about camp

Welcome!

Thank you for your interest in Camp Obscura. For years I had been working as a professional photographer and considered myself an artist, but it wasn't until I discovered the pinhole that I fell deeply in love with photography. I now have an understanding of my medium that perhaps a fine chef may have with his ingredients. Inspired by those that came before me, my hope is to share my renewed passion and vigor for the process with others. Adventures in Pinhole Photography and the Camera Obscura are designed to inspire, educate and awe those who participate.

Hope to see you there!

Jackie Mathey

What we cover in camp...

History of the Pinhole

The first Camera Obscura was documented by a Chinese philosopher in approximately 300B.C. Since then pinholes have been used in tribal rituals, to chart time, to develop optics, in art and in nuclear physics to image high-energy particles. At Camp Obscura we use the pinhole for fun and fascination. For some it may be art, for others perhaps part of a journey.

Building your own camera

Part of the beauty of pinhole photography is having a hand in the entire process of image making. Each camera has its own personality and unique qualities that can be planned or happily unexpected.

Camps differ in length and our building process changes to adapt to the time allotments. A shorter camp will have you build from a found object such as a tea tin or any container that can be darkened. The images captured with these vessels are as unique as the vessels are themselves and offer lots of freedom and experimentation. Photographic paper works very well in this situation and is typically the material used to create our negatives.

Camps that have the time will build a 4x5 super wide camera and get a hands on approach to the geometry of photography. Utilizing 4x5 film holders in these cameras offer more convenience in creating images in the field and perhaps a cleaner look than you might find for example, in a curved image from a tea tin which may have a more experimental style. It is in these camps that we have the time to explore different films and paper negatives however, black and white film is used for the majority of the imagery.

Creating Images

Each camp attempts to offer eventful image making opportunities to suit the time of year or the specific camp and campers. Santa Fe is located in the high plains desert of the southwest and cradled by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The area is rich in culture, beauty and history, not to mention amazing light that has inspired artists for generations. Our locations have varied from ancient ruins to local festivals, just to name a few. Often the best images are done right around town.

All film and paper is developed by camp participants with the exception of the occasional color film which is handled through a local lab. We digitally scan our negatives for quick viewing and a final slide show, while printing is done in the Cyanotype and/or Van Dyke processes. Participants can choose if they wish to include their images in the camp web site's gallery.

The Camera Obscura

Construct a camera obscura!

Each camp has the opportunity to experience being inside of a camera. Weather permitting, a camera obscura has been constructed by camp participants at a different location for each camp. A Music Studio, Hotel Bar and a Railroad Train Box Car are a few spaces that have seen the world upside down and backwards!

Camp Obscura in the Community

For years Jackie has been an active photography mentor in several of the local schools exciting kids about pinhole. She has also taught smaller camps through schools and other institutions including New Mexico's Children, Youth and Family Division. She strives to offer at least one Camera Obscura a year that is open to the community.