Holga, you’re out!

Yesterday I developed two rolls I shot along Alvarado Street in Los Angeles. Both were Arista edu. medium format except the first one was taken with a Holga and the other with my beloved Brownie. I have to say that as much as I was disappointed with the Holga I was quite happy with the shots I got with the Brownie.

I don’t know exactly when it happened but I think I grew tired of the “Holga effect”.

A few years ago when I discovered Holga (back then you could still get one for $16.99) it was so unique and so different from any other camera I’ve seen before that I immediately fell in love with it.
But I think nowadays the world of photography is saturated with Holga images, they are everywhere! Heck the other day I saw there is a Holga lens made for a digital camera!

So I think I’m going to put my Holga away for a while and stick with my Brownie.

All I want is a wholesome camera to take me back to the days I sat in the high school library and looked through these wondrous old photo books… except now, the photos in the book are mine.

Downtown Los Angeles. Camera: Brownie

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Yet another photo taken with a disposable camera:

Yet another photo taken with a disposable camera:

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Disposable cameras anyone?

This is Green Cove, Virginia which has a special place in my heart. I passed through this very little town last year while on a 34-mile bike ride from White Top to Abingdon.
As we left White Top and began our bike ride along the river I discovered I forgot to bring any of my cameras! (isn’t this a familiar photographer’s nightmare?) being out in nowhere land I was obviously quite upset.
After about 15 minutes of biking we arrive to a small place called Green Cove, which is really just a little historic spot along the bike route. But wait! There is a little convenience store by the road; you don’t suppose they have …? Yes, yes, they do! They have disposable cameras! And so I purchase 4 of them and I photograph the splendor along the trail that goes by the Holster River with them decorated little plastic thingies; tall trees, a clear river, little farm houses, cows and horses.
And I’m actually quite fond of these pictures!
Green Cove, Virginia (2010)

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Light leaks

One of the cameras I will be taking with me on my visit to the east coast is my beloved Holga.
Every proud Holga owner will tell you that a light leak in a Holga is an accepted risk of the trade, sometimes even sought after.
Myself, I don’t mind the light leaks however, recently I found out, my glass lens Holga (aka. Woca) (I have 4 different Holgas) produces a big red light leak at the top center of the negative which, to be honest, is quite U G L Y. I can only guess this particular light leak comes from the red counter window. And even though I’ve never taped my Holgas before I think this time I’m going to get the black photographer’s tape and seal this baby up.
And then I’m going to join the League of Photographers against Light Leaks…

original post: Sep 30, 2007 @ 12:04

Long Wharf, Boston
Camera: Holga 120FN Film: Ilford Delta 3200

Hollywood nights

Hollywood nights / Holga 120GN. Ilford 3200 ASA

Since the Holga doesn’t have a light meter or a real shutter speed and F stop settings, you might find yourself at the mercy of your film’s speed if you are shooting at night.
The Holga 120FN version has a super advanced feature: it is called the B exposure. But before you jump for joy you might want to know the way it really works is that you need to press the shutter release button for as long as you want your exposure to last. ouch!
Unless you have the shutter release cable it will be impossible to keep steady for long enough to prevent that horrible camera shake (the ugly cousin of the attractive motion blur). This is where your choice of film can help.
If you don’t mind long exposures, go for the 400ASA film and expose your film in the average lit area for about 30-40 seconds!
800ASA will allow you to cut down your exposure time to a good 10-15 seconds.
But at last you will see the light when you use 3200ASA, which tolerates an exposure of somewhere between 1-3 seconds.
And the results are not bad at all!

Photographing on the move

is easier if you don’t have any bulky equipment. Street photos are often formed on the move. Consequently, there will be no time to address the usual photographic practices and very often even focusing can become an extravagance.
Street life has its own pace.
Therefore it will make a lot of sense to record street life by using what’s out there rather than sitting around patiently waiting for the right circumstances.
Adjusting to the energy of the street often means fast thinking and quick reaction. Fiddling with the camera or other equipment you carry will result in the disappearance of that Kodak moment.
As it is, the best results in street photography are often achieved owing to the photographer’s eager, insightful eye but seldom to the highly sophisticated equipment.

Close call. Downtown Los Angeles / Holga 135BC

You can find this article and many other photo processes in my new book:
So Much More than Photography
eBook edition Price: $10
Kindle edition Price: $10
Print edition Price: $35 (Now on sale for $27.00)
Black & White print edition Price: $20

Photographing in the rain

Downtown Boston / Holga 120GN

Rainy days are a great opportunity for taking pictures; the wet streets, the reflections, the colorful umbrellas, the dramatic skies in the background, the mist and the raindrops add a moody sensation to any picture.
However, there’s nothing charming about getting caught in the rain while carrying around all that additional (and unnecessary) photo gear. In fact the only extra gear you might need during a rainstorm is your trendy raincoat where you will hide your camera in between shots and, if you’re lucky to have one, a good friend with a big umbrella.
A big friend with a good umbrella will do as well

Wall art series

Shabbat in Los Angeles / wall art series.
Original photos taken with a Holga 120GN camera

Here is another way to present your lovely photos. You can select pictures in a series or pictures that somehow relate to each other, or even photos that just look nice together.
Here is what you need:
Any size wood panels (you can get them in any arts and crafts store)
Photos printed with inkjet, laser printer or toner base photocopies
Mod Podge
Acrylic paint

1. If necessary sand and prepare the surface of the wood panel.
2. Using acrylic paints, paint the panel with the color of your choice. Alternatively you can replace the painting part with wood staining or even adhering designer paper to cover the surface.
3. Carefully measure and mark the area where you want your photo to go.
4. Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge on the wood surface, paste your photo and make sure to smooth out any air bubbles from underneath your photo. By the way, instead of pasting the photo onto the panel you can alternatively transfer your image onto the surface.
5. Brush a layer of Mod Podge over your photos to finish and protect them.
6. That’s it really. Now you can hang these wood panel beauties on your wall or display them on a shelf.

You can find lots more photo processes in my new book:
So Much More than Photography
eBook edition Price: $10
Kindle edition Price: $10
Print edition Price: $35 (Now on sale for $25.20)
Black & White print edition Price: $20

How to take panoramic photos with a Holga camera

Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills / Holga 120 panorama

Unlike panoramas taken with other cameras, with a Holga there’s no need to stitch the images together on the PC; the whole “stitching” thing is done directly on the negative.
Holga panoramas are made simply by turning the advance knob only one turn after taking the first picture. By doing so the second picture will overlap the first image, the third will overlap the second and so on.
There are mainly two ways of making Holga panoramas; you can stand in one place and just shift your body between images or you can move sideways between images keeping your camera at the same level. One important thing to remember is to take the panorama images from left to right.
And also don’t forget it’s a Holga! In other words, the panorama doesn’t have to be perfect; actually it’s probably better that it isn’t.

You can find this process and many other photo processes in my new book:
So Much More than Photography
eBook edition Price: $10
Kindle edition Price: $10
Print edition Price: $35 (Now on sale for $25.20)
Black & White print edition Price: $20

Imperfect skyline view

While bike riding over a bridge in downtown L.A. some time after the sun had set, surrounded by the last light of the day, there it was; a wonderful urban skyline view glowing under a bright moon.
The only camera I had with me was a plastic toy camera, the Diana, but lucky for me it was loaded with Ilford 3200 ASA. I took one picture and then advanced the film just one and half turns and made another exposure, so what I got on the negative are two pictures imperfectly overlapping and linked into one.

Don’t buy expensive cheap cameras!

[Holga 135BC ]

If you really like the images produced by the Lomo L-CA but can’t afford it, I know just the camera for you. It is a 35mm version of the Holga called Holga 135BC, where BC stands for black corners. Basically it’s a smaller
Holga that is adapted to take 35mm film and includes the Holga’s signature dark vignetting.
This plastic camera is sold for $42 at Freestyle.
It is ridiculously light and very easy to shoot on the go, two characteristics that are an apparent benefit in Street Photography.
The Holga 135BC produces interesting photos, and in fact they look a lot like the photos produced by the Lomographic Lomo L-CA except with a much lower price, which brings me to the question: if both of these plastic cameras produce similar results why pay the Lomographic Society $250 or more for another piece of plastic? It doesn’t make sense, right?
In fact, I think that even $42 is a little too expensive for a toy camera.

Double exposure with the Holga 135BC

At first I decided to get this camera because I was interested in shooting Holga type images on 35mm. Now, the more I shoot this camera the more I like it. In fact, it became my “default” camera; always with me, in my bag, on every outing even when I ride my bike.
The Holga 135BC is a 35mm version of the Holga, where BC is for black corners. Basically it’s a smaller Holga that is adapted to take 35mm film and includes the Holga’s signature dark vignetting. This plastic camera is sold for $42 at Freestyle. It is ridiculously light and very easy to shoot on the go, two characteristics that are an apparent benefit in street photography.
The Holga 135BC produces interesting photos, and in fact they look a lot like the photos produced by the Lomographic Lomo L-CA except with a better price, which brings me to the question: if both of these plastic cameras produce similar results why pay the Lomographic Society $250 or more for another piece of plastic? It doesn’t make sense, right?
In fact, I think that even $42 is a little too expensive for a toy camera.

Here is an example of double exposure. Endless fun.

Don’t buy expensive cheap cameras! part two

Last week when I stopped by Freestyle I noticed they are selling a 35mm version of the Holga called Holga 135BC, where BC is for black corners. Basically it’s a smaller Holga that is adapted to take 35mm film and includes the Holga’s signature dark vignetting.
So I got the camera for $42 and took it for a test drive a few days later. This plastic camera is ridiculously light and very easy to shoot on the go, two characteristics that are an apparent benefit in street photography.
The Holga 135BC produces interesting photos, and in fact reminded me of the Lomograph lomo L-CA except with a better price, which brings me to the question: if both of these plastic cameras produce similar results why pay the Lomography Society $250 or more for another piece of plastic? It doesn’t make sense, right? It’s either that people are simply gullible or I’m missing something… In fact, I think that even $42 is a little too expensive for a toy camera.

[Read my previous rant about the subject here]

Shooting 35mm film with a Holga

Funny thing happened to me yesterday when I picked up my film from the lab. They apologized and said that sadly two of my negatives were blank or just didn’t develop right and therefore they didn’t charge me for the two. Obviously I was disappointed but oh well, this is the risk of the trade, so I just took the negatives home. But before tossing the failed negatives away I placed them over a light table, you know, just to be certain, and sure enough the negatives looked quite weird with light leaks all over the place but I could definitely see a few faint images… So I scanned the negatives and was pleasantly surprised to discover these soft beautiful images of the east side of Hollywood.
The camera these “failed” negatives were taken with was a modified Holga that was adapted to accept 35mm film and make some cool pictures. The best thing about this Holga modification is that the original Holga’s medium format exposure area is larger than a 35mm which means that the entire negative is exposed including the sprockets. Also since the 35mm does not fit tightly the images often come out very soft with lots of light leaks.
Modifying your Holga to accept 35mm is actually quite a simple modification and there are plenty of easy tutorials on how to get it done available on youtube. Check it out.

Don’t buy expensive cheap cameras!

In the last few years toy cameras gained popularity among many photographers who enjoy their little imperfections and remarkable effects.
A few years back when I got interested in toy cameras, the Holga was definitely a cheap (i.e. inexpensive) plastic camera.
But shortly after, the Lomographic Society got involved and took over the concept and marketing of toy cameras and the prices went up, way up. Their prized possession is a plastic soviet camera called the Lomo LC-A which they have a monopoly over and currently sell at outrageous prices starting at $250 ($600 for the same camera gilded in 24-carat gold. Seriously!)
But don’t worry; they didn’t forget to price gouge the Holga as well. On their website you can get your Holga wrapped in some sort of a starter kit for a $100 and more.
And a word of caution here: For some unknown reason (called Profit) the Lomographic Society found it necessary to upgrade the original Lubitel 166 to something they call Lubitel 166+ and they sell for a low price of just $350. What a bargain!
Remember? We are still talking about PLASTIC cameras.
Smart people; no doubt, their profit margin calculator is working overtime.
But hey, why not? I mean, it’s a free market and if there are people who are willing to pay high prices for cheap cameras…then go for it.

Myself, I strongly believe photography should not be such an expensive trade/hobby and I constantly look for the most inexpensive solutions. I often buy my cameras at garage sales or second hand stores, I search for good deals on ebay or craigslist, I opt to modify the cameras myself, I look for expired or close-dated film (half priced!) etc.
And if I may, let me quickly recommend Freestyle Photographic Supplies where you can find toy cameras at great prices.

You can too, shop around, find out what’s out there and remember;
you don’t have to buy your cameras overstated and packaged with all sorts of unnecessary accessories.

Just something to think about before you decide to delve into the world of toy cameras.

PS. Feel free to share your suggestions for solutions and places to get toy cameras for bargain prices. (I’m going to include as many of them in my next book.)

You can find this article and many creative photo processes in my new book: So Much More than Photography.
The eBook edition is now on sale for $10. Get it here

Things you can do with a Holga #2

MAKE PANORAMAS
Unlike panoramas taken with other cameras, with a Holga there’s no need to stitch the images together on the PC; the whole stitching thing is done directly on the negative.
Holga panoramas are made simply by turning the advance knob only one turn after taking the first picture. By doing so the second picture will overlap the first image, the third will overlap the second and so on.
There are mainly two ways of making Holga panoramas; you can stand in one place and just shift your body between images or you can move sideways between images keeping your camera at the same level. One important thing to remember is to take the panorama images from left to right.
And also don’t forget it’s a Holga! In other words, the panorama doesn’t have to be perfect; actually it’s probably better that it isn’t.

PHOTOGRAPHING AT NIGHT
Since the Holga doesn’t have a light meter or a real shutter speed and F stop settings, you might find yourself at the mercy of your film’s speed if you are shooting at night.
However, the Holga 120FN version has a super advanced feature: it is called the B exposure. But before you jump for joy you might want to know the way it really works is that you need to press the shutter release button for as long as you want your exposure to last. ouch!
Not to mention the pain and suffering your poor finger must go through, it is also impossible to hold your breath or keep steady for long enough to prevent that horrible camera shake (the ugly cousin of the attractive motion blur).
This is where your choice of film can help.
If you don’t mind long exposures, go for the 400ASA film and expose your film in the average lit area for about 30-40 seconds!
800ASA will allow you to cut down your exposure time to a good 10-15 seconds. But at last you will see the light when you use 3200ASA, which tolerates an exposure of somewhere between 1-3 seconds.

Things you can do with a Holga #1

QUICK INTRO
For just a few dollars you can get yourself a plastic camera that will truly make it possible for you to break free of the restrictive correctness in photography.
The Holga, often branded as a “toy camera, takes 120mm film type and produces 12 6cmX6cm or 16 4.5cmX6cm medium format exposures per roll and has a large fan base among the photography community.
This toy camera, manufactured in China, was originally produced to offer an inexpensive solution for working-class Chinese to take family portraits, until it was discovered and revived by fine-art photographers in the west.
It is a simple camera with a 60mm fixed plastic lens and a few basic adjustments that quite doubtfully accomplish anything.
There are a number of variations on the original 120S version such as the Holga 120FN which has a flash or the 120GN type that has a glass lens.
The Holga can be modified in a number of ways, for example; it can be adapted to receive 35mm film or even turned into a pinhole camera.
One of the best traits of this innocent looking toy is that there are no focus or f-stop settings to hassle with; therefore it is not only easier to shoot on the move but it also makes the Holga a camera that can liberate the photographer from the obligation to pursue precision and perfection that are often essential in traditional photography.
The Holga produces beautiful, distinctive looking images that are especially soft and are framed with dark and blurry vignette.

TAKE OFF YOUR MASK
If you wish to make the famous 6X6 Holga square format photos make sure to remove the mask insert, otherwise your photos will be 6 X 4.5 format.
Some people tape their Holga all over the place with light-tight black tape in order to prevent the inevitable light leaks that the Holga is proudly famous for. However, some people see the light leaks as part of the Holga’s charm and will refuse to tape their Holga. It very much a matter of preference .
However, it is a good idea to tape the sides of the back cover as it has tendency to come apart exactly at the wrong moment (i.e. when shooting).

SHOOTING 35MM FILM IN YOUR HOLGA
You can modify the Holga to accept 35mm film and make some uniquely cool pictures. Many websites including youtube have good information and instruction videos on this fun adjustment.
When shooting 35mm film in your Holga, you will need to adjust your shooting method and remember you are taking horizontal, panoramic-like images through a square viewfinder.
Another matter to overcome is advancing to the next frame without actually seeing the frame’s number in the red window (which you will need to tape over anyway). The solution is to turn the knob 1 1/2 turns between every exposure.

DOUBLE EXPOSURE
One of the Holga’s most recognized feature is the double exposure. As the Holga does not have an automatic advance mechanism, the double exposure is just bound to happen, especially by the over-excited beginner.
So when you do create a double exposure with a Holga accidentally, don’t despair or view it as a waste. Instead, simply enjoy the unexpected results, which can turn out unique and intriguing.
And of course, if you do like the unpredictability of double exposure you can always purposely double (or even triple) expose for your delight by exposing your film twice (or more) before advancing to the next photo.

RE: Don’t be afraid to change

With this year coming to a close I decided to re-post a couple of my favorite posts of 2009. Here is the first one, (it was written in February):

don’t be afraid to change

Spring semester at the college had begun this week, and I find myself back in school.
I’m taking a class in Website development. I guess it’s a sign of the times.
The economy being what it is I, like many others, have to consider alternatives and changes in my life. A few years ago I did not think I will be so eager to ever go back into this field of designing websites for clients who never know what exactly it is they want. And here I am. Must be the sign of times.
But soon I realized that not working in web design nor taking too much interest in it in the last few years I’m somewhat out of the loop. Not completely ignorant yet, as I kept learning new things as necessary for my own online presence, but there are undeniably a few areas in need of strengthening and more experience.
So far I’m very much enjoying the class I’m taking which I anticipate is going to add some depth into my “old new career”. I was also lucky enough to get a small job; setting up an online store for someone, which is not too bad of an income considering the amount of work I invested, so it feels like a good start so far.
I know this post is not directly relevant to photography but I wanted to encourage you my dear readers (yes, all three of you) to stand up and not to be afraid to make changes and seek for better alternatives. And if it doesn’t work for you at first, don’t despair, try some more, try something else.
Maybe you haven’t noticed but life has its own rhythm and it tends to drip away quickly.

Holga and cross processing

One of my favorite things to do when shooting film is to cross process a slide film.
And just in case you didn’t know cross processing simply means processing your film in the wrong chemicals. For example, if you shoot a slide film and instead of developing it in the standard E6 chemicals you process your film in C41 chemicals which are normally used for processing negative film.
The process of developing slide film in C41 chemicals produces interesting and unexpected colors, a higher level of contrast and lots more grain. (Developing a negative in E6 chemicals is somewhat more difficult but should be quite interesting to try one day)
I think for me, the most attractive feature about x-processing is that I can never imagine what the picture is going to look like.
But even better, combining cross-processing with a Holga always produces something totally weird and unexpected. Great!

Where do you get your film?

In my last post I mentioned I prefer traveling with a digital camera rather than film, but this is not entirely true; I do in fact always make sure to pack at least one film camera.
Tomorrow, as I’m traveling to the East Coast, along with my D60 I’m taking my Holga as well.
I think for some places the Holga will simply be a better choice.
Now the question is where to get the film? Usually I buy my film in small quantities from Samy’s Camera or get it online if I come across an attractive deal.
But now as I needed a somewhat larger quantity of a variety 120 film, trying to save some money so I can actually eat while I travel, I decided to go out of my way, wrestle the L.A traffic and go visit Freestyle on Sunset.
What I like about Freestyle photo store is that they have a greater selection of film from around the world, some very attractive prices and they are also really big on Holgas and other toy cameras.
I mean they have a “wide angle pinhole panoramic Holga” a “twin lens Holga” and even a “3D stereo Holga”, whatever that is.
Btw, you can find Freestyle online at: www.freestylephoto.biz/

So I got myself a bunch of mostly black & white film, but also a couple of color and a couple of slide film just for fun.

I think I’m ready.

My (currently) favorite film

One of the rolls I shot in the Lubitel last week was my favorite film: Kodak Professional T400CN. Black and white film which is processed in C-41(color process). It is an old roll that expired in 08/2002. You can get this film for a good price on ebay. warmly Recommended!

This camera is TOO good

I believe I already complained and whined here about my Lubitel before.
It is a camera that is made of plastic and is often labeled a “toy camera”, but I’m always a bit disappointed with the end results as it actually takes sharp and “normal-looking” pictures.
What a rip off! (Ok so I only paid $8 for this camera but still…)
But finally, last week I took this camera for a round of evening shots in Santa Monica, and what do you know? I actually got a few cool dark and soft photos that would have made any toy camera proud. At last I got my money’s worth out of this camera!
p.s. by the way, I forgot to focus.

Negatively positive

Layering a negative of an image over its positive often produces some interesting colors and adds a new dimension to any photo.
Luckily (for you) this technique is quite easy to do:
1) You can scan a negative version of your image or even create the negative in your photo editor.
2) Place the negative in a new layer above the original image.
3) Now play around with the transparency settings until you like the appearance of the final image.

A black and white photo will generate a cast of silver-like tone. Color images will tend to produce bluish-greenish quality. And a cross-processed image (such as the one here) will tend to appear quite a lovely green.

Holga 35mm

Yesterday after dropping off film at the lab I noticed they are promoting a 35mm Holga for $42.00. Isn’t it yet another trap by the Lomography group? Probably so.
A quick inquiry on Flickr when I arrive home reveals the pictures taken with this camera are OK (I definitely like the extra grain) but doesn’t have the famous Holga quirky effects and so its quite deceiving selling this camera under the Holga name .
I think if you wish to shoot 35mm in your Holga you’ll be better off if you modify your old Holga to accept 35mm.
There are a few good online tutorials which explain how this can be done, especially take a look at this youbube video, so as you can see, not only you get cool looking negatives you also get to have fun reassembling your beloved camera.
A few years ago, one of my Holgas was adapted to accept 35mm by my friend, David, and to be honest after taking just a few rolls back in 2006, I completely forgot about this camera until now when I saw the Holga 135 promotion.
So now I’m quite eager about finding this camera again and taking a few rolls, maybe using some expired or damaged film. Cool!
Now, where on earth did I put this camera???

twitter is killing the blogs

I read an article in one web design magazine declaring twitter is going to kill the blogs. In fact, the article argued, many bloggers already shut down their operations and twitted over to a better place such as facebook and twitter.
The article pointed out, with some satisfaction, the new rising culture of “140 characters or less”.
So, I had no idea, but it turns out the people of the net, I mean you, my dear readers, are apparently awfully shallow, cannot sit through a few paragraphs of text and allegedly suffer from the familiar 21st century symptom of short attention span.
Well, OK, nice observation, but I don’t buy it for a moment.
As I see it, there are 3 types of blogs: personal (I decided to die my hair pink today after I found out my boyfriend was cheating on me… etc.), professional and the good ones.
The daily-routine personal blogs did move to twitter heaven and better so. It is just the perfect place for them.

The professional blogs, which are traffic-driven and typically exist to enhance sales of ideas, services and products, they will adapt to where the traffic is.
And as they are the marketing savvy ones who know best where to find their crowd, I can only assume they are now twitting (or is it twittering?) fast-paced clever brief ideas, maybe some are still keeping the blog around but only to complement their 140 characters reality on twitter.
And then there are the good blogs. These self-driven blogs are the ones that present rich, educational and informative substance. They often focus on a topic or a theme and provide their visitors with a wealth of content that usually originates from personal learning experience. Maybe I’m wrong but I don’t see these types of blogs dying any time soon, simply because twitter and facebook cannot replace the same type of web presence.
Bottom line, these fine blogs are safe, well, at least for now, until the next craze.
Now, let me know, in 140 characters or less, what is your take on this new wave of fast-paced short-burst twitting (or is it twittering?)

Why do you even photograph?

This was not planned or anticipated in any way when I began taking pictures, but now, I find the main benefit of photography for me is that every picture takes me flying back in time not only to the event or occasion, no, my going back in time is much deeper than the usual picture-memory association. My pictures take me into a dark forgotten locked channel of awareness that otherwise would have stayed locked forever. If you experienced it you know what I’m talking about.

But this is merely the value of photography; this is not why I photograph.
The main reason I take pictures, and will always take pictures, is that I love this place.
And because I love this place I want to illustrate and forever preserve its existence, the truth and the depth of it which I’m grateful I’ll never understand.
But don’t let big words fool you; it is a lot simpler than it sounds

And I have faith in you, my dear two readers; I have no doubt you can come up with a better explanation to an otherwise perplexing drive we have to photograph everything around us.

Downtown San Francisco. Holga. inkjet transfer

good day bad memory

When I discovered a printout of this picture, I just couldn’t remember how on earth I achieved this distinctive effect. I suppose I created it about two years or so ago and that’s apparently way too long for someone with a demanding schedule as myself to be able to remember such fine details (and obviously I’d rather not blame it on age). But finally after pondering between inkjet transfer and textured layer I had a moment of rare recollection and I realized this picture was in fact featured in my latest book;
I am not an artist
In the book under the picture it says:
Camera: Holga Film: Kodak 400VC
Place: Downtown San Francisco
Technique: negative scanned through a clear sheet protector.

There you go.

Digital or film? Not again!

I had no intention of creating a discussion about which camera is better, digital or film, in my previous post. In fact I think nobody should be forced to choose only one medium or method for taking pictures and I suppose there are many photographers, who like me, alternate between digital and film. The discussion between film and digital is pointless because the answer is always based upon the photographer’s partiality related to their practice and liking. Myself, most of the time, I prefer the feel, look and practice of handling an old film camera. However, when I travel there’s no substitute to the convenience and immediacy of digital. I traveled with film cameras in the past and I have no intention to ever doing it again!
Now as far as the argument that the camera doesn’t really matter and it’s all about the person behind the camera, no doubt this is true. Nonetheless the camera does make a distinctive difference in the manner in which the photographer goes about. Each camera requires some sort of adaptation to its special personality which in its turn modifies not only the style of shooting but also the end result. And I think this is what we usually talk about when we distinguish between digital and film.
As to me, my “beef” with digital is that digital cameras are built and designed to execute perfectly exposed crisp images that I always fear I will be offending not only the camera manufacturers but especially the great gurus of photography if I ever make a picture that is less than perfect.
I mean, digital cameras have all the features and capabilities needed to make perfect pictures so you’d better step up to the task or else!

(one of many) not so perfect picture by Nitsa

They are stealing my photos! – Update

This is an update of a previous post.
The first step I took was to make screen shots so I have an evidence they actually used my photos on their website. And of course I made sure I have a couple of witnesses as well.
I then sent them an email and as suggested by Paul I sent them a letter thanking them for using my photos on their site. This letter was shortly followed by a paypal invoice. I charged them $125 for each image they used on their site (and I’ll leave the exciting math calculations to you).
They answered immediately but all they said was that they don’t have a paypal account… Not the response I was hoping for but at least they didn’t’ dispute the fact they are using my photos. And they did not ignore me as well. Well, not yet.
Meanwhile, they did not take the pictures down like I expected they might do but also I didn’t hear from them at all. With heavy heart I knew I should probably plan for a day at the small claim court, what a pain! But this time I was willing to do what it takes to bring justice to my poor abused photos.
I waited until the holidays were well over and I sent them another invoice. This time I increased the total by $150 for 2 weeks overdue.
This time they responded and said they are willing to pay the original amount. I agreed.
And they in fact paid.

So the lesson here to you my dear readers is that you should always fight for what you believe is right. Seriously. Go for it!

clearly it feels good to have this extra $$$ in my account but the real prize here is not the money. It’s about honesty and what’s fair.
and something called justice.

toy cameras quiet price increase

In my last visit at the camera store I’ve noticed the price of the Holga is way up.
From just $16.99 a cuople of years ago to $50 today. Did they modify the camera or added a new feature? Nope. Its exactly the same camera. So why is the price of this plastic camera climbing up?
Searching for answers I found this discussion: Holga price. So apparently paying $85 for a Holga is reasonable… or is it?
On eBay the prices are a bit more grounded but still.
and of course the winner for this year’s most ridiculous Holga price award goes to the lomography website, where they will wrap your Holga in some sort of a starter kit for a $100 and more.
So yeah, my best guess about this price gain is that the Holga became more popular in the last couple of years and somehow its popularity drives the price up. Heck, they are so popular you can now find Holgas on display in fashion stores.

Holga 120FN/ Downtown L.A/ january 2009

What toy camera

Recently I’m craving a new toy camera; but I don’t really know which one to get.
I already have a Holga, a Diana and a Lubitel.
So if you can recommend any cool (preferably cheap)toy camera, please feel free
to do so here.
(and I do apologize to all of you digital buffs out there.)

And by the way, have a great and a happy new year!

Hollywood / Holga /Fuji Pro 400H/ 2006

Around town with a toy camera #14

Venice Pier / Holga / Ilford Delta 3200 Pro/ 2007

Around town with a toy camera #13

Hollywood blvd. / Holga / Fuji Pro 400H / 2007

Around town with a toy camera #12

Venice, CA / Holga / Kodak EPD 200 / 2006

Around town with a toy camera #11

3rd street promenade, Santa Monica / Holga / Kodak EPD Ektachrome 200 x-processed / 2007

Around town with a toy camera #10

Santa Monica Beach / Holga / Fuji NPH400 / 2007

Around town with a toy camera #9

Norms on La Cienega, Los Angeles / Diana / Kodak EPD (x-processed) / 2006

Around town with a toy camera #8

Shana Tova (Happy New Year)

La Brea Blvd. Los Angeles / Holga (woca) / Ilford Delta 3200 Pro / 2006

Around town with a toy camera #7

Melrose, Los Angeles / Diana / Kodak EPD (x-processed) / 2006

Around town with a toy camera #6

Century City / Diana / unknown / 2006

Around town with a toy camera #5

Wilshire Blvd./ Holga / Kodak 400NC / 2007

Around town with a toy camera #4

East L.A/ Holga / Kodak Ultra 400/ 2006

Around town with a toy camera #3

West Hollywood/ Holga / Kodak Portra 800/ 2007

Around town with a toy camera #2

Venice Beach. California / Holga / fuji 64T/ 2007

Around town with a toy camera #1

Hollywood blvd. / Holga / Kodak 400TMY / 2008

Nitsa breaks the rules

Someone asked me a few days ago a simple question about breaking the rules of photography, which reminded me I haven’t talked about the rules for quite some time now. I guess I moved on, or at least tried to, after I finished my book:
No rules street photography. I thought everything had been said already and now it was understood and clear and I can rest on my laurels. But obviously there’s no rest for the wicked.
So this simple question about breaking the rules of photography irritated me a bit. In fact, I get a little annoyed when people talk about breaking the rules. Mainly because of the obvious fact that in order to break the rules you must first learn them dull rules. duh!.
While my great theory is pretty much based on the idea that we don’t need any trivial rule (or a guideline or a suggestion, or a tip ) to make lovely photos.
So why bother even learning these rules? Isn’t it all just a remarkable waste of time? Time that could be spent taking lovely photos.
The truth is that most people believe they need the rules, or at least some kind of uniformity and structure in order to learn the basics of photography and to become a good photographer who can then break the rules and/or make their own rules.
I promise you I heard it so many time “good photographers make their own rules” that I will surely cry if I hear it again.
Good photographers don’t make any rules they just make good photos.
And let me say this: if one is going to learn photography from a book or from a teacher with an objective to follow someone else’s idea of good photography, they are less likely to take chances, dare or come up with their own style and approach.

So don’t break’em just ignore them.
Rules? What rules? What are you talking about?

Lubitel panorama . failed attempt . or morning in Melrose

Melrose avenue. Los Angeles ; 10:05 AM

This is another experiment with a plastic camera.
Although made of plastic, the Lubitel is not your typical toy camera; it actually has manual aperture settings, focusing, a coated glass lens, and it is a twin lens reflex camera.
Also, panorama images do not work the same way as they would with a Holga camera since the film in the Lubitel is vertically oriented. Duh!
The verdict: pretty cool, but if you want the typical toy camera/Holga type of images, you’d better get a Holga.

(Text from my book I AM NOT AN ARTIST – Unconventional and creative photography)

A lesson in Portrait photography

I wanted to try something I haven’t done before in photography. So I chose to go with portrait photography. Not only I haven’t tried it before but also I don’t know anything about it.
At first I thought I should probably read and learn something about it, especially before I expose my first victims to the torture, but then I decided against it. I’m sure reading and learning photography will be quite a boring pastime. Besides I’m not so much interested in the technical side of making portraits. I don’t care much for lighting, focus, necessary equipment etc. maybe just for inspiration and ideas. But this might be better in the future when I have a better idea of what I want to do.
Next thing to determine was what camera to use for this assignment. I was pondering for quite some time before selecting the obvious choice: Holga.
After all with the Holga I won’t have to worry about making good portraits
I loaded the Holga with a 3200ASA film and was ready for the challenge.
I chose to make portraits of people I know, and I wanted to photograph them in their natural habitat, not in any fake or staged settings.
Judging from the under-exposed negatives of my first photo shoot, I should have probably learned something about lighting, but yes, anyway, moving on, I will just, ideally, in a perfect world, learn from my mistakes.

my default camera

After a few years of shooting many different cameras, mostly film cameras, I think the Holga grew to be my default camera. And by this I mean that often Holga is my camera of choice to routinely take along with me when I don’t know if I’m going to take any pictures. Such as a trip to the store or even when going to the movies.
No doubt the main reason I often choose the Holga is its light weight, so I usually just forget I have her with me, at least until I want to take a picture.
The second reason I prefer the Holga is that its one of these cameras that don’t require any fiddling with its settings and can be shot on the move, just the way I like it when shooting street photography.
And finaly, as the price for the Holga is quite reasonable, and in fact I have 3 Holgas, I don’t need to worry about its safety and well being which is obviously a liberating concept especially in street photography.

I wonder if anybody else has such a thing as a default camera.

Summer nights in Hollywood

Generally speaking, I’m a winter person. Call me crazy but I just don’t like to sweat and I’m not all that fond of heat exhaustion. But every winter, there are always these moments when I miss a few things about summer. Well, just the good stuff.
One of these things is hiking in the mountains, over looking the ocean, taking pictures, watching the sunset at the top and possibly the best part, the nightly visit to a coffee shop we stop by afterwards
Another thing I miss about summer is being able to bike ride at night to Hollywood, particularly to the run down eastern side, which is to me one of the most unique places to photograph. I like to ponder and wonder which camera to take along with me to Hollywood, often letting the camera’s (light) weight be the main factor in the decision.
Last Sunday I chose the Diana+ and shot 3 rolls of 120 film:
One Kodak 800 Portra (color) and a couple of Ilford 3200 (black & white).
This image was taken by Amoeba Records west of Sunset & Vine and is an experiment in Diana pinhole, which is not like real pinhole photography but non-the-less yields some interesting results.