Today Is World Pinhole Photography Day!

Wilson Hurst - USA - "Forest Trees" - WPPD 2011

Today, the world is celebrating pinhole photography and you, too, can join in; all you have to do is capture an image with a lensless camera today. 

Now in its 17th year, this free event encourages everyone to find wonder in light and to share their images with the world via the World Pinhole Photography Day website where you can currently view all of the 37,741 images previously captured. 

Here are some tips to get you started: 

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. 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! We'd opt for the 15-60 second option today. 

Matthew King - Guatemala - "The Time Times Three" - WPPD 2008

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, a jetty or pier is 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. 

Elaine McKay – USA - "Lost dreams found" - WPPD 2011