Pro Techniques

Also, keep in mind that bokeh is out. Bokeh is a Japanese expression that means (loosely translated) blur. You won’t be doing any selective focus because pinholes have almost infinite depth of field, which is part of their charm. I learned early on that choosing an angle with a good foreground subject and a good long-range subject is partly what makes the pinhole photograph work.

Since the advent of digital, I now have the perfect answer for interchangeable backs as well…I shoot Fujifilm Superia color negative film in my cameras and convert the scanned negs to monochromes in Photoshop, if I want black and white. I have the best of both worlds. Here you can apply all that Photoshop knowledge you have to convert your images in any way you see fit.

Taken under the Oceanside Pier in California, the perspective, long depth of field, and moving tide (taken at a 3-second exposure) helped make this an interesting subject. Look for motion and “altered perspectives.”

What Can You Expect?
Well, expect the unexpected and even some fun. Don’t expect tack-sharp images. But, the finished pieces, which I customarily output at 11”, are reminiscent of days gone by, a little soft, infinite depth, lousy color correction (what color correction?), blown-out highlights, and deep shadows (sometimes). But they are fun.

Expect to be stopped every so often by a bystander who asks, “Is that a camera?” It happens all the time. It’s a nice change from “Yeah, I have one of those.”

(Top): The sky was overcast, making for perfect pinhole weather. Perfect because the exposures lengthen. I shot this rare Southern California waterfall amid the moving brush, giving it an overall feel of movement. Exposure was 8 “alligators” on Fujifilm Superia. (Above): The Oceanside Pier photographed “topside.” The exposure was 8 seconds and the moving tide accentuated the photograph. Taken with my Zero 2000 6x6 Deluxe.

Pinhole Tips
• Look for subjects that have some motion in the scene, such as trees, clouds, water. These make beautiful studies, especially if done in morning light, foggy situations, or evening.

• Look for reflections. Pinholes pick up everything and often the results are pretty magical.

• Look for prominent foregrounds to include in the picture, such as a rock, a tree, a person, fence lines, etc. Make it a conscious part of the picture. Look for geometric shapes.

• Expect the unexpected.

Don’t hurry.

(Top): The exposure here was almost 2 minutes long at sundown. Even though today’s “T” films don’t have the reciprocity “failure” of the old films, I still take it into consideration. This is a perfect example of long exposures smoothing out the water and clouds at sundown. I placed the Zero 2000 6x6 Deluxe on the rocks for perspective. (Above): By placing the Zero 2000 6x6 Deluxe on one of the empty benches in the waiting room of the train station, I not only managed to shoot a great interior complete with wood-grained bench, but the 30-second exposure still caught the man on the left spinning his cane (which is almost indistinguishable).

Pinhole References
Resources:
• www.chriskeeney.com/photography/pinhole/index.html
• www.f295.org/site
• www.pinholeresource.com
• www.freestylephoto.biz
• www.zeroimage.com
• www.withoutlenses.com/view/camera-roundup

Pinhole Makers:
• www.precisionpinholes.com
• www.lenoxlaser.com/pinholephotos

Pinhole Images:
• www.kyotophoto.org/pinhole/index_e.html
• http://flickr.com