The pinhole is like the lens of the camera. Poke a small hole in the brass with a needle and sand it smooth. Trim the brass so there is a little space around the hole.

 

Step 3: Make a camera box

You can use a shoe box, cookie tin, anything lightproof. When the lid is on and the shutter is closed the inside is completely dark. The only light comes through the pinhole. Make sure there are no openings in the box. Seal it and paint it flat black. Cut a small square opening in the box for the pinhole to go in.

Step 4: Put in the Pinhole and Make Shutter

Tape the pinhole behind the square opening. You can use electrical tape. Center the pinhole in the square. Then make the shutter which is just the flap that covers the pinhole from the outside. It can be made from more tape.

Step 5: Load the paper

This must be done in complete darkness. You can make a darkroom in a bathroom or closet and use it for developing and changing paper. Tape a piece of photo paper to the inside of the box across from the hole. Put lid on and make sure the shutter is closed. Now go out in the light.

Step 6: Take the picture

Point the camera at what you want to shoot. It works best when it is bright. Depending on lighting and clouds hold shutter open for 30 seconds to 4 minutes then close. Everything has to stay perfectly still. Go back to the dark room and take paper out to develop.