pinhole photography vale

Various Activities and Learning Experiences 2010

PINHOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

What is Pinhole Photography?

• No lenses, uses only a small pin-sized hole and a light-sensitive surface (e.g. film)

• Various materials can be used for the camera body

• Gives a softer, lo-fi, vintage effect to the images

• Almost an infinite depth-of-field

• Long exposures are needed

Sample Pinhole Cameras

Matchbox Pinhole Camera

Materials needed

Make a 24mm square on the matchbox compartment

Cut the square and color the inside black. This will be the film frame

Color also the inside of the matchbox cover

Cut a small rectangular hole in the center of the matchbox cover

Cut a piece of aluminum which is slightly bigger than the rectangle, and punch a hole in the center using a needle or pin

Make sure that the hole is open, this will serve as the camera’s “lens”

Color the inside of the aluminum “lens” black

Place the “lens” on top of the rectangular hole, with the black-side facing the inside of the camera body

Secure it in place using electric tape

Cut two pieces of cardboard slightly bigger than the aluminum lens. These will create a pseudo-shutter mechanism

Color the rectangle black. You can use electric tape

Put the two pieces in place

The pseudo-shutter mechanism

Cut a piece of a ring-binder spine

Cut out the thick part

Attach it on your roll of film. This will serve as the shot counter

Attach it on your roll of film. This will serve as the shot counter

Cut the film leader strip

Insert the roll of film inside the matchbox. Make sure that the emulsion side is facing the hole

Attach the end of the unexposed film in the end of the empty film cannister. This will contain all your exposed film after

Insert the frame into the body

Close the box, and wind the film

What we have so far

Put electric tape around the spaces between the film and the camera body to avoid light leaks

Put electric tape around the spaces between the film and the camera body to avoid light leaks

This should do

Attach the tab of the can on the top of the empty film cannister

Start shooting!

SAMPLE PINHOLE PHOTOS