How to make a pinhole camera with your DSLR.
Capture the magic of one of the oldest forms of photography using a modern DSLR for a dreamy, nostalgic look.
“Pinhole” cameras were one of the earliest and most simple ways to capture an image using light and film. This nostalgic simplicity is what has drawn many photographers to want to recreate this retro look using modern DSLRs.
What you’ll need for DSLR “pinhole photography”.
Turning your DSLR into a pinhole camera is simple and can be done with materials you probably already have lying around the house. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A DSLR: This one goes without saying, you’ll need a DSLR to convert into a pinhole camera. This method works on any DSLR camera.
- Aluminum foil: Some specialty photography stores carry matte black aluminum, which is ideal, but any household aluminum foil will work fine.
- A pin or thumbtack: This is what you’ll use to create the “pinhole.”
- Tape and scissors: Ideally, opaque tape such as electrical tape, painters tape, or gaffers tape.
Check out some other tips and tricks for creating unique effects with your photography.
How to create your DSLR “pinhole” camera
To “build” your new pinhole camera, follow these simple steps:
- Cut a piece of aluminum foil approximately 4x3 inches.
- Use the front protective cap of your camera body to trace a circle on the aluminum foil, cut the foil as carefully as you can into this circle.
- Lay the foil shiny-side up and carefully pierce the center with a pin, being sure not to wrinkle or crush the foil.
- Carefully tape your foil “diaphragm” to the lens mount of your camera, being careful to seal the edges so that no light can leak in.
You are now ready for some retro-style photography with your new DSLR pinhole camera. Explore what more you can do to create nostalgic effects using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom today.