Solargraphy is long exposure photography capturing the path of the sun as it crosses our skies. A solargraph can be taken over hours, days, weeks, months, or, even years.
You can make a working solargraphy pinhole camera out of an old beer can and some duct tape and I will show you how.
It's ever so easy and a lot of fun. Let's get started!
Contents
What you need
No expensive or fancy materials required to make a pinhole solargraphy camera, though you will need to source some photographic paper.
- Needle or Pin
- Scissors
- Kitchen knife
- Tin opener
- Duct tape
- Fine tip marker pen (optional)
Two empty tin cans.
One needs to be 440ml or 500ml.
The second can be any size.
You will need some 5" x 7" black & white photographic paper.
Any will do, but these two are safe choices.
- Ilford Multigrade RC Pearl (MGRC)
- Kenmere VC Select Satin
Building the camera
Building a tinhole/pinhole camera does not take long, just watch your fingers on the cut edges of the tin.
Step 1.
Use a tin opener to remove the top of the big tin.
This is what you are aiming for.
Step 2.
Use the knife to carefully cut the tin into two.
You may need to use scissors to complete the cut.
Step 3.
Use the scissors to trim the bottom of the tin.
It needs to be about 4cm tall.
You now have the lid and body of your camera.
Carefully dispose of the rest of the tin.
Step 4.
Use the needle or pin to make a fine hole just above half way up the tin.
Cut a square of duct tape and cover the pinhole.
Check the lid fits ok.
Load the photographic paper
Whilst you do not need a dark room, or even to be in complete darkness, it is a good idea to exclude direct sunlight when loading your paper.
Tip: Photographic paper has a habit of curling. The coated side will face the front of the pack (with the edges bending downwards).
Step 1.
Use a marker pen to mark the location of the pinhole on the inside of the body.
Roll and insert a sheet of paper so that you can see the pinhole.
Secure with a piece of tape (optional).
Step 2.
Replace the lid and tape with duct tape to keep it water tight.
If you plan on a long exposure, it is worth labelling the base of the tin.
You are all set.
Siting your camera
Coming soon!
Processing the image
Coming soon!
Gallery
Coming soon!