Experimental pinhole photography

About this course

The course introduces the history and theory of pinhole photography alongside the process of making and using cameras from different objects and materials. Participants will experiment with exposure times and produce pinhole images using several camera designs. Teaching combines presentations, demonstrations and practical work with wet-process darkroom chemistry under red light. The course also covers a basic darkroom workflow for creating prints, paper negatives and negatives, including contact printing.

What you'll learn

• Construct and use a range of pinhole cameras
• Estimate and calculate exposure times for pinhole photography
• Produce images, prints, paper negatives and negatives using darkroom processes
• Apply a basic wet-process darkroom workflow under red light
• Explain how different objects and materials can be adapted to make pinhole cameras

Is this course right for you?

Listed at Improver level, the course is intended for learners exploring alternative or traditional photographic processes. Some understanding of camera settings may help with the pinhole work, while the contact-printing element requires less camera knowledge. Participation includes following written and verbal instructions, simple measurements and calculations, and group discussion.

• Some familiarity with camera settings is helpful for the pinhole component
• Learners should be comfortable with simple numbers, measurements and calculations
• The teaching format includes demonstrations, practical tasks and group discussion

Before you go

• Materials will be available through Google Classroom.
• Bring a pen and notebook.
• An apron may be useful for protecting clothing from chemical residue.