Photo 1Pin-Hole CameraThe purpose of this assignment is to take the mystery out of photography. Photography is really very simple. All cameras have only three things in common.

1. Every Camera must be light tight. The goal of a photographer is to control light so we must keep out unwanted light.

2. Every Camera must have a LENS. A lens is simply an opening that will allow wanted light to enter the camera in a controlled way.

3. Every Camera must have a SHUTER. A shutter is a device that allows light to pass though the lens for a controlled amount of time.

With a little creative thinking, and a very small drill bit, we can turn a tin paint can into a camera. We make it light tight by putting the top on securely. We can create a lens by drilling a “pin-hole” in the side of the can. Finally by placing our finger over the lens it can act as a shutter. A simple paint can has become a camera. It is not a very high tech camera but it is still a camera!

The Pin-Hole Negative

Follow these steps to make your Pin-Hole Negative

1. In the darkroom, use the paper cutter to cut a sheet of photo paper into four 4”x5” pieces. (It starts off at 8”x10” so all you have to do is cut it in half both directions)

2. Figure out which is the EMULSION side of the photo paper. (The emulsion is the GELATIN & SILVER that is light sensitive.)

3. Load the camera with the emulsion side of the photo paper towards the lens and along the back of the can.

4. Put the lid on tight.

Cut here @ 5 inches

Cut here @ 4 inches

Lid

Emulsion Side

Camera

Lens

8x10 sheet of photo paper

5. Hold the camera so that the lens is pointing away from you and put your finger over the lens to act as a shutter.

6. Make you EXPOSURE. You must... ...go outside. It is way too dark inside. ...choose a subject that does not move. ...get close to your subject. (Works best between 6” and 12”) ...keep the camera from shaking during the exposure. ...make sure the sun is at your back. (Shoot towards the shadow) ...measure you SHUTTER SPEED carefully.7. Put your finger back over the lens and return to the darkroom.8. Process your negative. DEVELOPER: Exactly 2 Minutes Rinse Water: 10 Seconds STOP BATH: 30 Seconds FIXER: 2 Minutes to look at in the light briefly (4 Minutes for full fixing) WASH: At least 5 Minutes Dryer: Only run it though once!9. Evaluate your negative. If it is too light it is UNDER-EXPOSED (Do it again with a longer shutter speed)

If it is too dark, than it is OVER-EXPOSED (Do it again with a shorter shutter speed)

10. When finished, keep your negative flat and dry until you make your POSITIVE. (Do Not write your name on it because that will ruin your print.

+ More Time =

- Less Time =