The Holga Darkroom

New Holga Photo and Call for Entries Reminder!

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 14:58:00 +0000

Revelstoke, BC, Sept 2012
Holga 120 TLR with Ilford HP5 Film

Now that the holidays are winding down, don't forget to enter two of the biggest annual toy camera shows around!

The deadline for the Soho Photo Krappy Kamera show is December 31 - View details here
The deadline for the Rayko Plastic Camera Show is January 4 - View details here

Chicago Does Holga Exhibition!

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 13:48:00 +0000

Here is yet another great Holga show to check out if you are in the Chicago area!

Friday, October 12, 2012 to Sunday, October 28, 2012

The Chicago Photography Center proudly presents Chicago Does Holga exhibition, a collection of outstanding images created by nationally renowned photographers, including Chicago Holga Artist Jerry Cargill, who use the Holga camera as their artistic outlet.

I loved Chicago when I visited there briefly, and so did my Holga. Some of my favorite shots ever were taken there:

Also, as part of the Holga 30th Anniversary celebration, I have a brief cameo in this video - I am excited to be included, and a part of such a great community - Long live Holga!

Don't Miss the Holga 30th Anniversary Exhibitions!

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 16:36:00 +0000

If you are in New York or San Francisco, be sure to catch the Holga 30th Anniversary Exhibition! I would love to be there of course, but they are both just a bit too far away from me. NY would be possible but the timing doesn't work for me. You may see me make a video appearance though! :)

Call for Entries - Holga Out of the Box

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 18:25:00 +0000

Holga Out of the Box (on creativity that is)

2nd Annual International Call for Entry Photography Competition

Deadline August 17, 2012

Juror: Michael Kenna

Our 2nd Annual Holga Out of the Box call for entry is now under way with renowned photographer Michael Kenna as the juror. Show us your best Holga image. Out of the box refers to creativity - not modifications. It is open to amateur and professional photographers around the globe that use a Holga camera or an element of it.

Holga Out of the Box opens October 5 and continues through November 30, 2012 here at TCC PHOTO |GALLERY located at 207 N. Center St., Longview, TX 75601.

Michael Kenna said this about the Holga, “It has been liberating to snap away with plastic Holgas - they are fun and whimsical - perfect antidotes to ponderous, previsualization! I have used sturdy, predictable and professional Hasselblad cameras for almost three decades now - but, they don't fit into pockets easily. I often take along Holgas as more easy going companions. In our current, instant gratification digital
world, they keep us guessing, which seems to me to be a good thing. I heartily recommend occasionally leaving behind your usual equipment of choice - have a date with Holga - you just never know what you'll discover together.”

Mr. T. M. Lee invented the Holga 30 years ago this October. Did you know they now sell at least 200,000 Holgas around the world each year, but it did not start out that way. Luckily for Holga some Austrian photographers got a hold of a couple of Holgas and held an exhibition. Everyone fell in love with the images the plastic camera produced. I'd love to know who those photographers are. Read more about Holga's 30th Celebration here: http://www.hktdc.com/info/mi/a/hkti/en/1X07WR6L/1/Hong-Kong-Trader-International-Edition/Vintage-View.htm I am thrilled that the Holga Out of the Box exhibition coincides with Holgaʼs 30th Anniversary celebration.

Deadline
Deadline for Holga Out of the Box call for entry is August 17, 2012.

Entry Fees
The entry fee of $35 for up to 5 images. Photographers may enter up to 10 images only at $5 each additional.

Prizes
Holga Out of the Box exhibit will consist of 25 prints in the physical gallery with an additional 25 images included in the online gallery, totaling 50 images selected.

Best of Show - $500 plus a Holga TLR
2nd Place -" $250 plus a Holga N
3rd Place -" $150 plus a Holga N

About TCC PHOTO | GALLERY
We are the only fine art photography gallery in North East Texas, specifically in Longview, TX. TCC was first a commercial studio, then in 2006 we opened the gallery with the inaugural exhibit of Muhammad Ali, photographs by Sonia Katchian. We were the first US gallery to host the Holga Inspire exhibit in 2009. We have also shown, Dan Burkholder, Dennis Fagan, O. Rufus Lovett, Scott C. Campbell, Blue Earth Alliance
photographers, Polly Chandler, Mary Ann Lynch, Laura Pickett Calfee, Pat Brown, Danea Males, TCC, Orville Robertson, John Wrather, Tami Bone, Texas Photographic Society and Susan Burnstine.

For more information please visit the website at http://tccphoto.com/gallery/holgacfe.html

Upcoming Calls for Entry - Holga and Toy Camera shows

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:59:00 +0000

Don't forget to get your entries in! Here are two upcoming calls for entry from some big annual shows that you don't want to miss!

Click Here for more information

LightBox is pleased to announce the call for submissions for the third annual Plastic Fantastic Show. We wish to stay true to pure film photography using plastic, pinhole, box or homemade cameras. No digital photography will be considered. LightBox appreciates photographic images made with plastic “toy” cameras and established this show to celebrate the gallery’s anniversary every year!

LightBox is very honored to have Susan Burnstine as juror once again for the Plastic Fantastic Show. Susan is an award winning professional fine art photographer based in Los Angeles who builds homemade cameras and lenses primarily made out of plastic, vintage camera parts and random household objects. Susan is represented in galleries across the world, her images are mesmerizing and dreamlike, using film with the purity of the process as a vital element, without relying on digital processing.

Curious Camera Competition

Click here for more information

This is our 4th annual Curious Camera competition, and we thought we would add to our event. In addition to pinhole and plastic cameras, we have added vintage, instant and phone photography. The idea behind Curious Camera is that it's a photographic playground for us all. Let's have some fun.

Good luck everyone!!

KISH: Keep it Simple Holga!

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:05:00 +0000

“Life is not complex. We are complex. Life is simple, and the simple thing is the right thing.” ~Oscar Wilde

Now replace Life with Holga in that quote and you'll see where I'm going ;) One of my favorite things about the Holga is its simplicity and how I can use that to draw out more complex emotions in my self portraits.

I worked on some more this weekend and kept it simple - a plain sheet as my background and a few basic tools, all done in the comfort of my basement.

So I guess my tip for today is to keep it simple! Happy Holga-ing!

Holga K200N vs. Holga 120 TLR photo comparison

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:36:00 +0000

This shot is taken from the same spot as my previous post, this time I used a Holga K200N that takes 35mm film. Both photos have their own unique look - I like them both. What do you think?

In the Midst - Holga photo

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:42:00 +0000

'In the Midst'
Holga photo
Lake Erie, Ontario

Holga in Hell

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:54:00 +0000

I took this photo in Grand Cayman Island, at a popular tourist attraction known as "Hell". They have a post office so you can send postcards from Hell. It's pretty funny. You can read more about it here.

I found the sign on this coconut water stand pretty amusing, so of course I had to get a shot of it with my Holga! Now I can say I've truly been to Hell and back with my Holga.

The Holga 2011 Recap

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:05:00 +0000

Re-cap tr.v. re·capped, re·cap·ping, re·capsverb - To recapitulate, summarize briefly; "Let's recapitulate the main ideas"
noun - A recapitulation - a summary at the end that repeats the substance of a longer discussion

Re-cap (Photography) - something most toy camera photographers never do to their lenses.

Ok so maybe I made up that last definition… but it's true! The first rule of using your new Holga is to throw away the lens cap. If you don't, you will inevitably forget, leave it on, and shoot a whole roll of blank film. It's happened to us all.

Here is my summary of some notable Holga happenings from the past year. Please feel free to share your own in the comments section.

Special thanks to Holga Inspire for all they do to keep our favorite camera alive!

Also, check out my Resources page (which I've recently updated) for links to Stores, Websites, Blogs and more!

Cameras

Holga 120 PAN

This camera features the signature Holga qualities along with the ability to capture great panoramas. It is a lightweight camera that allows you to explore the world easily and capture expansiveness, greater detail and the authenticity that you wish to express through panoramic photography. There is no need to stitch multiple images, just click the shutter and you can catch your world in one shot!

(There is also a 135 PAN that you should see popping up in stores soon!)

Accessories

Holga Lenses for Various Branded Cameras

Lenses are available for the following:
Canon
Nikon
Olympus
Olympus Pen
Panasonic Lumix G
Pentax
Samsung NX
Sony
Sony Nex

Phones

Special Lens & Filter Turret for iPhone 4
Special Lens & Filter Turret for Samsung Galaxy S II

Books

Play! Toy Camera Photographers for Tots

In 2011, there were 552 tornado-related deaths in the United States—tied with 1936 for second as the most deadly in US history (the highest being 794 in 1925). 100% of the proceeds from sales of Play! will be donated to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to benefit children in areas ravaged by those tornadoes.

Get your copy here!

Exhibitions

Some of the big shows this year:
2011 Krappy Kamera XIII INTERnational Juried Competition - Soho Photo Gallery
Check out the Winners Gallery here
Click here for information about this year's show (Deadline is December 31 at midnight!)

4th Annual International Juried Plastic Camera Show - Rayko Photo Center
(This year's show is coming up quickly! It opens January 18, 2012. Click here for a sneak peak.)

Toyed With - Open Shutter Gallery
Plastic Fantastic Show II - Lightbox Photographic Gallery
3rd Annual Curious Camera - Photographic Works/ArtsEye

Click here for the winner's gallery.
Personal

My favorite photo of the year... I did not shoot as much as I would have liked to in 2011. However, one of the reasons for that is also the subject of my favorite photo - so, it all worked out :)

What was your favorite shot of the year? Post a link to your photo in the comments section! And also feel free to share any other Holga happenings that I missed!

Once again, thank you so much for reading and I will see you next year!

Holga in Paradise (And a lovely bunch of coconuts)

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:22:00 +0000

Playa Paradisio, Mexico
December 9, 2011
Holga TLR

It's the Journey ( with a Holga of course )

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:25:00 +0000

"The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination."

It's been a while since I've posted any new work. This shot (a double exposure) was taken in August during a road trip to Northern Ontario. We had some beautiful blue skies and puffy white clouds along the way. I hope to have a lot more photos to share in the upcoming weeks! Thank you for stopping by!

Feature Photographer - Ernie Button

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:56:00 +0000

This month's featured photographer is Ernie Button.

For over 30 years, Phoenix, Arizona has been my home. I received my B.S. in Economics and my M.S. in Communication Disorders from Arizona State University. For much of my adult life, photography has provided me a forum to communicate my past & present, my humor & concerns, my observations & explorations. It has undeniably changed the way I see the world; how I look at individuals, places, or objects. Although my subject matter varies, my images focus on the individual nature of objects (and occasionally people) and the unique qualities that each possesses. My images often provide a voice to objects that are ignored and are frequently overlooked or taken for granted.

Ernie Button

How did you get introduced to your first Holga and how long have you been shooting?

I was introduced to the Holga in a photography class I was taking at a local community college. I ordered one but really didn’t start using it until I stopped taking classes and just started shooting for the love of shooting. I have been shooting consistently with a Holga for about 10 years.

What is it about the Holga that draws you to it? Why do you shoot with it?

I didn’t know how the Holga was going to fit into my photography because the images I was making before I started using the Holga tended to be more constructed, shot in the studio, relying on the clarity of a conventional camera. But there was a pull from the Holga to that blurred, dreamy, emotional image than what I would shoot with my conventional camera. I take my Holga wherever I travel (and typically whenever I am out of the house). The image it produces has a unique way of depicting memories of a journey. Portions of the image are clear and other portions are more blurred & out-of-focus. For me, that mirrors my personal recollection of travel; there are portions of a trip that may be crystal clear and sharp in my memory while other encounters may be a little more difficult to clearly recall.

Please tell me a bit about your series in which you use a Holga

In 2009, I was invited to exhibit work from my Cerealism series at the Lishui International Photography Festival in Lishui, China. The people were welcoming, generous and seemed to truly appreciate that I had come to share my photography at the festival. After attending the festival's opening ceremonies and the multiple exhibits around the city, I had an opportunity to explore. Armed with my Holga, I set off to explore the city of Lishui and the surrounding landscape.

During a previous photographic series, Back and Forth, I postulated that the coin-operated ride was disappearing from the urban landscape in the States, specifically Phoenix, Arizona. What I found here in Lishui was just the opposite; a plethora of coin-operated grocery store rides dotting the urban landscape. The rides were flourishing, lining most of the streets that I ventured down. I've seen a fair amount of China and in my travels, I have seen a few rides in various Chinese cities, but nothing like what I saw in Lishui. I would openly (and jokingly) wonder if they were all being shipped from the USA right into Lishui, except that it is obvious that the rides are constructed of very different characters and animals than what I've seen in the US. I'm not sure what, if anything, the large number of coin-operated rides is saying about the city of Lishui, or what it says about our society vs. theirs, but it was a pleasant surprise seeing them after having spent the past decade documenting their disappearance from America's urban landscape.

Professor Rabbit (from the series ("Riding through Lishui")

Up and Down Duck (from the series “Riding through Lishui”)

Ultraman (from the series “Riding through Lishui”)

Giraffe (from the series “Riding through Lishui”)

Seal (from the series “Riding through Lishui”)

Below are various images from my travels in China.

3 Monks on a Wall

Sun Moon Mountain

Tired of Driving

Dianchi Lake, Kunming

Qing Hai Lake Canola Fields

Urumqi Nightmarket

Outside Urumqi

What are some of your biggest challenges shooting with a Holga and do you have any tips for over coming them?

If you are going to shoot without the mask, make sure the tops of the wall are smooth. I've had more fine, straight line scratches in my negatives than I care to mention from the film running over the pillars. I have been lightly buffing the edges with a Dremel tool which has helped tremendously. For my work, I'm a big believer in taping the Holga up to prevent light leaks. It's become a meditative process, loading the film, taping the sides, getting me in the mindset to shoot.

What other cameras do you have in your arsenal?

4 Holgas, 1 Pinholga, Holga 135, Pentax 67II, Pentax k1000, Nikon f3

Favourite photo / film(s)?

It’s difficult to pick a favorite photo. I currently like the image Cartoon Sheep from the Riding Through Lishui series.

Cartoon Sheep (from the series "Riding through Lishui")

I was so sad to see Kodak Ultracolor 120 discontinued a few years ago. That was my favorite film. I currently shoot a lot of Kodak Portra 400.

What inspires you?

Music.
The photography community (Toy Camera and all others included): so many strong images to admire and inspire.
My grandparents: although they are no longer alive, they were a constant reminder that hard work and love of family will get you farther than you think in life.
My wife.

Ernie's Website: http://www.erniebutton.com/

Feature Photographer: Chris France

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:15:00 +0000

Chris has been a serious photographer for the past twelve years. His journey in Fine Art photography has seen him fix his focus on the love of the sea and countryside and all things associated with or in the created landscape.

Chris has experimented with many formats of cameras and printing techniques and this has culminated with the use of three types of medium; the Holga, the Polaroid and the View Camera, each one creatively used to suit both style and mood to express the image perceived within the minds eye.

Without the use of modern digital camera technology, or relying on retouching or manipulation for effect or correction, Chris engages with his surroundings and releases the shutter at the decisive moment, when timing, light and composition wonderfully come together.

The use of film cameras and perceived old fashioned technology forces Chris to really see the image at the point of capture, a style and way he prefers. Chris believes and supports a philosophy that photographs realised within the camera and engaging ones mind, challenges a photographers skill and develops patience and character, building integrity for both the photographer and their work. Believing photography to be an art, Chris does not always believe in photographing for a literal representation of the landscape, but journeys into being creative, bringing together knowledge and the character of the films emulsion to perfect the previsualized image.

Chris

How did you get introduced to your first Holga and how long have you been shooting?

Lee Frosts book 'Toy Camera' was my first real look at the Holga and Jose Villa, a wedding photographer in the US . My brother was also playing around with one for portraiture. I saw no reason why I couldn't use it for my landscape work.

A Light in the Darkness

What is it about the Holga that draws you to it? Why do you shoot with it?

I love the soft quality to the images that the meniscus lens gives. Coupled with film you cannot beat it. I will always reach for the Holga when an image I see in my minds eye doesn't suit a landscape or subject that cries out for high resolution. I get a great sized positive to scan and can make good sized prints. Plus it's just so easy to use. There are no real functions which frees me to just concentrate on what I'm seeing, ready to just press the cable release.

Always Freedom

Please tell me a bit about your series in which you use a Holga

Currently for art that doesn't require large prints of 20" and over or high resolution, the Holga is my main camera. Yes I use a Polaroid too, but most of my work is suited to the Holga. My latest images using the Holga was in Crete. I wanted to shoot abroad no different to photographing in the UK, my vision is always the same. Subtle, soft and simple images. Most often I will try and photograph with intention, meaning I have something I want to say in my photography. Sometimes this doesn't arise and it is just the case of photographing a scene as technically perfect as I can as well as depicting a place as best as I can, without necessary thinking of a story or statement. Most often than not, the light and landscape speaks for itself. However, pretty much all the time my faith as a Christian and my relationship with Jesus Christ is want I'm wanting to share in my images with people, and thank God for his wonderful creation that is clearly seen out in nature.

Awaiting Tide

Enclothed in Peace

What are some of your biggest challenges shooting with a Holga and do you have any tips for over coming them?

Unlike using a modern camera, or any non rangefinder type, seeing the image you are taking seems a bit hit and miss sometimes (the image viewfinder suffers bad parallax plus you cannot see the complete frame). However, I've learned to compensate for this. Unlike many Holga users, I do not use print film, I use transparency film. This of course is very unforgiving of incorrect exposure. But I've used Velvia and Provia for almost 11 years now so I'm quite used to its character. Filters are a must using this type of emulsion and therefore so is the use of a filter holder and adapter ring. Exposure on the Holga is always done in Bulb mode because I can time the exposures accordingly. I never use the standard 125th shutter speed. Always use a cable release.

If I can give anyone any basic pointers I can say this:

Always test your camera first. Apertures are not exact on every camera despite what it may say on the box. So best to test with a light meter and a grey card and take bracketed images at various apertures, either at the 125th shutter or using the Bulb mode. I find using the Bulb mode more accurate. But you will need to be in light that can give you a 1 sec or more shutter speed or use an ND filter. Write every image down in order and the exposure details. If you do this, when you have your images back from the lab, go through them and pick out the best image. Exposure Indexing should be done with ANY new camera and film you use. Ive found I can now get accurate exposures all the time using the Holga because of the simple tests I did when I got the camera. Also as much as the Holga is both a fun and serious camera (I use it seriously) like any camera/lens configuration, it should be used to suit the type of image you are trying to make. There is never a one trick pony. This is why most photographers will use different types of camera formats, lenses and film.

Fisher of Men

Light in the Valley

What other cameras do you have in your arsenal?

I used to use a Pentax 67II and 5D MkII but now only a Polaroid SX-70 Land Camera, the Holga 120GN and a Walker Titan SF Large Format camera.

Living Waters

Favourite photo film(s)?

Always Fuji Velvia 50 and Provia 100F, in both 120 and 4x5. But am looking at using the new Kodak Portra 400 too.

My Defense

What inspires you?

Being a landscape photographer nothing inspires me more than being out in creation. Whether my subject is the natural or man made, being outdoors to walk and wander is a real pleasure. Seeing the landscape I can only be inspired by the one who made it, Jesus Christ, and photography has given me an outlet to share the wonder of creation with people as well as to give God thanks for his gift of life, the earth and most importantly, himself.

Never Ending Protection

Thank you Chris for taking the time to answer my questions, and for sharing your gorgeous Holga work with us. I'm sure it's going to make many Holga users out there start experimenting more with the bulb mode! For more about Chris, please visit his website!

Chris' Website: http://www.theloupegallery.com/

Washed in Blood

Adrift and at Peace

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:03:00 +0000

A double exposure Holga photo that I shot in the spring:

And some accompanying music that seems fitting:

Holga Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:37:00 +0000

One of the reasons I'm not posting as much anymore:

And, the other reason:

These two keep me pretty busy lately! Riley is my 20 month old Belgian Malinois, and Aura is his little sister. She is almost 6 months old.

I am planning on posting a new Holga feature photographer this week so keep an eye out for that! Thanks for stopping by, as always.

From the Holga in Paradise series

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:47:00 +0000

Continuing with a few more of these photos from my trip.

It was my first time in paradise, and my Holga 's first time as well. We can't wait to go back.

We learned a few things along the way, like the Holga & film did not really enjoy humidity and neither does the foam under the spools. I had a few shots ruined due to wandering foam pieces!

Featured Photographer: Lucia Fischer

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 15:52:00 +0000

Born in Hamburg, Germany I migrated to Australia in 1988; a year before the wall came down. Being raised amongst a family of creatives, I developed an artistic passion early on. A jack of all trades and master of none, I dabbled in various art forms before finally deciding to focus on photography. Later I chose to break the photographic boundaries and extend my art into mixed media incorporating elements of drawing, collage and ephemera to weave abstract expression into my creations.

My main inspirations stem from Marc Auge’s concept of non-places, the Becher’s architectural studies and Diane Arbus’s obsession with the strange. My art making process involves exploratory wanderings through city back streets seeking the hidden pockets in the concrete jungle. Followed by hibernation sessions in the cocoon of my studio. I like to present my work in series form, creating narratives that focus on abandoned open spaces, urban landscapes and the emotional undertones that vibrate within them. Desolate, hazy and silent images that evoke a dreamlike nostalgia.

{ running theme }

How did you get introduced to your first Holga and how long have you been shooting?

I accidently stumbled upon my Holga camera on Ebay about 5 years ago. It seemed like a cool novelty camera to add to my collection but little did I know he would soon turn into my constant companion. I fell in love with his originality and spontaneity.

{ the tangles }

What is it about the Holga that draws you to it? Why do you shoot with it?

Due to the cheap inconsistent design, each Holga has unique "defects". Each, in varying degrees, is prone to light leaks, vignetting, blur, and perspective distortion which gives them an individual personality. It is these elements of chance and mishap that I love. Its a way of letting go of the technicalities of photography, focusing more on the subject and allowing the individual creativity of the scene interact with the camera.

{ sleep walking }

{ the colours fade }

Please tell me a bit about your series in which you use a Holga

I have an ongoing series of work I've been working on titled 'The Holga Diaries'. It is a gritty, behind the scenes look at the city back streets of my exploratory adventures. The series depicts a raw social documentary from a subjective perspective presented with the arty style that the Holga creates.

{ vernacular }

What are some of your biggest challenges shooting with a Holga and do you have any tips for over coming them?

It takes a while to get to know the Holga camera. There is very limited exposure control which is nice in a way because if forces you to loosen up your shooting method. But it means it can be quite hit and miss and can result in a lot of blank shots. Now that I've been shooting with my Holga for a while I've gotten to know which films to use in which lighting situations, how far to push or pull the film and of course the limitations of what is possible. We've developed a relationship together, got to know each other, what we can and can't do and how to get around the limitations.

{ the joker }

{ dark waters }

What other cameras do you have in your arsenal?

I'm a bit of a vintage camera hoarder and have a shelf filled with them. The collection includes a two Holgas, a Diana, bunch of cute old box Brownies, retro Kodak instamtics, a couple of Polaroids, a Rolleiflex, Yashicas, and a few old Canons. My Holga is now my right wing man but I do like to give them all a go every now and then.

{ whispered melodies }

Favourite photo film(s)?

I love Kodak TriX for its flexibility, rich contrast and grain. I've been going through a black and white phase for some time now but I also love to shoot any kind of expired colour film when I can get my hands on it.

{ the inquisition }

What inspires you?

The work of other artists are my biggest inspiration. Whether it be the masters or emerging talent, traditional or contemporary, I love going to exhibitions, spend more money than I should on art books, and waaaaay too much time surfing the internet. I'm a visual insomniac, I saturate my mind with images to keep my creative juices boiling. I wish I was rich so I could collect art and have my own gallery! I just love seeing what other people come up with, how they see the world and the way it makes me rethink how I see it.

{ luminosity }

{ oeuvre }

You can find more about Lucia here:
http://www.luciddream.com.au/
http://lucid-dream.tumblr.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/luciafischer/
http://www.etsy.com/people/luciafischer

{ homeless hearts }

Holga in Paradise (take two)

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:12:00 +0000

A few more Holga photos from paradise:

Stay tuned for a new featured photographer coming up tomorrow!

The New ToyCamera.com!

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:18:00 +0000

In case you haven't heard, ToyCamera.com has gotten a new owner, and a redesign. The forums are still there and they are a great place to go for questions and information. Check it out!

Holga in Paradise

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Fri, 27 May 2011 14:19:00 +0000

I'm back! I don't know where I've been though. I finally got my colour Holga slide film developed (Fuji Velvia) and will be sharing a few of the photos with you over the next few days. I think most of us in the northern hemisphere have had a rough winter and spring (if you can call it that) so it's nice to reflect back on my trip from February and see the blue skies and crystal clear water. Sigh....

Taken in February 2011
Punta Cana
Dominican Republic

Plastic Fantastic Show - Call for Submissions!

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:25:00 +0000

June11, 2011 – July 6, 2011

LightBox Photographic Gallery is pleased to announce the call for submissions for our second annual Plastic Fantastic Show. This group show celebrates LightBox’s love for photographic images made with plastic “toy” cameras. We have established this show to be held every year to celebrate the gallery’s anniversary. The first Plastic Fantastic Show was an amazing collection featuring images from over 40 photographers from around the United States, as well as Sweden, Australia, Spain, Great Britain and Canada. This genre of photography has a huge following around the world, with images made from very low tech cameras with plastic lenses. Toy cameras are special with the wondrous and dreamlike images they create, subjects take on a unique special quality that is rarely found from any other capture device.

LightBox is very pleased to have Susan Burnstine as juror for the Plastic Fantastic Show II. Susan is an incredibly talented photographer who uses homemade cameras consisting of plastic lenses and vintage camera and household parts. She began working with toy cameras and has become a highly acclaimed photographic artist shooting with film and using rudimentary cameras of her own design. Her images are mesmerizing and dreamlike and her methods use film with the purity of the process as a vital element, without relying on digital processing.

LightBox feels we have the perfect juror for this years Plastic Fantastic Show. LightBox is looking for pure Toy Camera Photography, and will accept images shot only with film using plastic, pinhole, box or homemade cameras. No digital photography is accepted for the Plastic Fantastic Show. Prints may be made with digital methods, however, digital post processing of images is not encouraged. LightBox seeks photographic prints of the highest quality, and offers framing for display in the gallery. We are very excited about this exhibit, and hope to show the best in toy camera photography from around the world, please help us with your submissions.

CLICK HERE to go to the LightBox website to learn more and for entry guidelines.

Feature Photographer: John Bridges

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 15:41:00 +0000

I'd like to introduce you all to John Bridges. John is a fine art photographer who creates beautiful dream like photos using his beloved Holga. I'm sure you will agree that his work is beautiful. Read on to find out a bit more about John and his work.

How did you get introduced to your first Holga and how long have you been shooting?

I don't remember how it came into my life, but I had a Holga gathering dust on a shelf for years before I started to work with it. It seemed I was banging my head against a wall trying to find my look and it was right in front of me the whole time. But that's kind of the way I work, I have to suffer a bit and go through an exploration process before I finally figure out what it is I am looking for in my work. In the end I would say I have been shooting the Holga with consistency for three years.

What is it about the Holga that draws you to it? Why do you shoot with it?

I am in love with the idea of trying to create something beautiful and magical out of something so basic and rudimentary. With the world being full of modern technology and cameras that can do everything for you I feel that I am more connected to my process and my art with my little duct taped plastic camera. It’s ProTools and Photoshop vs. Marshall Amps and simple lenses.

Please tell me a bit about your series/projects in which you use a Holga

For both of my recent projects, "Shadows on the Road" and "Reverie", I wanted to strip my work down to the essentials. Light, shadows, and subject matter. My life and the world around me seemed so cluttered and breakneck that I wanted to create a world that I was willing to step into. The Holga with its vignetting, selective focus, and manual advance seemed to be the perfect tool to help create the images. It also helped me slow down and really think about what I wanted to create.

What has been your biggest challenge in working with a Holga, and do you have any advice on how to deal with it?

I teach a darkroom class and whenever someone gets a Holga and processes their first roll they are usually disappointed with the results. In my opinion too much emphasis is placed on just shooting it and seeing what happens. Not to kill the creative process, but knowing and understanding the limitations of a Holga (fixed aperture, fixed shutter) will actually expand its uses and make you a better photographer.

Personally, things that I have to remind myself of daily or lessons I have learned the hard way:

Is it on bulb or normal?
I will not remember what speed of film I loaded a week ago, write it on the back.
If the cable release does not make a hard click, you did not make an exposure.
Carry ND filters and sky enhancing filters at all times.
A handheld meter is your best friend.
But be as light as possible.

What other cameras do you have in your arsenal?

I can give you the exact sequence of my camera progression. Pentax K1000, Leica R8, Hassellblad 500C, and a bunch of Holga 120N's. I go back and forth with the Hassey and my Holga but for the past year I seem to only carry the Holgas. Scattered throughout my office are also homemade pinholes, Hassellblad Flexbody, Crown Graphic 4x5, Holga 120Pc, and a Holga 120PWC.

Favorite photo film(s)?

Illford Delta. I keep the whole ISO range in stock and will load a couple of cameras with neighboring film speeds that I think will best match the light for that outing or that best suits my end purpose.

What inspires you?

Family, music, books, the past, the future, Sarah Moon, and remembering that this my camera and I control how I view the world.

John's Links:

http://johnbridgesphotography.com/
http://johnbridgesphotography.blogspot.com/

Curious Camera - 3rd Annual Pinhole and Plastic Camera Competition

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Curious Camera - 3rd Annual Pinhole and Plastic Camera Competition

Get your creative juices flowing. The photographer with the fastest glass and best optics isn't allowed in this competition. This is about using the most basic tools and creating. We want you to have that feeling - the one that made you all warm and fuzzy about photography in the first place.

The Rules
1. The camera must have a plastic lens or a pinhole.
2. See rule 1.

The price of Submission and Submission Dates.
1. $6 per image. You can submit any number of images.
2. All submissions must be received by Friday April 22, 2011

Submit via their website. http://www.curiouscamera.org/ or Drop it off, mail it or ship it.

Go to http://www.curiouscamera.org/ for information on judging, winners and prizes.

All submissions will be displayed at ArtsEye. The artist reception will be April 30th, 2011 from 6-9 pm.

Photographic Works / ArtsEye
3550 E. Grant Road
Tucson, AZ 85716

Please Mind your Snake... I mean Step

noreply@blogger.com (HolgaJen) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 20:33:00 +0000

Need I say more??