A pinhole camera is just a simple light-tight box with a small hole on one end that projects an inverse image from the outside into the box. These simple cameras can be made from just about any container that can be made light tight, and by inserting a piece of photo paper in the box, you can take photographs using the camera. With a slight modification, a pinhole camera can be turned into a viewer that allows you to safely see the solar eclipse inside the box.

This workshop is a great way to learn or be reminded of the simple but astounding optics behind photography, and to get ready for the amazing solar display on April 8.

This activity is best suited for artists 7+ years old; minors must be accompanied by an adult.

We will start by talking about the basics of how a pinhole camera works. Then we will construct a pinhole camera using simple household materials; you will need to bring a cereal box or similar container to the workshop, and all other materials will be supplied. After building the pinhole camera, we will use them to take pictures and then develop those pictures in Aurora’s darkroom. Finally, at the end of the workshop, we will modify our pinhole cameras to build a pinhole viewer for watching the solar eclipse of April 8.