Each year at the end of April, pinhole photography enthusiasts around the world celebrate the Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day. The goal is to promote and celebrate the art of pinhole (lensless) photography. And being a person who is passionate about pinhole photography, I feel it is my duty to help spread the news to others who might not know about this art form. For those of you who don't know this side of me, In the past years I have created a number of homemade pinhole cameras, showcased monthly pinhole photographer features on my website as well as creating my own collection of pinhole photos on my blog, old website, and on Flickr. The idea of making your own camera, then using that camera to create art with has always fascinated me. And when done right it's hard to tell that a lens wasn't used to create the image you're looking at.
Pinholga pinhole self-portrait of Chris Keeney, Ultra running through Noble Canyon, San Diego, Southern California

Another hobby of mine is ultrarunning (long distance trail running) and San Diego County is full of great places to run. One of my favorite ultrarunning trails is in Noble Canyon, which is located in the Cleveland National Forest, San Diego, Southern California. Since most runs can be over 15 miles long, it's necessary to carry your own water. There's a number of ways to carry water, but I use a hydration backpack and that's where I store my pinholga camera that was used to create the image above. While I'm running I'm focusing on the trail in front of me, but I also have an eye out for possible pinhole shot. For the picture above, I placed the camera in a yucca plant, then stood over the top of the camera and made the exposure. Since the exposure was about 3-4 seconds and I was moving, I appear to be blended into the oak tree that were above and behind me.
This is really interesting. I am glad I found this place. I guess it is true, We really do learn something new everyday!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010