a basic camera

I usually build my cameras out of black foam-core board. I use white carpenters glue and black masking tape to put it all together. What this means is that I can avoid painting the inside of the camera...I like that.

You can use a variety of materials to build a camera. You can make a camera out of almost anything that can be opened and closed. I have several cameras made from oatmeal containers (round) as well as a camera I made out of a broken down suitcase. As long as you can make it light tight (or nearly so) you can make a camera out of it.

Handy 'how to' info in a nice fresh PDF file. pinhole_plan.pdf

When you make your first camera from scratch if you make it like a well made shoe box you can't go too far wrong. The picture above is a VERY simplified diagram of how the parts go together.

The actual size of the camera is up to you. I like 'em big. As long as you make the 'back' fit snugly onto the 'front' the camera will work.

Making Exposures & Pinholes These images are copyright of the artist