Pin Hole camera

In the project Pin hole camera, I didn’t no what to expect. I have had no experience in using one or any idea how to make a pin hole camera. We began the lesson with an introduction in the basics of how cameras work. From this I learnt that the logistics of a camera is simply a box with a hole in one end and a piece of photographic paper on the opposite side. The hole on the front is to receive light. This works in order to allow image to be projected on to the ascending photographic paper. All other features on modern day cameras (such as screens, lens etc) are just tools to enhance the image and speed up the process. These features can also give you the ability to zoom in and out of the image you wish to capture.

After learning the basics, the actual process of creating a pin hole camera was shown to the class. This was followed by what to and what not to do in order to take a photograph. To start with I needed a dry and clean beer can, which I would then go on to cut to top off with a tin opener. I made a tube as a replacement lid for the can. Then, on the side of the can I pierced a small pin hole which I covered with a piece of black tape. I had to ensure the tin can (Pin Hole) camera was light proof because if the smallest bit of light had got through, it would have damaged the paper and my photographs would not be successful. Once I had finished my camera I went into the dark room with the only light being red tinted light. I took the lid of my camera and inserted the photographic paper which had to be rolled up so the shiny side was on the inside out. After I put the lid back on I was ready to take a photograph.

I decided that I wanted to take a landscape photo and after searching for some time, I found a suitable location in the park next to the Waverly building. I placed my camera down in a position where it would be held steadily. To capture the image that I wanted, I had to peel off the black tape that was covering the pin hole and count eight seconds. After that, I re-applied the tape and took the camera to the dark room. I wondered what the image would turn out like, what would it look like? Could it actually work? All that was left to do was to develop the photograph and then I could see the outcome. To do this, I put the photographic paper in the first solution which would bring out the image. After about thirty seconds I then placed the paper into a second solution and then again into a third, which would make the image stay on the paper. Finally, washed all the chemicals off the photographic paper and my photograph was complete.

After this, I scanned in my final image using Photoshop. I went on to edit it, inverting the scanned image as I did so. By doing this I was making my image look like a normal photograph, leaving me with a normal landscape photo.

Overall I was impressed with the final outcome and generally surprised with the photograph I had manage to take with a beer can. I went out to take a second photograph which worked equally as well.

I preferred this task to the white board animation which didn’t work as well as I wanted.