On 27th of April 2014, the whole world picked up their boxes and snapped pictures from their lens-less cameras.
Double Exposure: piling up the height to get to eye level, and piling two cameras on top of each other, trying out 2 different exposures.
We did our bit at l’Observatoire and ran an open workshop where you could just walk-in with or without a box, learn about pinhole, and snap a few pics in our beautiful environment. The result was exciting, and the pictures below attest to that.
The first step was to understand how the pinhole camera works. For that, there was an outdoor cinema where the participants were invited to place their head. It consists of a drink can with one pin hole on one side (a hole made with a pin tack), and the other side has a piece of frosted plastic as a screen in lieu of the side of the can. The whole thing is placed in a cardboard box (with a small opening in front), so people can watch the image projection the screen (best viewed in the dark).
Outdoor Cinema 1
Outdoor Cinema 2
Outdoor Cinema 3
Then, participants were treated to the gallery, where they could have a look at the different cameras and see which picture was taken by which camera… and they could choose one for their first attempts. Beer cans, Coffee cans, biscuit tins, tea box…
A variety of pinhole cameras with representative pictures hung below.
Finally, it was time to make their own. Some people attempted to figure out the size of the opening according to the size of their box to get the sharpest picture. Some just grabbed a pin and punched a hole, and then tried different exposure times. Some were happy to try cameras from my collection. Some brought their own box, and spent the time trying to understand how it works until they got a sharp picture… Children played, or worked with their parents, or in teams.Adults went through the process, and tried to understand their negative print, mirror image – it is amazing how long it can take to figure out exactly which bit is which in the picture, despite having just taken the snapshot! A bit like printmaking, you are never completely certain of what you will get!
The natural ledge outside the studio, located on the second floor and facing the field is a great place to rest the camera for a first attempt. You close the hole with your finger, let go a few seconds, close the aperture again and run to the darkroom to develop your print.
Spray painting the inside of the box helped make sure there was no light interference and fogging
Some kids played while the dads were hard at work.
Hopscotch is always a possibility while others install their camera.
Sharing images…
Taking a family portrait…. the ledge again, as the perfect support for the camera.,
Cameras were made from cardboard boxes…
… from special tea boxes
Everyone hard at work around the table…
“Let’s just punch a hole”
Homa Shojaie, an artist who has made many pinhole cameras, came to help and to have fun
A baby milk container provided a perfect box for sharp pictures.
A lovely tea box makes a great portable camera. The second attempt was good… But why stop experimenting? The next 2 pictures were black…
In the end, all went back with at least one, sometimes a few good pictures. And instructions to go and post the pictures on the World Pinhole camera gallery.
Toucan outside the Studio ©Yaso, Eloise & Agather
Outside l’Observatoire by Casey
More from Casey’s milk powder can
Family portrait by Casey
Family shot by Sumi & Family
Wild horses by Yaso, Agathe, Eloise
WIld animals by Yaso, Agathe, Eloise
Felines, by Yaso, Agathe, Eloise
Family portrait © Isabelle Desjeux
L'Observatoire 