How a Pinhole Camera Works

A pinhole camera is the simplest camera possible.

It consists of a lightproof box, photographic paper
and a pinhole.

The suns rays shine onto an object, then reflect off the object
and
pass through the pinhole forming an inverted image of the
object inside the camera.

Since the pinhole is very small, the light rays passing through it are rays that
are almost perfectly aligned from the object through the pinhole to the
photographic paper.
The image on the photographic paper is an inverted (upside down)
and reversed (negative) image of the scene outside.
Where the light was blocked, the paper will remain white,
where light struck it, it will be dark.
If all the light was entering the pinhole and hitting paper, no image would be
produced (the paper would be all dark all exposed.)

Negative image

Positive image

Troubleshooting

f your paper comes out black or black spots, you might have a light leak.

Check the box for holes and patch any suspicious places.
Make sure the lid fits well and overlaps the sides of the box at least an inch or s
If your paper comes out blank (white), the exposure probably
wasnt long enough.
Try longer exposures.
Check the pinhole, make sure light is passing through it.
Make sure you put the paper with the emulsion facing the pinhole.
Typical exposure times range from 5 seconds to several hours.

There is noticeable flaring in the bottom-right corner,

likely due to light entering the camera.

Lets go take some

Pictures !