Inside the Light: the pinhole camera
Analogue photography workshop for 13–18 year olds
A 6-lesson course to discover the purest essence of photography, created with light, time and a simple box with a pin hole.
The workshop will introduce participants to the world of analogue photography using the pinhole camera, a fascinating device that shows how light behaves and how an image is formed in a very immediate and intuitive way.
We will build a camera from scratch, experiment by taking photos without using lenses, access a darkroom to develop the prints and learn to see the world around us, step by step, with a more discerning and educated eye.
At the end of the course there will be an exhibition showcasing the works produced during the workshop.
By enrolling in the first lesson, the participant will be automatically registered for the entire duration of the course.
In collaboration with Ambra D’Atri.
Introduction to analogue photography
- Friday 16 January 2026 at 17:30 - 19:30
We will explore the history of photography, focusing on the principles of analogue photography and the importance of light in forming an image. This first lesson will help participants to develop an inquisitive and discerning approach before moving on to hands-on experimentation.
Making a pinhole camera
- Friday 23 January 2026 at 17:30 - 19:30
Each participant will make and customise their own pinhole camera, turning a simple box into a unique photographic device. By building a camera with their own hands they will gain an in-depth understanding of the magic of photography.
First photo and darkroom techniques
- Friday 30 January 2026 at 17:30 - 19:30
After loading the photosensitive paper, we will take our first picture and then learn about the crucial developing and fixing processes. We will watch the image slowly appear on the paper – always a thrilling moment, even for experienced photographers.
Experiments and advanced developing
- Friday 13 February 2026 at 17:30 - 19:30
We will repeat the shooting and developing process, analysing the previous results and experimenting with new perspectives and exposure times. This stage will enable us to refine our technique and discover how a pinhole camera can be used in creative and unexpected ways.
Editing, selection and planning an exhibition
- Friday 20 February 2026 at 17:30 - 19:30
The prints created so far will be assessed as a group, followed by editing work and planning of the final exhibition. The goal is to understand how a series of images can be transformed into a coherent and engaging story.
Final exhibition and work showcase
- Friday 27 February 2026 at 17:30 - 19:30
We will set up the final exhibition, bringing together all the prints produced during the workshop. This will provide an opportunity to share the progress made and assess the work of each participant.
