Since its inception in 1999, the Pinhole Project has been a standout presence at Burning Man. A group of dedicated photographers, they employ the age-old technique of pinhole photography to capture the essence of the festival. Their choice of equipment is fascinating: they use 12 cameras made from 50-gallon cardboard barrels, designed to expose 30 x 40-inch sheets of gelatin silver paper. In the midst of the desert, they've set up a makeshift darkroom within a shipping container. Each year, they produce about a hundred photos, offering a unique, almost ethereal view of the festivities, which are then showcased around the playa. Black Rock City, Nevada, undergoes a magical transformation each summer. Thousands flock to this barren desert, turning it into a vibrant hub for artists, dancers, and free spirits. Among them is the Pinhole Project team. Originating from the simple desire of four festival-goers in 1999, this initiative has since evolved in both its technical prowess and its role in the Burning Man community. What makes pinhole photography so compelling, especially in such a dynamic environment, is its ability to capture a unique stillness amidst chaos. For many, it answers questions about the nature of documenting experiences at Burning Man. The overarching goal of the Pinhole Project? To give attendees a different lens through which to view the raw creativity and radical self-expression that defines this iconic event. https://pinholeproject.org/
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The Pinhole Project

Photo by: Duncan Rawlinson

Year: 2023

Image Caption: 

Since its inception in 1999, the Pinhole Project has been a standout presence at Burning Man. A group of dedicated photographers, they employ the age-old technique of pinhole photography to capture the essence of the festival. Their choice of equipment is fascinating: they use 12 cameras made from 50-gallon cardboard barrels, designed to expose 30 x 40-inch sheets of gelatin silver paper. In the midst of the desert, they've set up a makeshift darkroom within a shipping container. Each year, they produce about a hundred photos, offering a unique, almost ethereal view of the festivities, which are then showcased around the playa. Black Rock City, Nevada, undergoes a magical transformation each summer. Thousands flock to this barren desert, turning it into a vibrant hub for artists, dancers, and free spirits. Among them is the Pinhole Project team. Originating from the simple desire of four festival-goers in 1999, this initiative has since evolved in both its technical prowess and its role in the Burning Man community. What makes pinhole photography so compelling, especially in such a dynamic environment, is its ability to capture a unique stillness amidst chaos. For many, it answers questions about the nature of documenting experiences at Burning Man. The overarching goal of the Pinhole Project? To give attendees a different lens through which to view the raw creativity and radical self-expression that defines this iconic event. https://pinholeproject.org/

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