Definition of a Pinhole Camera

Basics

• A pinhole camera is a simple camera that uses a tiny hole as an aperture rather than a glass lens. The interior of the camera must be painted black and sealed to let no other light in, allowing the image in front of the camera to reflect on the film opposite the pinhole.

Making a Pinhole

• A pinhole camera is a simply constructed camera consisting of a sealed container painted black on the inside with a tiny hole on one end. The container must be airtight, sealing all light out, other than what comes in through the pin hole. Both sides of the container must be parallel surfaces so the image reflects on the film on the opposite side.

Containers

• A variety of containers can be used to make a pinhole camera, from a shoebox to an empty plastic film canister. Some artists construct pinhole cameras out of a whole room. The most important feature is that the container be sealed from all light except the light coming in from the aperture, or pinhole.

Film or Photographic Paper

• A variety of film or photographic paper can be used in pinhole cameras, which will produce different results depending on the size and shape of the camera. The length of the exposure will be affected by the type of film and the size and shape of the cameras as well (see References).

Homemade or Commercial Pinholes

• Making your own pinhole camera at home is relatively easy and instructions can be found easily online (see References), but commercial versions are also widely available. A popular commercial version is a self-assembled paper Lomo Sharan pinhole that is made for 35mm film.