The Beginners Guide to Pinhole Photography

By Jim Shull

Book Overview

Pinhole photography requires no camera, no lenses, and no focusing-just a tiny hole in a can or box provides the light to make images on photographic film or paper. Richly illustrated with pinhole photographs, this book teaches the principles of photography. Starting with step-by-step instructions for building a camera out of household materials, it gives details on shooting images; developing; printing images in a kitchen, bathroom, or darkroom; and building special features such as wide-angle cameras. A complete discussion of the materials needed is included.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0936262702
• ISBN13: 9780936262703
• Release Date: March 1999
• Publisher: Amherst Media
• Length: 80 Pages
• Weight: 0.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 8.4" x 10.9"
• Age Range: 7 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 2 and higher

Customer Reviews

Almost Everything For the Incomplete Pinhole Photographer

Excellent, good overview of camera construction details, pinhole formulas explained.This complements Renner's book on Pinhole Photography.The pinhole is a basic tool in optical (and x-ray) physics that deserves to be better understood and taught.Why do I describe it as incomplete? Because there is always something new and different that can be done with pinhole optics.

A great intro - Very informative

I'm a professional photographer and I love pinhole photography as a way to relax. I'm not sure what I expected when I bought this book but I was very pleased. This is a fantastic overview and "How-To" on pinhole photography. I think the instructions are explained very well and there is enough background without overdoing it. The information on processing prints would make it easy for ANY beginner. If you're interested in pinhole photography, buy this book.

Lanny R. North

This book is a delight. Proper balance between technical acuracy and enjoyable reading. Highly recommended for first time adventures into pinhole photography. True beginners might appreciate a bit more detail in the construction of the three camera types but exploration is part of the fun. I should think the book highly suitable for younger readers especially. My daughter-in-law who is the photographer of the family managed a wonderful array of spectacular pictures using this book as a guide. Since I handicrafted her wooden pinhole camera, I also am pleased with the fact the the thing worked and that her pictures were so beautiful.

great pinhole book for the beginner or teacher

This is a wonderful introductory text to the world of pinhole photography; Mr. Shull is very clear, and provides easy to follow instructions and diagrams for creating simple pinhole cameras and printing the resultant images. His instructions are well-laid enough for even a photographic novice to use this books as a teaching text, for example for children, as a good science project for understanding light and/or basic photography.He keeps it simple enough that experienced pinholers will want to look elsewhere for detailed technical information or designs to push the edges of pinhole practice, but this is also the book's strength as a beginner's guide. Strongly recommended.

Excellent reference for fotografers and teachers

Jim Shull's second book is an expanded version of the first, 'The Hole Thing', which inspired me to pursue pinhole photography. The new version includes more information and fotografs. Just as the first book, it differentiates between photography and fotografy.In his folksy, non-technical style, Jim Shull explains the ins and outs of pinhole fotografy. Where technical information must be given, he does so in a very accessible manner. His guide contains essential information enabling beginners to construct and use pinhole cameras. It also shows the minimal equipment needed to process your on pictures and guides you through each step on how to do it.Many teachers will find Jim's guide an excellent reference.Thanks Jim! Excellent book!