DAVIS COUNTY — For 2009, First National Bank decided they wanted a more unusual look at the world.

After six years of focusing on the work of local artists for their original annual calendar, the bank decided to highlight the pinhole camera photographs of Charles Trentelman and Larry Carr for their 2009 calendar. The photographs, made from cameras constructed out of cardboard boxes, seemed like a way to put a fresh spin on the bank’s nearly 40-year tradition.

“We loved the paintings and giving exposure to local artists, but we thought ‘Let’s just try something different,’” said Dawn Brandvold, vice president of Advertising and Relations. She oversees the creation of the calendar every year. “Afterward I was afraid that the response would be negative because it’s not our norm, but the response has all been positive.”

Pinhole photography involves photographs taken by a handmade camera with no lens and a single, very small aperture (the opening of a camera through which light is admitted). Pinhole cameras are often made with cardboard boxes (oatmeal boxes especially), with a piece of film or photographic paper wedged or taped into the other end.

The resulting photographs are, naturally, seen from a very small perspective, making the photographed object or environment look immense. Photographers can experiment with different exposure times to change the look of their photos.

“I think people have been very intrigued by it,” said Brandvold.

Despite the new art, however, it’s the calendar’s tradition that stands out the most strongly.

“About August, we start getting inquiries about what the calendar is going to be for the coming year,” said Brandvold. Free calendars are still available at First National Bank’s Bountiful branch, located at 207 S. Main. “I think the weight of so many years of tradition is enough to persuade the board of directors to spend the money.”

jwardell@davisclipper.com