Pinhole photography before 1893

This photogravure, attributed to F.C. Lambert, showcases pinhole photography. The process involves a simple handmade camera, a lens-tube and a small opening made of ferrotype sheet metal or black paper. The image is deeply affected by its method of production. Its soft focus is a result of the pinhole, and the exposure time had to be carefully calibrated according to the size of the hole and the distance of the plate. This was labor intensive! The article opposite the picture offers a number of ratios for measuring the hole and distance, offering a series of areas as 4, 3, 2 and 1. Consider how this reflects a pre-digital sensibility. The image gains value from its laborious production process and handcrafted aesthetic, a far cry from the instantaneity and mass production of modern photography. It's a testament to the value of craft within the broader spectrum of visual art.