An exhibit of photographs by Howard Payne University art students is currently on display in the lobby of Citizens National Bank in Brownwood. The featured works are examples of the photographic techniques explored in HPU’s photography course during the fall 2010 semester.

The students whose artwork is shown are Caitlin Bergren, junior from Clifton, TX; Amanda Burley, senior from San Angelo, TX; Dani Clark, junior from Rhome, TX; Shane Goodgion, senior from Brownwood; Melissa Hall, senior from Comfort, TX; Allison Harp, senior from Ovilla, TX; Amanda Hendrix, senior from Lubbock, TX; and Tiffiny McDowell, December graduate from Brownwood.

“I enjoyed teaching my students the traditional darkroom methods of photography, as well as a variety of other techniques,” said Julie Mize, HPU photography instructor. “What was especially exciting in teaching the class was seeing where each student’s abilities and understanding grew, and watching each one shine as we went through the different projects. It seemed there was something for everyone to enjoy about the art form. I’m grateful to Citizens National Bank for hosting this exhibit and allowing me to share the class’ accomplishments with the local community.”

Through the course, HPU photography students learned to work with 35mm film cameras on manual settings, develop the film and make their own photographs in the darkroom. The assignments included two class photo shoots downtown, landscape, portrait, abstraction and manipulated images, as well as a final project in which each student was allowed to select his or her own subject and create eight images to tell a story about that subject.

Students also learned a range of alternative photographic methods. Cyanotypes were made with a light-sensitive chemical brushed onto paper. Objects were then placed on the paper and the exposures were made in the sun. The resulting images show blue where the light reached the paper and white where light was blocked. With photograms, objects were placed on the photo paper, under the enlarger in the darkroom. Quick exposures were made by flashing the enlarger light or classroom lights and then the photographs were developed. For the manipulated images project, students were encouraged to paint on their photographs, write on the paper with permanent markers before making the exposures and even make scratches on the negatives or photo paper with sharp pins.

The exhibit will remain through Friday, March 4, and is open for viewing during the bank’s business hours.

Pictured above:  Julie Mize (left), HPU photography instructor, and HPU student Amanda Hendrix view the photography on display in the lobby of Citizen’s National Bank.  Photo by Kalie Lowrie.