One of the simplest and easiest projects, especially for beginning photographers, is to construct a pinhole camera out of a box or can. This easy-to build device can work just like a regular camera. It also works directly with photo paper, so you don't have to deal with the extra challenge of developing film---just the paper. You are basically building a container that holds the photo paper and keeps light out, except for a small pinhole that allows just enough exposure to take a picture on the paper.
Constructing the Camera
You can build the camera out of either a large canister (such as a coffee or oatmeal can) or a box. Use a can or box about 3 to 6 inches high (or wide when it is positioned on its side to use as the camera). Make the pinhole at the container's original bottom---the end opposite the removable lid. For a container of this size, the hole should be 1/75 inch in diameter; poke the hole with a No. 10 sewing needle while rotating the needle. You can just poke the hole into the container's material itself. However, it may be easier to make the pinhole out of aluminum foil; dark, opaque paper or soft aluminum sheet-metal. One you have a pinhole out of any of those materials, cut a larger hole out of the container and tape the extra material over that large hole (make sure the large hole is completely covered). Use another piece of dark paper for the shutter, placing it over the pinhole and securing it with tape.
Loading
Load the camera inside a darkroom by opening the container's lid and placing a sheet of photo paper on the inside of the lid. Because you are using photo paper and not film, you can do this with the aid of a safelight. You might need to trim the paper first depending on the camera's size; a two-pound coffee can takes paper just over 2 by 3 inches. Make sure the paper's emulsion side faces the pinhole end as you tape it to the lid and close the camera. Make sure the lid and pinhole are both covered before you take the loaded camera out into the light.
Taking the Picture
Place the camera so it is still; secure it to the surface it's standing on with tape or possibly modeling clay. Once you are ready to take your picture, lift up the paper shutter, then close it once the photo paper has been exposed for the proper amount of time. This time can vary depending on the type of paper used. Generally, expose the paper for two to four seconds in bright sunlight and four times that amount in less bright conditions (such as cloudy skies). Consult with an expert at the shop where you get the photo paper to see how long it needs to be exposed. Once you close the shutter, make sure no more light gets inside the camera until you get it back to the darkroom to remove the photo paper and develop it.
Tags: photo paper, camera Make, large hole, make sure, paper shutter, poke hole