Pinhole photography belongs to a magical world of simplicity and surprise---a world in which creativity, imagination and the unexpected replace previsualization, the zone system and expensive technology. The unique qualities of pinhole introduce us to entirely new concepts of time, perspective, depth of field and vantage point. It is an ideal medium for expressing fantasy, memory and dream.

Materials will be provided to make pinhole cameras. During the workshop participants will make their own traditional and zone plate style 4x5 black foamcore pinhole cameras, as well as have access to other beyond pinhole 4x5 designs, such as slit cameras, double-slit cameras or multiple image cameras, all without lenses of any kind. Polaroid film and film backs will be made available during the workshop to test and use the 4x5 cameras. Holga pinhole cameras will be made to explore the 120 format. Tin can cameras will be made to use RC paper (developed at the workshop) as negative material. Lastly, participants will also learn how to temporarily modify their 35mm cameras or digital SLRs for pinhole use. Some of the images made during the workshop (by the students), will be posted on a class website after class.

The instructors will share their own pinhole (and beyond) work, and will acquaint participants with a brief history of pinhole photography.

Though this mind-expanding class is appropriate for both beginners and advanced photographers, a basic understanding is helpful. Technical knowledge of photography is not essential--it may even be a handicap! A sense of play and joy confronting the unknown will be more useful than camera expertise. The creative possibilities of lenseless photography are infinite.

The private location for this workshop (Hopkins Marine Station), will provide participants with exclusive access to the station's own beautiful shoreline, as well as darkroom facilities. There is ample private parking on the property and a wide choice of restaurants in the immediate vicinity as well as picnic tables for bag lunches. This workshop coincides with Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day which is April 30, 2006, in which students will be encouraged, but not required, to participate.

Tuition: $275 Course #: 4945 - 010
see also: http://pinhole.stanford.edu