How a Camera Works

Using the site, How a Camera Works, answer the following questions. The answers to the questions are found on the page linked in each heading. For a printable worksheet, click here.

Teachers, you can click on the printable version link at the top of the How a Camera Works website and print it out as a handout if you do not have access to a computer lab.

1. Define the following key words from the article before beginning the scavenger hunt:
   1. Single Lens Reflex Camera (SLR)
   2. Subject
   3. Film
   4. Optical
   5. Chemical
   6. Mechanical
   7. Calibrate
   8. Lens
   9. Convex
   10. Concave
   11. Obtuse
   12. Diverging
   13. Converging
   14. Constant
   15. Acute
   16. Exposure Time
        

 Introduction to How Cameras Work
 

2. Of what three basic elements is a still film camera composed?

 Bending Light

3. What happens to light when it enters a lens? Explain.

  Focus

4. In what way does the distance of a subject from the lens affect the angle of light entering? Does light enter the lens at a sharper or wider angle if the object is close? Far away?
5. How does this affect the light exiting the lens? Does light exit the lens at a sharper or wider angle if the object is close? Far away?
6. How does this affect focus? Explain.

  Pinhole Cameras

7. How does a pinhole camera work?
8. How does a pinhole lens differ from the lens on a single lens reflex camera?

Go to the Pinhole Gallery and browse among the photos of other pinhole artists.