Pinhole Photography Advice

Today is Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day so throw the digital world out of the window and get back to basics by making your own pinhole camera. Then, once you have your photo, scan it and upload it to ePHOTOzine and the Pinhole Day website where it will become part of the growing gallery.

Don't know where to start? Take a look at our tips:

What can I use?

A pinhole camera can be made out of anything. Most people start with a can but you can use a cardboard box or even a tennis or ping-pong ball if you really want to. Take a look at Justin Quinell's instructions on making a Pinhole camera here: Pinhole Camera.

It's worth testing your camera to make sure it works and it will also give you chance to become familiar with the exposure times. Having a handheld meter in your camera bag can make calculating exposure times a little less painful but if you don't own one, use your camera's meter to get a baseline to start from.

How long are the exposures?

Exposures can last for 15-60 seconds, a few days, months or even a year.

What should I photograph?

Minimalist landscapes such as a beach with an interesting rock formation, or a lonely tree standing in an empty field work well as do strong graphical shapes, particularly if they're sat in the foreground of your shot. If you're by the coast or next to a river or lake, piers and jettys are perfect if you're looking for lead in lines and the sturdy structures make great supports for your DIY cameras.

The longer exposures will soften the movement of waves and ripples, create interesting shapes from foliage blowing in the breeze and turn cloud formations into wispy patterns dotted across the sky.

What if it doesn't work?

Don't worry! Just try again as Pinhole Photography is about having fun and experimenting.

How do I look at my image?

Take a look at Justin Quinell's advice. You'll find instructions on post production at the bottom of his article.