Monday, August 10, 2009

San Diego through the eyes of Ms. Holga.

An explanation. The last time I posted my Holga shots. I had questions. What's a Holga? Did you add those vignettes? I had those same questions when I was first introduced to Jonathan Canlas's photography.

I saw his Holga shots and knowing he only shoots with film, thought.. what kind of camera is he using?

The answer? The Holga. A toy camera. Seriously a plastic light little toy camera. Mine doesn't have a flash. As silly as it sounds it doesn't really have any controls, or the ability to zoom. No f-stops, no focusing. It has a little button that you click to take the pictures. Sure you have to figure out how close to stand to your subject. What kind of film you like. But once you get the hang of it. (Which really isn't too hard.) You get killer results. And I'm sorry, but when you shoot with film, it looks awesome straight out of the camera. You're not spending time in photo shop correcting. These images look like this when they're handed to me at the lab.

I get my vibrant colors from cross-processing, and always shooting in the bright sunlight. The vignettes are built into the camera. Some Holga's have light leak problems. I have been lucky with mine. Some people really like that look though. But do you want to know the best part? This camera only cost me 15 bucks. But before you run out and buy one, you should know that the film is expensive. The processing and scanning are on the expensive side. I luckily work for a photography lab and get an employee discount. But I would say a roll of film to buy, develop, and scan is around 10-15 bucks each. (I buy a more expensive slide film.) With only 12 shots on the roll, it can get a bit pricey.

So I usually only use my Holga for special occasions. Birthdays, weddings, trips. But I really can't complain, this is one of those really satisfying hobbies. This is the last of the pictures from our trip to San Diego.


14 comments:

april said...

dear caitlin, thank you so much for this post. i always liked pictures from toy cameras...a friend send me also a book with wonderful toy camera photos..i like especially the light and the atmosphere in this pictures. i'm in love. and yes, you convinced me ;-) now i'm going to look where i can find a holga here in switzerland. i like my camera. but sometimes it's just too big and heavy to take with me. i don't understand exactly what cross-processing means, maybe i can ask in a photo shop. which films do you use and like? wish you a wonderful week*

Anonymous said...

Wow. Those photos are amazing. I love the colours, the light, the atmosphere, everything in those photos. I really want to have a holga now! I'm sure it's worth all the money the films and processing cost when you get photos like that! At least when you don't use it all the time;)

la ninja said...

amazing colours, very 70's Acapulco, right?
love the style and the settings, so dreamy...

Ida/FarEastLogbook said...

I'm so in love with your Ms. Holga. Beautiful, beautiful pictures!!

Vanessa/NessieNoodle said...

fantastic use of this camera! holga and beach photography seem to be made for each other.

you wokr for a photolab?! nice.

where did you get your holga, I have been thinking to get one and am not sure where to get one.

Anonymous said...

Love em!

s

Traveling Mama said...

These came from a Holga?? Amazing!!! Love them! My husband is now giving me additional info on the Holga. I'm such a newbie!

melissa said...

thanks for the lesson. A toy camera? Who would've thunk?

;) said...

Intersting post on the Holga's eye !! and yours ;) I like the pisctures you made !!! It's a kind of first photography lesson ;) What's is important in photography : the eye ;) of the photographer !

Anonymous said...

Once again - beautiful shots! Your subjects are always original and fresh.

P.S. said...

I cannot even tell you how much I love these shots. From the colors to the composition, I am in love!
Fav's are the green leaves and the red stripped food cart.

kristina - no penny for them said...

hi caitlin, love your holga shots! and you are right - film's just amazing, i love it. and i love cross-processing. come to think of it, i haven't done that for a while.
-- and off she went to buy some film...

rYLeE & KaTiE said...

Ok, it took me FOREVER to comment- but these are THE BOMB!!!! Seriously, I love them!!!!!! My lateness in telling you so hopefully won't overshadow my adoration for these holgas. Way to go girl... You are SO talented!

Kaylovesvintage said...

amazing...the photos are so beautiful.......I love you Ms Holga