”
• Ask people to act natural, try not to let them “pose” for your image…unless that is what you are looking for.
• Keep the sun behind you when you shoot.  Unless you want a silhouette or flairs.
• Wait to take your shot, make sure that it is something that is a part of your story, or is your story, sometimes that perfect shot comes a few seconds later than expected.
• When outside, the best light is at sunrise and sunset.
• Don’t just “snap and shoot”  Plan, look, wait, think and then shoot.
• Shooting with film, is not the same as digital, you cannot look at the shot, you cannot take back the shot, you cannot erase the shot.

You only have this one roll of film and one week to tell your story.  Reflect and think before you venture out. 

Workshop in Florence started!

We had our third meeting yesterday, and we shared our images, soon to be posted here and in our Facebook group, "The Crossing Borders Project"

I find it interesting that the "local Florentines" have no desire to participate.  Some local professors told me that the students are busy between work and studying and really do not have time, although it is a good idea.  But what is the idea, if 1/2 of the desired group does not participate?

However, as with all projects, they need to have the ability to flow like a river and those who come, are more than involved, they are excited, and put 100% effort in the project!  This makes me excited to see what "voice" will come from this effort.

Tamer Workshop Photos

Lina's Favorites

I like this photograph because of the Palestine map on the wall because it is a symbol of Palestine.
This is a view from Jibia village near Ramallah. I like the nature of Palestine and olive trees. This photographs represents Palestine.
This is a home in Dras Krakr from the outside. I like it because it is ancient and it may be gone one day. I like the tradition of the homes and it reflects our cultural heritage.

This is a view from my home, you can see that more homes are being built.

Photographs and text by Lina (Tamer Institute) 15.

Long time

I have been so busy, that I have not been able to write in this blog. Sorry guys, I received many or your emails, but I haven't been able to get back with you. Now is catch up time, if I can catch up.

I have been doing workshops in Ramallah and Bethlehem. I have 3 groups and have had to turn down two more groups. One was in Hebron, that would have been great! The other was in Northern Israel, a group of Arab/Israeli widows.

One group, with the Tamer Institute, has been doing great work in Ramallah. The leader, (I need permission to use her name) is very excited about the project, and wants to continue while I am away, if at all possible. The participants also expressed the same ideas. She also gave me the name of someone who is looking for projects to fund! I called them and they are interested and want a formal proposal. Maybe this project is not finished yet!

It would be good to have more time to do things right. I had no idea that in this culture things took much longer, than what I am used to. I can understand why, with the checkpoints, and busy schedules...sometimes it is very difficult to go to two places in one day.

On the romantic side, a nice person who works in one of the shops that I visit quite often, waited for me one day to give me flowers! How sweet, although the person was much younger than I, and I could not accept, due to the cultural differences etc...I was flattered. It has been nine years since someone has given me flowers. Someday....

I thought to myself that this person is going to make someone very happy one day!

On the Palestinian traditional note: I found out that the women who get married here, rent their wedding gowns, they do not and cannot buy them. How different that is than our western view. Also, the process of the marriage is three days, so not only do the women rent their wedding gowns, they also have a reason to rent two other very formal gowns!

I have not been able to write my notes, I have only taped them. Once, I translate the notes, I will post some more traditional and cultural information that I discovered.