Learning about the camera obscura can provide a useful new perpective on photography and its place in the development of modern photography. By reducing it to its component parts we can see the fundamental elements of photography plainly.

I now offer an extended visit to photo groups and classes – bringing with me a camera obscura you can climb inside, a perfect activity to do before my talk. We can also shoot portraits of the members afterwards.

The obscura will allow you to :

• See how and why varying aperture affect depth of field affects an image
• Explore differences in lenses, and the real effects of different focal lengths.
• Demonstrate how light is focussed
• Clearly explain terms such as focal length, dioptre and aperture and their effects upon the image
• Discover the history of the camera obscura, with historical and contemporary examples of their use within the arts.

The talk is well researched, and includes the following:

• The earliest known mentions of camera obscura
• How the camera obscura not only revolutionised our understanding of the inner workings of the eye but also allowed us to see deep into outer space
• Varying designs and their advantages and applications
• How artists put them to use – with historic and contemporary examples (and some myth busting!)
• How a camera obscura had one man accused imprisoned for witchcraft,
• Advice on building your own

I am CRB checked, and fully insured.

For information and prices, please get in touch by emailing sam[@]pinholepedallers.org