# Film Canister Self-Portraits Photography Students Experiment with Techniques in 36 Exposures By Gil Cohen | Published 2013-05-30 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/36-exposures References: [petapixel](http://petapixel.com/2013/05/28/tintype-portraits-of-photography-students-created-on-their-discarded-film-canisters) & [davidemittadams](http://www.davidemittadams.com/portfolio/36-exposures/) Experimental photographer David Emitt Adams got the students in his 'Introduction to Photography' course to partake in a project he calls 36 Exposures. The students took [self-portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1) and used typical [35mm film canisters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vint) that have been discarded as the negatives upon which they developed their images. Through this experiment, Adams imparts a message about the importance of the film canister to the photographic medium, turning it into an inseparable element of photography. The canisters were flattened and cut into little rectangles just big enough to house the portraits on one side while displaying enough of the label on the other so as to be easily recognizable. 36 Exposures explores new techniques based on old technology. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 30% | Activity: 18% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Experimental Photography:** Exploring new techniques and approaches to photography using unconventional methods and materials. - **Sustainable Upcycling:** Repurposing discarded objects like film canisters to create unique and artistic products. - **Symbolism in Art:** Using everyday objects to convey deeper meanings and messages in artistic creations. ### Where This Applies - **Photography:** Developing innovative ways to capture and present images through photography. - **Art Education:** Integrating experimental and thought-provoking projects into photography courses to cultivate creativity and critical thinking in students. - **Sustainable Design:** Exploring how discarded materials can be repurposed and incorporated into sustainable design practices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sleek Analog Film Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lomoapparat.md) - [Reusable Disposable Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flashback.md) - [Beer-Branded Disposable Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retrospekt-x-pbr.md) - [Eco-Friendly Film Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lensfayre.md) - [Single-Use Photography Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/later-cam.md) - [Intuitive Double-Exposure Film Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kodak-snapic-a1.md) - [Imperfect Photography Celebrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nonnas-cam.md) - [Artistic Photography Instant Cameras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moir-21-instant-film-camera.md) - [Photography Project Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1.md)