Saturday, May 29, 2010

Your Holga Questions, Answered!

I thought I would round up a few questions from my Formspring account and post them here to share with you all.  If you have any questions for me, head over to my Formspring and ask away!

Why should I use analogue toy cameras instead of something a lot more modern?

It's all about your personal preference really, I have nothing against modern cameras or photography. For me, there is something about the look and feel of film, as well as the fun and quirkiness of the Holga that suit my personality just right! It fits with my creative vision and I always feel inspired when I am shooting with it. That is the most important thing!!

Clouds of Thought

Why a holga and not another camera?

When I first discovered what a Holga photo looked like, there were many things that instantly appealed to me: the square format, the vignette, the dreamy blur, the offbeat colors (in the case of xprocessing) the classic feel (in the case of black and white) and it's simplicity. I am in love with it's uniqueness, the photos that can be created, and the community surrounding it!



Do you use a changing bag when unloading film from the Holga?

No I don't. I've never had an issue with changing the film as long as it's wound all the way to the end - just make sure to not be in direct sunlight and there shouldn't be a problem.

How long have you been shooting with Holgas and were you into photography before that or was that what sucked you in? I guess that's two questions. : )

I was mildly interested in photography before I knew what a Holga was... but something was missing. When I saw my first example of a Holga photograph I knew that it was what I had been searching for. The photos I can create with my Holga match my internal vision and creative need. I've been shooting with Holgas for about 6 years.

What photographers or artists work do you study for inspiration?

On my blog I have been interviewing Holga artists that I find very inspiring. I love looking at and finding inspiration in the current work of the holga community. I will be interviewing more artists in the near future who I've found very inspiring. I also find alot of my inspiration in music and I study lyrics and melodies and the feelings they invoke.

And, of course, my favorite:

How'd you get so cute?

From using a Holga of course! ;) It takes a lot of practice, too.

painted whispers

Monday, May 24, 2010

Plastic Fantastic Toy Camera Show

I am honored that the Lightbox Photographic Gallery has selected one of my images as a 'gallery choice', which will hang alongside the Plastic Fantastic Show in June.

Looks like it's going to be another great toy camera show! If you are in the area, be sure to check it out for me!!

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Quick Update + Holga photo

Just a quick reminder - the deadline for the Lightbox Photographic Gallery Plastic Fantastic Toy Camera Show is today!  More details can be found on their website here

Also, I've started up a Formspring account where I am currently taking questions!  Holga related questions are my main focus, but really you can ask me anything.  I will collect my favourite questions over the next week or two and will do a blog post on them.  Go here to ask me anything!

I have some great interviews lined up for the next little while!  I should have the first one posted next week sometime. You will love it!



(from the archives)
double exposure (self) portrait

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

From the Archives - Holga Self Portrait



I was going through some photos from a few months ago (ok, October) and found this one that I hadn't shared yet.  I have rolls waiting to be developed but I just can't seem to get my act together to get to the lab these days!  I hope to have some more images soon, as well as some new self portrait tips and examples!

Plus, I have a really cute puppy who needs some Holga love too!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

A Quick Update (and a puppy!)

Just a few quick updates from my side of the world!

First, I am excited to announce that the Toy Camera Book team has made their final selections and have started work on putting the book together.  One of my images will be included in the book, and as well I have the honor of being interviewed about my self portrait project.  The book is scheduled to be released in July - I will be sure to let you all know when and where to get your copy!



Secondly, my photo "Wonder" won second place in the Curious Camera Competition held at Photographic Works / ArtsEye in Tuscon, Arizona.



And finally, one of my images has appeared in Fraction Magazine's newest issue (Issue 14) in their new section "One Picture Look".   I highly recommend this magazine for anyone interested in photography - it is very well done.

Thanks for stopping by - I hope to be back to more regular blogging soon!  I do have a good excuse for being away though:

(His name is Riley and we just got him last week!)

Monday, May 3, 2010

Feature Photographer News - Isa Leshko

As part of my Feature Photographer series on my blog, I had interviewed photographer Isa Leshko about her "Thrills & Chills" series of Holga images. You can find the interview here.

I wanted to let you all know that she has just released a special catalog, and is now selling them on her website. Part of my interview with her is also being re-printed in this catalog! Below is a message from Isa about her new catalog:

Thrills & Chills Catalog & Special Print Offer


I have produced a catalog to accompany my exhibit at the Griffin Museum. Copies will be available for sale exclusively through the Griffin Museum Gift Shop beginning on Thursday, April 15th. I will also be selling them here on my web site beginning May 3rd. 



In addition, I have produced a signed, limited edition archival pigment print of "The Wave" that will also be sold through the Griffin Museum and here on my web site (on May 3rd). The unmatted print has an image size of 4.5 x 4.5 inches and a paper size of 5.5 x 5.5 inches. All prints will be signed verso (on the back). Edition size: 100.


Pricing info:
Catalog: $19
Archival Pigment Print: $50
Catalog + Print Purchased Together: $60
* Shipping & Handling not included.

Click here to be directed to the online store where you can buy the catalog & print.

Other recent press and more about Isa:
  • Her Thrills & Chills work was recently featured on NPR's blog, "The Picture Show" 
  • Pulitzer Prize winning art critic Mark Feeney reviewed her show for today's issue of the Boston Globe. 
  • Two of her images ran with the printed article, which you can see here  
  • A link to the online article can be found here  
  • Feeney also wrote about her work for a cinema blog on Boston.com
     
    All images are Copyright Isa Leshko: http://www.isaleshko.com

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