Making a pinhole camera is a fun way to take pictures and learn a little science. Pinhole cameras are easy to make using objects from around your home. They can be made by people of all ages but young children will need help from their parents with some of the cutting out and developing.
What You Will Need:- Large Box
- Scissors
- Tin Foil
- Pin or Needle
- Film or Photographic Paper
First of all you will need a large box such as a shoe box with a lid. Take your empty box and remove the lid. Check all the sides of the box are intact so that no light can get in.
Cut out a circle with a diameter of 4cm on one of the sides of the box. Next cut a square out of your tin foil that will cover the circle hole. Place the foil over the hole and tape it in place.
At the opposite end of the box mark and cut out a rectangle measuring 12 x 8cm. If you are using photographic paper then mark a rectangle larger than this to cover the hole. Either cut the rectangle out of the photographic paper and tape it over the new hole at the back or position your film in place. Make sure to do this in a dark room to avoid the film from exposing.
Now put the lid back on the box and make sure the box still doesn't let any light in. If it does let any light in then try taping the lid in place. Next use the pin or needle to make a small hole in the centre of the tin foil. Make sure you pull the needle straight out again neatly to create a small pinprick otherwise too much light will enter and the photos will over expose.
Next you will need a shutter to control the exposure of your shots. You can make your shutter by measuring and cutting a small square of foil to put over the pinhole of your camera. Fasten the foil along the top and tape it loosely in place so that it can be lifted up and down.
You are now ready to start snapping photos! Use the hole in the back of the camera as a viewfinder. When you have your shot lined up just lift the shutter at the front briefly so that light can get back in and then cover it up again. This will allow enough light to enter the camera to capture images on your film.
To develop your pictures take your camera to a dark room. Take off the lid and remove the film or photographic paper inside. It should take around five minutes to expose your photos.
There you have it, an easy way to make and develop your own photos at home, try it today and get snapping!