Solargraph cameras are a unique type of camera that captures the movement of the sun across the sky. These cameras consist of a piece of black and white photographic paper sealed inside a cylinder with a tiny pin hole drilled into the side. The camera is then placed in a secure location where it will remain undisturbed for days, weeks, or even months at a time.
The duration of time the camera is left to record is determined by the photographer, with options ranging from capturing a single day to an entire season. Experts recommend leaving the camera from solstice to solstice as the optimal timeframe.
Three solargraph cameras were set up on the roof of The Weather Network in Oakville, ON, between June 21 and December 21, 2023. Painted both inside and out in black to reduce reflections, these cameras were positioned facing south to track the Sun’s movement across the sky. However, it’s important to choose the location of the camera wisely as its appearance may make it susceptible to being taken or damaged if left in a public space.
While in place, sunlight passes through the pin hole to create a line of exposure on the photographic paper whenever
