What is Pinhole Photography?

     Pinhole photography. What is it? How does it work? 

    Pinhole photography has been mentioned as far back as the fifth century BC (Potter). The pinhole camera incorporates the design and mechanics of a camera obscura and enables one of the earliest forms of photography. This type of camera has quite simple characteristics: a light-tight container and an aperture/pinhole (opening) that can easily be uncovered and resealed. These vague requirements leave lots of room for creative design in the camera's appearance and size.

    Pinhole cameras do not need to have a lens, viewfinder, or any digital features. They operate by placing a piece of photo paper across from a pinhole, which, when opened, exposes the photo paper to light and an image is projected on to it. 

    This form of photography requires patience and a willingness for trial and error, although this makes success in this method feel all the more rewarding. It is thrilling to see the first image develop that you took with a simple, homemade, tin can camera. 

    

    In the time I've spent learning of and testing out pinhole cameras, I have compiled a list of problems and their potential solutions:

    Low amount of light available when taking photo = longer exposure time needed

    High amount of light available when taking photo = less exposure time needed

    Photo paper turns all black when developed = overexposed. Perhaps a light leak in the camera, too long of exposure time, or the paper has been previously exposed to light

    Photo paper turns all white when developed = paper was not exposed to light or was underdeveloped

    Photo paper produces an image, but its grey / too light = too short of exposure time or was underdeveloped 

    Photo paper produces an image, but its blurry = movement of the camera and/or subject during the exposure, or the aperture is too small/big. 

    

Works Cited

Potter, M. Pinhole Cameras: Positives and Negatives. 2015.

    https://online.op.ac.nz/assets/Uploads/aee4645bb2/10-Michael-Potter-Pinhole-Photographs.pdf