A pinhole camera is a simple device that doesn’t have a lens like a modern camera. Instead, it has a small aperture within a light-proof box. The light from a scene passes through the aperture and projects an inverted image on the opposite side of the box. This effect is known as the camera obscura effect.

Pinhole cameras are some of the earliest cameras ever created, and they are so iconic that people still experiment with them to this day. Pinhole cameras are even celebrated with their own holiday—a holiday known as World Pinhole Photography Day, celebrated on the last Sunday in April every year.

The History of World Pinhole Photography Day

It is believed that World Pinhole Photography Day dates back to April of 2001. Unfortunately, no one knows why it was placed on this date or who invented this holiday. We will continue to search for the origins of this holiday, but until we do, everyone will have to be content with what we know about it. Someone out there invented this holiday, and we would sincerely like to know who that person was.

Observing World Pinhole Photography Day

World Pinhole Photography Day can be observed simply by taking the time to make your own pinhole camera or by joining some of the pinhole photography groups that exist around the world. People can also take the time to enjoy the photography of artists who specialize in pinhole photography, such as Nuala Mahon, Walter Crump, Chelin Miller, and Sylvia Sampson. Photographs taken using pinhole cameras can also be posted online using the hashtag #WorldPinholePhotographyDay. Let’s all see the masterpieces that can be created using these simple cameras.