SLD f.400 Pinhole Camera

From the top: the purple SLD f.400 without its pinhole cover / a pink one in the 'exposing' position / a blue one with the pinhole cover in place.

A simpler version of the above camera holder will be available for use with any tripod.

12 places remaining for this workshop

Three Pinhole Photographs (Tuesday)

Church Street / SLD f.400 / 1 minute 15 seconds exposure using photo paper.

© Sean Halligan

This exposure demonstrates the limitations of (orthochromatic) photographic paper as opposed to panchromatic sheet film which can faithfully record all colours in tones of gray. On considering this viewpoint I was aware of a clear distinction between the tonality of the cash dispenser and the blue sky. Photo paper reads blue as white light which results in these areas blocking up quickly once the exposure begins. Less well lit areas within the same view will require more generous exposure to see what's there. Sometimes a compromise is possible that results in acceptable detail in all areas. Notice in this photograph the blur of pedestrians in the background. This the result of the 75 seconds or so that the 'pin cover' was removed.

N.B. Taken using a tripod.

The Bluecoat / SLD f.400 / 1 minute 15 seconds exposure using photo paper.

© Sean Halligan

I decided to create a multiple portrait by stepping quickly into the well lit position in front of the deep shadow area. I occupied the first position (centre leftl ) for about 30 seconds. The grizzly profile took about 20 seconds and the pose at the left of the frame was roughly 10 seconds. This kind of multiple pinhole portrait works best with the subject very well lit in front of a dark background. By planning your self portrait in advance and by moving quickly from one position to another having first estimated the optimum exposure time and removed the 'pin cover', interesting results can be achieved.

N.B. Taken using a tripod.

Seel Street / SLD f.400 / 1 minute exposure using photo paper.

© Sean Halligan

José, sporting a bright red tie and who possessed the poise of a head waiter, had been standing perplexed a few meters away to my left as I quickly set up the tripod close to the kerb near the top of Seel Street. He asked me, in what might have been a Spanish accent, what the box (with the purple lid) was. I told him it was a pinhole camera, a 'Camera Obscura' I found myself saying, and explained that I was about to take a photograph using photographic paper. Indicating the tree with its strong shadow and the dappled light falling on the wall, I went on to tell him that I'd intended stepping into the scene myself to make a self portrait, but that his sudden appearance and interest had given me another idea. "Will you be my subject... and stand just 'there' (I indicated the spot) for one minute?" He joked that I might '...give the photograph to the police' and I promised him that I would. We laughed and he kindly agreed to play his part. "Keep absolutely still if you can, for just one minute." He was an extremely good subject, inasmuch as he seemed to recognise the role that I was playing and also because of his trusting me by fearlessly entering into the spirit of the occasion. It could have been another minute 120 years previously, in the same spot.

N.B. Taken using a tripod.

Three Pinhole Photographs (Sunday)

Church Alley / SLD f.400 / 4 minutes exposure using photo paper. © Sean Halligan

Faulkner Street / SLD f.400 /3½ minutes exposure using photo paper. © Sean Halligan

Bluecoat Garden / SLD f.400 / 5 minutes exposure using photo paper. © Sean Halligan

Three Pinhole Photographs (Saturday)

College Lane / SLD f.400 / 1 minute 45 seconds exposure using photo paper. © Sean Halligan

The Bluecoat garden / SLD f.400 / 2 minutes exposure using photo paper. © Sean Halligan

The Bluecoat garden / SLD f.400 / 4 minutes exposure, using photo paper. © Sean Halligan

The above pinhole photographs were made on Saturday 23 May, using the prototype of the SLD f.400. This is the camera which each participant of the forthcoming one day workshop 'SLOW LIGHT DRAWING' will receive and be able to keep.

There are a few minor adjustments to make before I go into full production of these, but already the results of the test exposures look very promising. Unfortunately it will not be possible to provide such cameras included with the fee for future workshops and I recommend booking your place early in order to avoid missing this great opportunity.

A concise instruction booklet to accompany this camera will also be included for each participant on the day of the workshop.

SLOW LIGHT DRAWING Flyer

BOOK NOW - Only 15 Places!

There are 15 places on this one day workshop SLOW LIGHT DRAWING, which is suitable for individuals with either some or no previous experience of pinhole photography.

To book your place please visit the Bluecoat in person, or telephone 0151-702 5324.

To find out more information visit: www.thebluecoat.org.uk.

The fee is £55.00 or £45.00 (conc).

Please note that proof will be required from individuals qualifying for a concessionary fee.

For this initial workshop, a pinhole camera is included in the fee.

Beginning at 10.00am, the day will include:

A brief slideshow introduction to pinhole photography.

Assembly/preparation of a pinhole camera kit (the SLD f/400).

Creating and installing the pinhole (aperture).

Observance of the darkroom code.

Safe loading and unloading of photo paper into & out of the camera.

LUNCH BREAK

Composition/framing of the subject.

Estimation of the required exposure according to the available light.

Accurate timing of the exposure.

Developing paper negatives and producing positive prints.

Group assessment/discussion about the work produced.

There will be a half hour lunch break and refreshment breaks and the workshop will end at 16.30pm.

Lockers, situated near the reception in the Hub, will be available for all workshop participants.

(MORE POSTS TO FOLLOW)

Forthcoming workshop

Information regarding this workshop at the Bluecoat will appear on these pages shortly.

The Bluecoat Courtyard / March 2009

Pinhole camera DIM f.225 / 75 seconds / digital reversal from a 5" square photo paper negative