10 Tips for Better Holga Self Portraits

In honour of my Halo self portrait being selected as one of Holga Blog's best Holga photos from Flickr July 2009, I decided that my first guest post at Holga Blog would be about taking self portraits with a Holga. I do a lot of these, and it seems to be an area that a lot of my fellow photographers neglect, or don't enjoy doing. Well, I'm here to change your mind!

Head on over to Holga Blog to read the full article and join in the Challenge!



This photo is also up on File Magazine! (and on the front page at the moment too)

Holga and Infrared Film

A couple of weeks ago, I loaded my first roll of infrared film into my Holga. I grabbed my tripod and headed out to the "country" to shoot. I wasn't expecting much for my first try - I've heard infrared can be tricky and takes some practice. And it's true. I over exposed most of my shots because I didn't take the time to remember the "rules" for certain light conditions...my own fault. That's ok though - I learn best by doing!

I did get one shot that actually turned out though! A diamond in the rough, or whatever you want to call it:



Strange Woods
Southwest Ontario, August 2009

A contact of mine on Flickr commented that this photo could use something - he suggested a unicorn. I think he's right... the more I look at this photo, the more I want to shoot more here and tell a story. Stay tuned for a potential series developing out of this one!

And the perfect quote:
When you do not know what you are doing and what you are doing is the best - that is inspiration.
~Robert Bresson

One More Elephant Photo

Do you feel like you're in Africa yet with all of these elephant photos?

I have some new work on the way, however I probably won't get the film back until the end of this week, or early next week. I'm also moving in five days so my presence on here might be a little scarce!

If you miss me, just hop over to my website to see more photos.

I'm Back, with some Elephants

Hey everyone~ I'm back! I'm still catching up, but I wanted to post this so that you know I'm alive. Speaking of alive - there were FOUR unconfirmed tornadoes in Southwest Ontario last night! None near me (an hour or two away) but still its kind of freaky. Lots of damage to homes in the areas they hit.

I wanted to share with you another photo from the African Lion Safari:



Elephant Swim
African Lion Safari, Ontario, August 2009

I'll be packing this weekend (moving in a week!) but I'll be sure to catch up with everyone's blogs and keep this place updated!

Hello Deer

Another Holga shot from the wildlife park... the deer were not dangerous so I rolled down the window! (I'm such a rebel)



Fallow Deer, African Lion Safari
Ontario, Canada, August 2009

Anyone know what those little dots are at the top? Is that from the film sprockets? I've never had that show up before on my Holga photos.

Blog and Flickr Love - and a goodbye

Tonight, I am heading to Calgary Alberta - a four hour flight that will have me landing at midnight (my time). It's going to be a long day! I will be gone until Wednesday and I'm not sure how much internet time I will have so I wanted to share with you some cool blogs and flickr peeps that I love, and hopefully they can keep you occupied while I'm gone.





Calgary, Alberta

If you're into the Toy Camera scene here are some must reads and photo-sees:

GoTreadGo
Holga Blog
Blur Dot Blog
Snappy Don
Salt Stained Eyes
Terror Kitten

News, Reviews, Images, and a store
Four Corners Dark

A funky new store in New York dedicated to all things plastic (including cameras) and currently hosting a small exhibition of toy camera photos (one of mine is on display)
Dream In Plastic

Some very talented and wonderful ladies over at Female Photographers of Etsy
Elle Moss
Emma In Wonderland
Mina Lucia
KimberlyRose

Some new discoveries that I am enjoying:
our.city.lights
Mocking Bird
Timothy Archibald

Ok I'm sure that's plenty to keep you busy - sorry I can't include everyone - but I might do another one of these next week to highlight some more awesome blogs. I find new ones all the time!

Some of my Flickr Faves at the moment:



1. Untitled, 2. The Wizard, 3. Awakening of the Dryad., 4. Untitled, 5. Untitled, 6. Longing, 7. 51860001, 8. Lighter Than Air, 9. Hypnotized, 10. Untitled, 11. full moon, 12. Untitled, 13. Untitled, 14. Offering to the Gods, 15. Holga IR Lake Erie


See you next week!



"Bye bye boys!" "Have fun storming the castle!"

Went to Africa for a Day

The weekend before last, we went to the "African Lion Safari" here in Ontario. Its basically a wildlife park where you can drive through and see all of the different animals. But, please keep your windows shut as recommended by this sign:



Couldn't resist posting that! :)

Anyways, the only way I was going to get a good shot with my Holga was if I DID break the rules, and only if something non dangerous was close enough to get a shot of... that's when I found this little guy. A type of African cattle called a Watusi (I think - I also think he was a baby thus not having the huge horns yet).



That was the only really good shot I got - none of the baboons jumped on our car :( I also have this photo of an angry ostrich who did not like our car at all... I did NOT open my window for this one and risk losing an eye, thus its a bit blurry:

Support Art and FILM!

I wanted to introduce you all to an online friend and fellow photographer, and member of the Female Photographers of Etsy, MinaLucia


Susan's Apples

She has come up with a great idea, that is very close to my heart (film!), to sell old undeveloped rolls of film that she has stashed away and has had for many years. It's such a cool idea and is a great way to fund the developing process (which can be pricey these days).

If you hop on over to her blog you can read about her project, and help out a great cause by purchasing a roll of film at her Etsy shop - here is a link to one of the listings



I am planning on buying a roll from her soon (she's going to find a special one just for me!) and when I get the results back I'm going to do a give-a-way on my blog here for a free print from this roll to one of my readers! I'm really very excited for this!! I can't wait to see what gems are hidden on these rolls. So stay tuned for this upcoming give-a-way if you're interested in freebies and awesome photography.

Also check out our.city.lights blog for a feature and interview with MinaLucia (and another giveaway) here: our.city.lights

Summertime Photo Goodness

Summer has finally arrived in London, Ontario with some hot sticky air that I'm pretty sure came from the southern states. We were the same temperature as Florida this morning! I'm happy we bought that de-humidifier this weekend that's for sure.

This weekend I listed some more prints in my Etsy shop... some dreamy summer images (click on the titles to do directly to the listing):

Memories of Summer



Dive Right In



A Dog's Life



Also, make sure you check out Holgablog's summer competition to win a cool camera!

Two Photos

TGIF!



Dreams
"Dreams have only one owner at a time. That's why dreamers are lonely." ~Erma Bombeck


And a new photo from Flickr:



The Fear of Being Found

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend - any exciting plans you'd like to share? :)

~Jen

New Lightleaks Magazine

Get your hands on a copy of Lightleaks Magazine before it sells out! This issue is all about Childhood.



The amazing shot on the front cover is from Warren Harold One of my images is also included in this issue. C.Gary Moyer also reviews the Golden Half camera - I need to get me one of those. You can buy them at Four Corners Store

Pushed to the Limit - Holga Portrait

Pushed to the Limit
Holga Self Portrait
July, 2009

In Her Own Image - Available now!!

Well after a few too many teases, I am happy to report that the book In Her Own Image is now available to the public for purchase!! One of my images is in the book, and trust me, its full of amazing work and is VERY inspiring and worth the purchase!

The latest offering from the Female Self-Portrait Artists' Support Group includes the work of 87 members of the currently 1800+ strong group.

Where "She Took Her Own Picture" was an introduction to some of the members of the group with two-page spreads of their work, "In Her Own Image" brings more members to your attention and features their work in a more flowing style with a larger selection of images.

At 316 pages, "In Her Own Image" is certainly a weighty tome of beautiful imagery and a wonderful addition to your collection with more artists to meet and enjoy the work of.

All proceeds from this book go to Madre (an international women’s human rights organization).

View the book on Blurb here

In Her Own Image features work from the following artists:
Alisha Shevlin, Angel Lynne, Angela Gott, Angeline Stewart, Ashley Lebedev, Bazil Zerinsky, Bee Brady, Bethany Helzer, Bogna Kuczerawy, Brienne Griffin, Bronwen Hyde, Cheryl, Christina Ruvoldt, Christy Marie, Crystal Rose, Cynthia That-Cacopardo, Dana France, dani, Elise Hibbard, Elizabeth LaFreniere, Elizabeth Livermore, Elle Moss, Elsa Björg Magnúsdóttir, Emily Basch, Emily Sandifer, Emma Newson, Erika Pham, Eva Moreno López, Felicitas Klische, fernanda montoro, Gemma Gonzalez, Heather Evans Smith, Hélène Deroubaix, i.anton, Ilina S, Jennifer Evans, Jennifer Henriksen, Jill Evans, Joanne Cruickshank, Juliet Home, Juliette LaCour, Karin Elizabeth, Kate Armstrong, kate passaro, Kimberly Rose, Kiyo Murakami, Kristina Martino, Laura Acosta, Lauren Bentley, Lena Paloma, Lisa Noble, Lucy Nuzum, Lucy Wen-Shu Shih, Maggie Phelan, Margaret Tyson, María Elena Costa, Mariangela Totaro, Marico Fayre, Marie Killen, Maryam Siddiqi, MaryElise Tomczak, Maureen Fogarty, Megan Horsburgh, Melissa Gridley, Michelle McRae, Michelle Merle Pace, Miss Aniela, Monica Costa, Monica L. Shulman, ms.sparkles, Nathalie Griffiths, Özlem Haluk, Pamela Jesuitas, Qathi Gallaher Hart, Rachel Blumenthal, Rossina Bossio, Sarah Mercer, Sarah R. Bloom, Sarah Wright, Sevgi K, Sharon Cooper, Sharon T. Wheaton, SophieCharlotte, Susan Knight, Teffin, Teresa Horstmann, Wendy Anderson.

News and photo related things!

Lots to talk about today!

Female Photographers of Etsy
First off, I'd like to introduce you to a new group that I belong to - the "Female Photographers of Etsy". We've just started up our blog and are hoping to get an official group going on the Etsy site as well. Please visit the blog and have a look at some of the amazing photos and talent of our members!

Female Photographers of Etsy Blog

Our.City.Lights
I was also recently featured on our.city.lights blog - I'm a sponsor of her blog which is very interesting and a must-follow!
our.city.lights Blog

New Website
I finally have my very own official website. Let me know what you think!

HolgaJen.com


Dream In Plastic

A new store and gallery space has opened up in New York and they are celebrating their opening with a toy camera show! If you're in the area - go check it out. Looks like a fun place! I will also have a photo in the exhibition!


200 Fans!
And finally - I just noticed that I'm ONE fan away from 200 on my Facebook Page! Number 200 will receive a free 5x5 print of their choice so hurry there if you're not a fan already!