Discover the magic of photography by building your own working pinhole camera — using everyday materials like drink cans and shoeboxes. In this hands-on, four-hour workshop, you'll construct a functional camera, learn the fundamentals of pinhole photography, and create images before developing them together in a makeshift darkroom. To reserve your spot, visit https://northwindart.org/collections/courses.
Teaching artists Jen Cohen and Martin Vanners have designed this class for all experience levels, while still offering a rich introduction to analog photography. You’ll learn the basics of exposure, composition, and light while experiencing the satisfaction of making photographs completely by hand.
You will have the option to develop your images using either traditional photographic chemistry or caffenol, an environmentally friendly developer made from instant coffee, vitamin C, and washing soda.
The workshop concludes with a casual group print share, where participants can see and celebrate the unique images created during the session.
You'll come away with your handmade camera, photographic paper, and simple, safe recipes for developing images at home, so the creative process can continue beyond the workshop.
No prior experience is necessary. This workshop is perfect for beginners, curious makers, educators, artists, and anyone interested in exploring photography in a fun, accessible way.