The Lens Workshop

Yesterday we partook in a workshop all about camera lenses, how they work and how they have been adapted for different cameras.
It was interesting to look at the development of SLR and DSLR cameras, in relation to how all the different lenses work with them.

As a group, we created a camera obscura in the photography studio, which was interesting to see and look at. We also had a chance to create our own mini cameras using lenses we had brought along and attaching them to a makeshift camera to reflect an image from outside, using just the lens and natural light from the window.

I worked in a group with Nina, Luca and Junaid. We used a camera lens that Junaid had brought along, and build a camera around it. The picture below shows what it looked like from the back. We placed tracing paper inside the box for the image to be projected onto, and then as the image was being projected in a circle, we cut a circle out of the back to stop unnecessary light getting in the way and not making the picture appear as bright.

the box we build to support our lens

the lens and camera from the front

to get an image projected we have to face the lens outside to gain the natural light 

The images above show how we built the box around the lens. In order to get an image from outside projected onto the tracing paper inside, we have to place the lens to face natural light in order to be able to see anything. Then, whatever the lens is focused on outside, that is what we see being projected onto the tracing paper.

the projected image inside the box

This particular image shows what is projected, and what it looks like. As there is no mirror to transform the image, it appears upside down. However, you can see from the use of natural light it appears bright. We had to make sure the tracing paper was placed accurately in order for the image to be in focus, which we found through trial and error.

I think this workshop was really useful to gain a better understanding of how lenses work, and the importance of knowing how to use them in order to take better photos. I really enjoyed making the camera obscura and having a go at making our own using the lenses. It was really interesting to see the images being reflected so easily, and I will definitely have a go at making my own pinhole camera and attempting to capture some photographs using it.