I’m lucky enough to live reasonably close to [Lacock Abbey](http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock/things-to-see-and-do/fox-talbot-museum/), home of the co-inventor of modern photography, [William Henry Fox Talbot](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Fox_Talbot). Last year, during a visit, we found that Justin Quinnell was running a pinhole photography workshop that involved making cameras out of old beer cans (and taking pictures with them). We also made beer can cameras using fogged photographic paper to take six-month exposures, though sadly my camera failed to survive its time on the Bristol philosophy department roof. There’s lots of interest on [Justin’s site](http://www.pinholephotography.org/). Here’s [Justin’s YouTube instructions](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hp-JMGQUAMA) for how to make your own, delivered in his unique pedagogical style. A lot of fun, for children of all ages!
{ 2 comments }
Bloix 08.16.15 at 2:52 pm
When I was a summer camp counselor 40 years ago, I led a photography activity where we started with photograms and worked our way up to pinhole cameras. It’s an absolutely sure-fire hit with 8-12 year olds. But I never thought of beer cans – that’s a brilliant idea.
phosphorious 08.17.15 at 3:31 am
I’ve always preferred the oatmeal box pinhole camera:
http://users.rcn.com/stewoody/
But I’ve never tried beer cans. I suppose I should!
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