Celebrate Pinhole Photography Day with a DIY Camera Project

Bond, learn, and snap memories together—one handmade photo at a time.

Looking for a unique, screen-free activity to spark curiosity and creativity? April 30 is Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day, and it’s the perfect excuse to dive into a fun hands-on project that turns a simple box into a working camera!

This old-school-meets-science craft is easy to do at home, teaches kids about the basics of photography, and offers a wonderful way to slow down and make memories—literally.

Here’s how you and your child can build a pinhole camera and experience the magic of capturing light with a homemade lens.

What You’ll Need

Chances are, you already have most of these materials around the house!

• A small cardboard box or oatmeal canister with a lid
  
  
• Black paint or black construction paper (to make the inside lightproof)
  
  
• Aluminum foil
  
  
• A sewing needle or pin
  
  
• Electrical tape or black duct tape
  
  
• Wax paper or photo paper (if you want to develop images later)
  
  
• Rubber band (optional, for securing paper)

Step-by-Step: How to Build Your Own Pinhole Camera

Step 1: Paint It Black

Paint the inside of your box or canister black. This prevents unwanted light from bouncing around and ruining your image.

Step 2: Make the “Shutter”

Cut a small square (about 1 inch) out of one side of the box. Cover the hole with a piece of aluminum foil and tape it in place. Then, carefully poke a tiny hole in the center using a needle or pin. This is your camera’s lens!

Step 3: Create a View Screen

Cut a square of wax paper and tape it to the inside opposite the pinhole. This will act as your screen so you can see a faint, upside-down image appear when light passes through.

Want to take it up a notch? Replace the wax paper with photo paper and place your box in a dark room to expose and develop your image the classic way (you'll need developer chemicals and a safe light for this step—but it's a great next-level science experiment!).

Step 4: Make It Light-Tight

Seal all edges of the box with black tape. You want it completely lightproof—except for your pinhole.

Step 5: Take It Outside

On a sunny day, take your pinhole camera outside. Let your child point it at the world around them. On the wax paper, you’ll see a dim but real-time image of whatever’s in front of the pinhole—upside down and magical!

Why It’s Worth It

This isn’t just a craft—it’s an experience. Your child will:

• Learn about the science of light and optics
• Practice patience and problem-solving
• Explore the history of photography in a hands-on way
• Enjoy some tech-free creative time with you

Plus, it’s an amazing bonding activity. Talk about the science behind cameras, take turns capturing light, and even write a journal entry about what they saw.

Keep the Creativity Going

Turn this into a full afternoon of learning:

• Compare your DIY camera to a smartphone camera. What’s the difference in how images are captured?
  
  
• Research the history of pinhole photography—did you know the concept dates back to ancient China and Greece?
  
  
• Make it an art project! Draw or paint what you saw on the wax paper.

Capture More Than Photos—Capture Memories

In a world full of digital everything, making something with your hands feels even more special. A pinhole camera is simple, educational, and just the right kind of messy fun that invites curiosity and connection.

Don’t forget to celebrate your mini photographer’s creation on April 30 by sharing a pic of your pinhole camera or what you created together! 📸

And for more creative, educational activities to enjoy with your child, check out your local flyers on Peachjar—your go-to for enriching events and programs in your community.