Description
🟦 Build your own camera obscura at Montsalvat
Discover how a camera works before lenses, batteries or digital technology enter the picture.
In this new Camera Obscura + Pinhole Photography workshop at Montsalvat, you’ll experience the optical principle at the heart of photography, then build your own working pinhole camera obscura to take home.
Working with photographic artist and Montsalvat Resident Artist Aldona Kmieć, you’ll explore how a tiny opening can project a live image of the outside world into a darkened space.
You’ll begin by experiencing an authentic room-sized camera obscura at Montsalvat, where architecture, trees, movement and changing light are projected naturally through a small aperture.
You’ll then build your own portable camera obscura and take it outside to experiment around Montsalvat’s gardens, pool, historic architecture and landscape.
No previous photography or analogue photography experience is required.
What you’ll do
During the workshop you’ll:
- experience a room-sized camera obscura
- learn how the camera obscura became the foundation of photography
- explore the basic principles of pinhole image-making
- understand how light travels through a small aperture
- learn how pinhole size affects brightness and sharpness
- build your own light-tight pinhole camera obscura
- photograph the projected image using your phone if you wish
What you’ll take home
You’ll leave with your own pinhole camera obscura, built during the workshop and ready for further experimentation.
You’ll also take home:
- your handmade camera
- a participant guide
- an understanding of how camera obscura and pinhole imaging work
- photographs of projected images
- ideas for continuing with analogue and experimental photography
What’s included
Your workshop includes:
- materials to build one pinhole camera obscura
- use of workshop tools
- artist-led tuition
- participant handout
- access to the camera obscura experience
- entry to Montsalvat
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is designed for complete beginners, as well as photographers, artists, students, educators and anyone interested in analogue, experimental or historical photographic processes.
It is particularly suited to people curious about how photography actually works, rather than simply how to operate a camera.
No specialist equipment is required.
A smartphone is optional and can be used to photograph the projected image.
Make it a day at Montsalvat
The workshop takes place at Montsalvat in Eltham, one of Melbourne’s most distinctive historic arts precincts and the location of my artist studio. Your workshop includes Montsalvat entry, so you’re welcome to explore the gardens, historic buildings, galleries and grounds before or after your session.
Give a creative experience
Looking for something different to give?
This workshop makes an unusual creative gift for photographers, artists, analogue photography enthusiasts, students and anyone fascinated by light and image-making.
Gift vouchers are available.
FAQ
Do I need photography experience?
No. The workshop is designed for complete beginners, although photographers and artists interested in analogue and experimental techniques will also find it useful. I’ll guide you through the optical principles and construction process step by step.
Is this a traditional pinhole photography workshop?
Not quite. Traditional pinhole photography often uses photographic paper or film inside a light-tight camera, followed by darkroom processing.
This workshop focuses on building a live-viewing pinhole camera obscura, where the image appears immediately on a translucent screen. No film or chemicals are required.
Will I take photographs during the workshop?
You’ll create and view live projected images using your handmade camera. You can also place your phone close to the screen inside the camera hood and photograph the projected image if you wish.
What will I see through the camera?
Bright outdoor scenes work best. Depending on the light, you may see architecture, trees, clouds, water, people and other features of the Montsalvat landscape projected upside down onto your screen.
Why is the image upside down?
Light travels in straight lines. Light from the top of a scene passes through the pinhole and reaches the lower part of the screen, while light from the bottom reaches the upper part. The same principle operates inside photographic cameras.
What should I bring?
All essential materials are supplied.
You may like to bring:
- your smartphone for photographing projected images
- comfortable clothing and shoes for walking around Montsalvat
- reading glasses if you normally use them for detailed close work
Does the workshop involve chemicals?
No. The camera you build creates a live projected image and does not require photographic film, paper or processing chemicals.
Can I use the camera again after the workshop?
Yes. The camera is designed to be reusable. Take it home and experiment with different locations, lighting conditions and subjects. The darker the camera interior and the brighter the scene, the easier the projected image will be to see.
Can I give the workshop as a gift?
Yes. Workshop gift vouchers are available and can be used towards this or another eligible workshop.
Cancellations & Rescheduling
As workshops are intentionally kept small and materials and preparation are arranged in advance, the following cancellation and rescheduling policy applies.
Rescheduling
More than 7 days before the workshop
You may transfer your booking to another available workshop date without penalty.
Within 7 days of the workshop, no-shows or late arrivals
Bookings are non-refundable and cannot be transferred or rescheduled.
If you are unable to attend, you may nominate another person to attend in your place. Please contact me by email before the workshop with their details.
Workshop cancellation or unexpected events
Occasionally a workshop may need to be postponed due to severe weather, illness or another unexpected event outside my control.
If I need to postpone a workshop, participants will be contacted as soon as possible and offered an alternative workshop date.
If a suitable alternative date cannot be arranged, a refund will be provided.
