I've been working with some kids at a school, making and using pinhole camaras. Today, we got the first paper neg developed. Starting with a cardboard box, painting it black inside and taping all the gaps, making a perfect pinhole in some ali from a drinks can, loading it with 10x8 photographic paper, making a 5 minute exposure, and finally, today, developing the neg.
It's all a bit hit and miss this pinhole thing. Both the teacher and I were worrying that after all this time and effort we'd be rewarded with a blank sheet of paper. I decided to set expectations. "How do you think it'll come out", I asked. "Rubbish" he said. Perfect! As we didn't have a darkroom available, we were working with a developing tube next to the art room sink. After developing in DV10, stopping and fixing it, I was delighted to look into and see an image. He was thrilled too. "Can I take it home?" he asked, beaming. Success!