Photographic Rumination

Friday, August 1, 2014

My first foray into large format pinhole photography

A few weeks ago I managed to get my hands on an interesting piece of technology; an 8x10 pinhole camera constructed by Ilford, the company that makes black and white film off in England. It's pretty fun to shoot, especially since I am able to use the xray darkroom at my mother's veterinary clinic. Although they are exciting technically, the best part of these cameras are their artistic qualities.

The images have a surreal timeless aesthetic to them; a soft detachment from reality which I find pleasing. Perhaps it's the size of the negative (8x10 inches) or the fact that there is no lens, but these photos have a charming visual quality I have not previously captured with more conventional means

Making these photos is not a simple task mind you; this device eschews all modern conveniences. There isn't a lightmeter or viewfinder to be seen, as it is a truly bare bones system. Rather than composing through a peep hole, or a ground glass, you aim your camera by intuition.

To shoot with a pinhole camera in my opinion is more vindictive of artistry than most other forms of photography. By separating yourself from the extraneous luxuries of modern imaging one is able to dive deeper into the image, simple objects one will usually gloss over become interesting subjects; enlightened by the imagination of the artist, rather than the cold unseeing eyes of the camera.

So I encourage other photographers and artists to try pinhole photography, if even just to break out of the rut of gear acquisition syndrome. This form of photography is a great reminder that even though the camera can capture what we see, it is we who must visualize those images in the first place.