Frequently aks questions

The camera is a simple pinhole camera, or camera obscura. It works without any lens or electronics. Light enters through a tiny hole and hits light-sensitive photo paper. The longer the exposure, the greater the contrast in the image. The picture forms slowly and entirely through analog means.

The colorful lines are caused by the movement of the sun during the exposure period – a phenomenon known as solargraphy. The sun’s daily path is recorded as a light trail directly on the photo paper. Depending on weather, time of day, and exposure length, these lines may appear continuous or broken. Their color and intensity depend on the photo paper used and the lighting conditions. These sun trails give many of the project’s images their distinctive appearance.

No. Participation is possible without any experience. You don’t need technical knowledge or a background in photography. Just place the camera and send it back to us after exposure – we’ll handle the rest. Because it’s so easy, the project is also a great activity to do with children.

In summer, 7 days are usually enough; in winter, around 14 days. Indoors, longer exposures are required – often several weeks. Overexposure isn’t possible with this method. The more time, the more light is captured. Patience pays off.

Yes, you can. Exposure time will be significantly longer. Be sure to place the camera in a stable position. Window sills with indirect light work especially well.

Then exposure starts earlier than planned. In most cases, that’s no problem. The tape can usually be reapplied. Sometimes it comes off during transport – again, not a big issue, as the packaging is semi lightproof and protects the paper from overexposure. Just make sure to store the camera in a dark place until you’re ready to begin the actual exposure.

No, the original negative is destroyed during scanning. The scanner uses a light bar that fully exposes the photo paper. This happens as the digital version is created. The final image is the only version that remains. Because this process cannot be repeated, great care and experience are essential when digitizing.

Yes, you may use your own image commercially. We just ask that you credit the project The 7th Day and your image number when doing so.
You’ll also gain access to the full archive, where thousands of images by other participants are stored. These may only be used non-commercially – for personal or educational purposes. For all other uses, please contact the original creator for permission.

Animals, weather, or dust may affect your result. Birds might peck the pinhole or spiders could build webs in front of the camera – these unexpected interactions will influence the final image. This is not a flaw, but part of the process. Nature, time, and surroundings play an important role in making each photo unique and often surprising.

It depends on several factors: season, light direction, and especially the photo paper used. We use different types of paper, each reacting differently to light. The duration and intensity of the exposure also influence contrast and color – sometimes dramatically. That’s why the results often have striking, unexpected hues.

Yes, some cameras in the project have been exposed for up to 8 years. The image quality doesn’t deteriorate – the paper reacts gradually and continuously. The key is that the camera remains securely in place. Long exposures are not only possible but welcomed.

Open the camera in dim light. Place the photo paper into the black envelope provided. Then put that into the white return envelope and mail it to us. We’ll scan your image professionally and upload it to our digital archive.