Camera Explorations

Camera Explorations

Alyssa S  //  Five things about me:
1. I'm a senior at Holland Christian
2. I like peanut butter with ice cream
3. I read books like most people eat candy.
4. Astronomy fascinates me.
5. I like jazz music.

Apr 26 / 5:01pm

First Pictures

Friday and today were our first days of taking pictures. On Friday, my picture was over exposed and turned out nearly all black. Today went better- the first one wasn't all black, but still had splotches all over and no distinct picture. The second one turned out better- it was supposed to be of tulips near school, and they are somewhat recognizable. I'll scan them later this week and get them up as soon as possible.
Filed under  //  picture   pinhole   school   tulip  
Apr 21 / 12:04pm

cleanup and camera construction

Today we cleaned up darkroom so we could work in there. The counter was wiped down, trash thrown out, floor swept, and clutter moved. We also had to relabel the chemicals and re-paper the door so no light will get in.

We also started making the cameras. I cut a hole out of the bottom of my box (Altoid's) to put a piece of aluminum there (it is easier to poke a hole in). I pounded down the edges (after I got a cut :D) and taped it all down. Tomorrow I'm poking the hole and then starting to take pictures!

Calculations

the specifications for the camera I'll be making

(download)

the darkroom and my camera

Filed under  //  camera   construction   measurement   pinhole  
Apr 18 / 7:30am

Let's start at the very beginning...a very good place to start

On Friday we learned about how the cameras are built and how the darkroom works.

The cameras are a lightproof box with a tiny hole in one of the sides. This hole allows only one ray of light through, o only ray of light reflecting each particle/place in the object you're photography enters, creating a projection of the object on your film. We can then develop this.

The darkroom is also lightproof. We have paper around the door to make sure no light enters while we're developing, but to see, we have a red light which won't ruin the black and white photos. To develop, we first put it in a solution of developer, a base. Once the picture is developed enough, we put it in a solution of acid to neutralize the base. After that, the photo must be set in another solution to keep the colors there- without this, the colors would fade over time. Then the photo must be rinsed in water that is continuously cycling to keep the water fresh. The actual developing process takes four minutes at the most and the rinse takes about 15-30 minutes.

Now that we know how this works, we'll hopefully be able to start making our cameras soon. :)

Filed under  //  camera   darkroom   pinhole