Jan Kapoor - September 2010 Featured Pinhole Photographer

Monday, September 27, 2010

Jan Kapoor is a pinhole (lensless) photographer living in Georgia, United States and she is the September 2010 CK pinhole photographer feature on chriskeeney.com.

"I have been involved in fine art photography for many years, my primary interests being landscape, natural abstraction and still life. I print extensively in alternative processes including cyanotype and platinum/palladium, and have been drawn to specialize in pinhole imagery for more than twenty years. Pinhole, or “lensless” photography offers a vision of the world that cannot be seen with the human eye in “real time.” As the camera gathers light slowly, time flows on, imbuing the final image with the fourth, unseen dimension of time. To the photographer, the making of pinhole images is an unparalleled magical adventure: there is usually not a viewfinder; only long familiarity with a particular camera will let the artist form an idea of the final image, but the element of surprise is always there and always fascinating. Pinhole photography can also satisfy the craftsman in an artist, as many cameras are handmade by their users.

I explore the world as seen through a variety of pinhole cameras, including the Pinhole Blender Mini 120, which is a metal container about 3 inches in diameter with a tight-fitting lid, and has a single pinhole. This camera uses 120mm film which is wound on about 1/3 of a turn after each exposure so that each exposure merges partially into the next, blending not only images but also space and time. Other favorite cameras include the ZeroImage Multi format 6 x 12, The Finney 4x5, and various Santa Barbara cameras, especially the 5x7. I have also of course made several cameras, including the 6-pinhole HexCam; a 5x7 made from a Kodak photo paper box; and assorted sizes and shapes from black matt board, foam core and available containers. Once you start making cameras, you can’t stop with just one!

Dreamtime is a series of still life images, made with a 3-pinhole camera, which imaginatively blend disparate and/or associated elements to suggest a dreamlike story or idea.

The images from Ossabaw Island (a remote barrier island off the coast of Georgia) were made using two different pinhole cameras: the Pinhole Blender Mini 120, and the ZeroImage MultiFormat with switchable pinhole/zoneplate apertures. Next trip, I’m planning to try the 5x7 format as well; I find that long, narrow formats very effectively evoke the feeling of limitless serene space I experience on Ossabaw and other barrier islands."

CK → There are places in the world that are so beautiful, they deserve to stay that way. Jan's pinhole photos of Ossabaw Island remind me of these places. When you walk through these landscapes you become at peace with yourself and your surroundings. You begin to hear the sound of the trees swaying in the wind, birds chirping and the sound of the surf in the distance. Mixed in with the Ossabaw Island photos are some inspired Pinhole Blender photos. I enjoy how Jan creates visual narative which makes me think of poetry I'v read. Thank you Jan, it is an honor and a pleasure to have your words and photos part of this series. Keep those visual poems coming! -Chris

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Title: Down To The Sea- Pinhole Blender (lensless) photo