What student participants say:
“Pinhole photography was one of the coolest science projects I've had so far in high school, I enjoyed every second.” – Sarah V. (Grade 10)
“Being able to add in a little bit of friendly competition with my classmates was tons of fun. We would take a photo of the same subject and then argue about who's turned out better and why.” – John C. (Grade 10)
“This project allowed me to take my creativity and my own ideas, and act on them. Perhaps even more than taking photos, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed developing them in the darkroom.” – Maria M. (Grade 9)
Pinhole Photography Camp for students entering grades 6-12
- Seattle's Georgetown Steam Plant
- Monday, July 7 – Saturday, July 12, 2025
- 10 am - 4 pm
Participants build their own pinhole cameras and learn how to use the black & white photographic darkroom on site to develop their own photographs. The Pinhole Photography project is designed to be fun while engaging physics, chemistry, and producing tangible results (a portfolio of photographs), as well as promoting:
- Creativity: students explore the photographic and artistic process, applying their own ideas about how they might do something different or better the next time.
- Critical Thinking: analyze information, evaluate ideas, and make informed decisions.
- Problem-Solving Skills: identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and implement them, fostering adaptability and resilience to facing challenges.
- Collaboration: The pinhole photography project produces and celebrates some individual accomplishments, yet to achieve a satisfying level of mastery in the process we encourage students to work together, share ideas, and learn from each other.
The location of the Georgetown Steam Plant and surrounding outdoor area visually inspires students with its photogenic, industrial-age architecture and design, which truly represent the original “Steam-Punk.” Students will explore the Georgetown Steam Plant as a scientific, technologic, historic, and creative space.
