Northwind Art

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, students will construct a functional camera, learn the fundamentals of pinhole photography, and create images before developing them together in a makeshift darkroom.

This streamlined approach makes the process approachable 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.

Students will have the option to develop their 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.

Each student will leave with their 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.

TOTAL COST: $120

Course Fee: $80

Non-refundable Materials Fee: $40

LEVEL: Beginner to Intermediate

AGE GROUP: Ages 15+, 10+ with an accompanying adult

SUPPLY INFORMATION

All required supplies are included, including camera-building materials, photographic paper, and chemistry for use during the workshop.

Students are welcome to bring their own drink cans and shoeboxes if they’d like to experiment with their own materials.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Jen Cohen (USA) and Martin Vanners (The Netherlands) are internationally experienced pinhole photographers and educators. Together, they have led pinhole photography workshops and experiences for more than 1,000 participants across the United States and Europe. 

Their work includes collaborations with international photography conferences, art schools, historical sites, nonprofit organizations, and Pinsta Camera. Their pinhole photography has been exhibited at Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Gallery, The Grover Gallery, Unique Photo, and the Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, and featured in photography magazines including Forum, Dialogue, Shots, and Analog Forever.

Artists' websites: @martin_vanners, Raw Art Collective, @therawartcollective, @pinstafanatics

CANCELLATION POLICY

Please email admin@northwindart.org if you wish to withdraw or for more information.