Pinhole Camera Canada - Photography Terms & Glossary

Glossary Of Photography Terms [1]

Pinhole Camera A pinhole camera is a simple optical device used to capture photographic images without the use of a traditional lens. It consists of a light-tight box or container with a small, pin-sized aperture on one side and a photosensitive material (such as film or photographic paper) on the opposite side. Light entering through the pinhole forms an inverted image of the scene outside the camera onto the film or paper surface, creating a unique and often ethereal photographic effect.
Pinhole cameras are characterized by their extremely long exposure times, wide depth of field, and soft, dreamlike image quality. They offer a minimalist and experimental approach to photography, allowing photographers to explore the fundamentals of light and optics while embracing the unpredictability and imperfections inherent in the pinhole imaging process. Pinhole cameras can be constructed from everyday materials such as cardboard boxes, tin cans, or even wooden boxes, making them accessible to photographers of all skill levels who are interested in exploring alternative photographic techniques and concepts.