How to turn your DSLR into a pinhole camera.
Learn how to create a pinhole camera DSLR for an exciting change to your photography routine.
Pinhole photography is a fun and old-fashioned way to capture photos. It’s the original form of picture-taking, and the results are unique and often surprising. A pinhole camera is simply a lens-less camera that takes a picture by focusing light rays through a tiny opening.
Why shoot pinhole photography with a DSLR?
When you turn your DSLR into a pinhole camera, in a way you’re combining the best of both worlds.
Traditional pinhole photography can add an unexpected twist to your photos, but you can’t see the results of any adjustments you make in real time. When you shoot pinhole-style with your DSLR, however, it allows real-time adjustments that the analog process can’t match.
Supplies you’ll need.
To turn your DSLR into a pinhole camera, you only need a few materials that you likely already have on hand:
- A digital camera with interchangeable lenses
- Aluminum foil
- Needle or thumbtack
- Scissors
- Marker
- Tape
How to convert your camera to a pinhole.
First, you’ll need to remove whatever lens you have on your DSLR. Then:
- Cut a small piece of foil to cover your lens mount (approximately 4x4 inches).
- Use the front cap of your lens to trace a circle on the piece of foil. If you don’t have your lens cap, do your best to estimate the size. Cut out the circle, leaving some extra space around it.
- Next, you’ll create the “pinhole.” Take the needle or thumbtack and pierce the smallest possible hole in the center of your circle.
- Finally, use tape to adhere the circle to your lens mount. Try to keep the foil as smooth as possible, and make sure you don’t cover the pinhole in the process.
Once you’ve successfully adhered the foil, you’re ready to try out your pinhole camera DSLR.
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