Hi! Your blog is just awesome - really the one place that got me to want to start film photography. Now on that note I was hoping if you could help me out with a noob question - and I’m sure I might get some sort of flak from other readers but here: I figured I’d try my hands on pinhole photography but then I just couldn’t understand that thing about photographic paper. A friend dropped by and gave me a pack with inkjet written on it. I don’t know what to make of it. I’m lost, what should I be looking for? :D

October 23rd, 2010

Hi! Your blog is just awesome - really the one place that got me to want to start film photography. Now on that note I was hoping if you could help me out with a noob question - and I'm sure I might get some sort of flak from other readers but here: I figured I'd try my hands on pinhole photography but then I just couldn't understand that thing about photographic paper. A friend dropped by and gave me a pack with inkjet written on it. I don't know what to make of it. I'm lost, what should I be looking for? :D

wasteofficetime

Thank you! That’s great to hear :)

As for your question: first, inkjet paper is not photographic paper. Photograhic paper has been treated with silver nitrate to make it light sensitive and must be kept in the dark (black and white paper can be used under a red safelight). Photographic paper comes in fiber and RC (resin-coated). Companies that make photographic paper include Ilford, Kodak and Fuji. You can often buy it at photo stores that still sell film or order in online from B&H or K&M.

Second, pinhole cameras don’t have to be used with paper - it depends on the type of pinhole camera. Many use 35mm, medium and large format film. If you are doing the traditional oatmeal pinhole, then yes you would need photographic paper. You will also need a darkroom for developing.