Sara Scribner's Camera Obscura: Building the camera and using it on location

Phase 1: Taping side panel of used wine box back on main part of camera obscura to enclose/create the corridor of the camera obscura.

Phase 2: Creating a screen by pulling a plastic bag from Tesco taut over a constructed box of leftover material that fits snug in the camera but is easily moved forward and backward to adjust or focus the camera obscura.

Phase 3: Cutting a hole in the center of the end of the corridor to fit the lens; then ready to slide in the screen and fold flaps over to create a smaller opening for a darkened corridor. 

Photo #1: Church steeple ruin and surrounding stone wall at Old Logie Kirk just off of U of Stirling campus at 2:35pm 6/15/2011; overcast, cloudy skies

Photo #2: Church wall ruins (inside gate/walled area) at Old Logie Kirk just off of U of Stirling campus at 2:43pm, 6/15/2011; overcast/cloudy skies

Photo #3: Headstones in Logie Kirk (or Cathedral) graveyard 5 minute walk from edge of U of Stirling campus at 2:56pm 6/15/2011; overcast, cloudy skies

Summary of Construction:

Difficulties I encountered in the construction of my camera obscura were blocking out the light inside its corridor, creating a screen that would easily slide inside the corridor, making the screen taut, and cutting a round hole at the end of the corridor for the lens. Since I resized a wine box and replaced one panel on the side, there were two edges that allowed light to stream into the corridor. This issue was resolved by simply taping another piece of cardboard over these gaps. Since I manipulated the shape of the original box, I had to measure the box dimensions and create a cardboard rectangle that would fit and slide easily within the camera obscura. This proved difficult, but after several attempts and resizing, I succeeded. A screen that is completely taut is difficult, however the finished product was fairly wrinkle-free and it worked well while using the camera obscura. Cutting a round hole to fit the lens was also difficult, but, again, I was satisfied with the finished product.