What is pinhole?

Are you tired of the same old camera lenses and filters? Well, look no further because we have something unique for you – pinhole photography. Capturing an image without a lens may seem impossible, but it is actually incredibly simple with a pinhole camera. In this article, we dive into what exactly pinhole is, how to build your own pinhole camera and some tips on achieving the best results.

A Brief History of Pinhole Photography

Pinhole photography dates back to ancient Greece when Aristotle observed that light passing through a small hole creates an inverted image opposite to the opening. Jumping ahead quite a bit in time around 1000 CE was Alhazen who demonstrated these fundamentals scientifically through experimentation also leading to laws governing optics (Hayes 2013). Leonardo da Vinci then took this knowledge even further by explaining how light travels through different sized apertures.

It wasn’t until Sir William Crookes in Victorian England created ‘The Camera Obscura’ which projected images onto large walls used mainly for drawing floor plans or landscape paintings he introduced “painting as pleasure” (Fernandez-Miranda). From there photographers started making their portable versions creating tiny wooden boxes called magicians which could fit inside one’s pocket up until modern-day multi-aperture cameras pioneered mostly by American photographer Abelardo Morell where instead of using single shutters multiple existing room fixtures replaced them superimposed onto each other producing striking visuals (Kirschner).

How Does It Work?

A pinhole is defined as a small aperture or puncture, usually made from thin metal or cardboard, typically around 1mm in diameter. When this aperture receives light rays from outside its box shaped structure it projects those rays towards film or sensors located opposite much like any contemporary camera technology; therefore fulfilling similar objectives employed today but with zero frills. The smaller the opening, the sharper and more detailed your image will be; however this decreases light density meaning longer exposure times. For comparison a typical portrait lens could have an aperture range of f1.4-22 where as a pinhole would sit closer to f300!

What Are The Advantages?

Pinhole photography has quite literally made its mark over centuries and despite differing methods from other forms such as traditional camera`s or polaroids some advantages are undeniably present.

  • Inexpensive – building your own cameras can cost you less than $5
  • Extremely portable- unlike tripods in today’s tech savvy world taking pictures on-the-go is effortless (selfies included)
  • Flexible focus & depth of field (Ultimately giving greater control in creative output)
  • High resolution images compared to digital zoom
  • Great for low light situations due to extended shutter speeds

How To Build Your Own Pinhole Camera

Now that we established what pinhole photography is and it’s unique features, let’s get started with making our very own! It doesn’t require much equipment nor finicky settings just patience and no small amount of creative flair.

Here are the basic steps:

Items Required:

Material Quantity
Cardboard box 1
Tin Foil/Thin Aluminium Enough for four individual sheets plus a little extra
Sharp bead needle/small thumb tack One each depending if either is available then refill packs can also work fine.
Black tape Moderately Large role

Assembling The Camera:

1) First start by blacking out all internal surfaces except for one side which makes up your bottom.

2) Add deckle seperating two zones top one being larger having room enough film/sensor ensure back end properly secured flush against off centre with sides not glued down yet having slightly elevated angle allowing filters without flopping right onto picture plane.

3) Cut a square hole on the top-far-right corner for film/sensor insertion.

Creating The Pinhole:

4) (Optional if thumb tack/ball bearing already have thick point aim to skip step). Create another deckled section then cover it with tin foil. Press your bead needle into one side of the covered foil pressing through repeatedly as not to create jagged edges ideally until reaching a pin width hold in centre.

If using ball bearings just press them right onto foamboard punching through without needing third party backings or by pincers roll gently over surface while trying avoiding warping, excessive stepping while keeping pressure no heavier than really needed – smaller knobs work best.

5) Now fold down excess sides of pin corners around puncture then flatten however possible while checking against gaps or sticking out foil sections recommend covering angles opposite from initial cratering too forming 90-degree angle now ensuring they are secure wrapping black tape tightly around this bundle that prevents collapses.

6) Lastly tape remaining three sheets of thin aluminium above opening opposing each other as our ‘shutters’.

That’s it! Your very own custom-made camera is ready and waiting for its first photoshoot. Don’t see yourself wanting to create photographs in bulk? Focus on capturing images with precision flair you will cherish forever!

Tips For Achieving The Best Pinhole Photos

Now that you’ve built your very own pinhole camera, let me give you some tips and advice based on experience:

  1. Be patient – long exposures means stillness
  2. Get creative – try taking pictures at different times of day or move outside, indoors even underground!
  3. Control exposure duration with slower shutter speeds
  4. Be mindful when loading/unloading- light leaks could ruin shot(s)! So always do so carefully nd be precautuous.
    5.If photo paper/film is unavailable get hold an SD memory card instead picturing like crazy afterwards transferring files to a computer for printouts or editing. Regardless most importantly remember HAVE FUN and always keep pinholes open!

Conclusion

Pinhole photography may date back centuries, but it’s still an exciting and unique way to capture beautiful images without the need for expensive equipment. With just some basic materials and a little bit of patience, you can create your own pinhole camera today! Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first few photos don’t turn out as expected. With time, experience, love & happy shooting; you’re sure to become a pro in no time and accomplish anything that catches your eye!

A picture taken with a pinhole camera

References

1) Hayes,S.R.,2013.Optic through the Ages (Dover Books on Physics).2nd ed.Dover Publications.

2) Kirschner,K.B.(2012October)-Abelardo Morell-GHI Bulletin,66-74

3) Fernandez-Miranda,J.C(2005June14)-The Magic Mirror of Life-project Muse-Pastoral Psychology Sage Journals.

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