Solargraphs

Pinhole photography suffers the illusion that, as its science is simple, it should be easy to master. In practice, creating an effective pinhole image requires learning many variables including: hole size, exposure times, digital vs analog and focal length - all topped off with a fear of getting the math right.

What follows is a simple and effective design of a pinhole camera that enables the user to capture six-month duration images of the sun known as solargraphs without the need for any chemicals or a darkroom.

Sun tracks across the sky over the Clifton Cathedral in Bristol, UK, during a six-month exposure from 19 June 2009 through 20 December 2009. Photograph by Justin Quinnell.

Sun tracks across the sky over the Clifton Cathedral in Bristol, UK, during a six-month exposure from 19 June 2009 through 20 December 2009. Photograph by Justin Quinnell.

Find out how this image was made here.