top of page

Room Obscuras

Bringing the Outside In

We encourage you to black out a room and project an inverted image of the outside world onto your walls and ceilings by letting in light through a small hole in your blackout material.

The experience can be enjoyed by all, and the projected image can be photographed with a long exposure using a digital camera. This is a great opportunity to combine 21st century innovation and creativity with a 3000 year old technique.

For inspiration have a look at room projections by Abelardo Morell (the master at this sort of thing), the wonderful Marja Pirila, or Chris Fraser.

Materials required:

  • Cardboard from a large box

  • Gaffer tape, pins or bluetack for fixing card

  • Digital camera / phone which does time exposures. (optional)

Room Obscura - Hole

Download our guide on how to make a room camera obscura using a hole Here

Room Obscura - Lens

Download our guide on making a room camera obscura using a lens Here

More detailed video by Di Stoppard from the Whangarei Camera Obscura New Zealand. (Be aware the window used in the northern hemisphere should face North).

How to Build a Camera Obscura Room

How to Build a Camera Obscura Room

Play Video

How to make a cereal box, hand held obscura. Download instructions Here

Camera Obscura FAQs

Where can we get the lens?

In the materials pack we sent out to participants or you can search on google for plastic wallet magnifiers or 1 diopter lenses to buy online.

Can we get more materials packs?

yes we can send out some more packs - email in with your address to realphotographycompany@gmail.com

Room Obscura Gallery

Images by: Alex Grove, Liz Hammond, Ruth Jacobs, Patrick Roger-Jones, Wendy Leocque, Sebastian Michnowicz,
Justin Quinnell, Andy Sherlock and Sophie Sherwood.

bottom of page