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SunApr 27

World Pinhole Photography Day – April 27, 2025

World Pinhole Photography Day falls on the last Sunday in April annually and this year it is celebrated on April 27. This day aims to explore the art of pinhole photography by either choosing it as a hobby or profession. Experts share different techniques to help beginners learn more about this unique and ancient type of photography. World Pinhole Photography Day is created to promote the essence of pinhole photography. People are encouraged to engage in pinhole photography and take some amazing pictures.

History of World Pinhole Photography Day

The history of how World Pinhole Photography Day started is unclear, but most sources claim that it started as far back as April 2001. However, the history of pinhole photography is way more elaborate and goes back centuries.

The first-ever description of pinhole photography dates back to 1856 in a book called “The Stereoscopes” by Scottish inventor David Brewster, but the principle of the pinhole has been known for ages. In the 4th century, Aristotle mentioned that light shining through an opening between the leaves of a tree gives a projection of the sun on the ground. In the 14th century, different scientists began to use this technique to study solar eclipses and wavelengths of light. The use of the pinhole in art by Leonardo Da Vinci took place in the 15th century when he explained how one can trace an image from a transparent screen. Scientists started to suffer from blindness when they looked directly at the sun through their pinhole telescopes. In order to prevent eye damage, they started using a camera obscura in order to study the projected image of the sun.

Finally, in 1839, the official invention of photography in the form of the daguerreotype took place and the most famous pinhole picture was taken in 1890 by George Davison.

World Pinhole Photography Day timeline

5th century B.C
Early Founder

The founder of Mohism, Mozi, is the first one to explore the concept of the pinhole.

1000 A.D.
Ibn al-Haytham

Ibn al-Haytham studies the pinhole concept and somewhat understands it.

1088
Experiment with camera obscura

Shen Kuo experiments with camera obscura and is the first to apply geometrical and quantitative attributes to it in his writings.

1826
Permanent Image

Nicéphore Niépce creates the first-ever permanent image using camera obscura.

World Pinhole Photography Day FAQs

When was pinhole photography invented?

In 1856, a Scottish scientist named David Brewster officially invented pinhole photography.

What is a pinhole in photography?

According to “Smashing Magazine”: “A pinhole camera is a simple camera without a lens and with a single small aperture — effectively a light-proof box with a small hole on one side. Light from a scene passes through this single point and projects an inverted image on the opposite side of the box.”

Why does a small hole in a pinhole camera give a sharp image?

“The pinhole in a pinhole camera acts as the lens. The pinhole forces every point emitting light in the scene to form a small point on the film, so the image is crisp,” according to HowStuffWorks.

World Pinhole Photography Day Activities

  1. Make a pinhole camera

    Yes, it may seem like making a camera is complicated, unless it's a pinhole camera. You can find various simple ways of making your own pinhole camera on the internet.

  2. Take part in a competition

    If you already have your pinhole camera, grab it and capture some epic shots and submit your entry in various competitions taking place. Simply get creative with your photography.

  3. Learn about pinhole photography

    What's better than allocating the day to learn about this less explored genre of photography! Look for tips and tricks about pinhole photography shared by experts on the internet.

5 Facts About World Pinhole Photography Day

  1. The first concept of camera obscura

    Mozi, a Chinese philosopher, was the first to introduce the concept of camera obscura.

  2. First photograph

    In the Burgundy region of France, the first photograph was taken in 1816 by Nicéphore Niépce.

  3. Colored photograph

    In 1861, James Clerk Maxwell from Scotland created the first-ever colored photograph.

  4. Human photography

    Louis Daguerre captured the first photograph of a human.

  5. First selfie

    Robert Cornelius was the first person to capture his own photo — this was the first-ever selfie.

Why We Love World Pinhole Photography Day

  1. It explores the forgotten genre

    World Pinhole Photography Day is an opportunity to explore this less-explored genre of pinhole photography and encourage people to learn about this type of photography.

  2. The pinhole camera requires less effort

    Pinhole cameras are easy to use because of their simple structure. Thus, exploring this camera is way easier and less complicated as compared to other digital cameras. Almost anyone can use such cameras and create amazing pictures.

  3. It encourages creativity

    World Pinhole Photography Day encourages people to get creative with their photography by using a simple lensless camera. This day aims to inspire people to celebrate the joy of simple creativity.

World Pinhole Photography Day dates

Year Date Day
2022 April 24 Sunday
2023 April 30 Sunday
2024 April 28 Sunday
2025 April 27 Sunday