Why You Should Boycott Digital and Give Toy Camera Photography a Try

In this age of digital photography, you can snap a photo and download it to your computer in a matter of minutes. Once it is on your computer, you are able use Photoshop or similar software to adjust your image any way you please. Digital photography's appeal is that it produces high resolution graphics that can be easily altered in a variety of ways.

But for image artists who value randomness and mystique, give toy camera photography a try. Your prints will turn out with a muted and soft look, giving almost a dream world impression. The softened corners give the impression that a photography taken yesterday has instantly aged. Streaks of light and tempered colors add to the aura.

Read on for some more information about the Holga, one of the most popular brands of toy cameras.

Why Use a Holga?

At a price of about $25, toy cameras are extremely affordable.

The charm of the Holga actually comes from the fact that it is a cheaply made product. You can use the inferior quality to actually work for you rather than against you.

Toy cameras produce "vignetting," where the image fades to black corners creating a frame. Light leaks create fascinating results such as a streak of light. Another advantage is that you control how long the shutter is open, allowing for fun blurring effects. And since you wind the film by hand, you can take multiple photos in one frame to get double exposure images.

Where do I find a Holga?

The easiest place to track down a Holga is online. Sites such as Freestyle Photography and Lomograpy have Holgas and related accessories for purchase.

Remember film? That stuff you used to put in your camera? Well, you'll need that as well, in 120 format.

So what are the drawbacks to Holgas and toy cameras?

You really have to be willing to give up control if you get in to toy camera photography. The results are unpredictable, but that really is the fun of it.

Another issue is that it is becoming increasingly more difficult to purchase film - your local camera shop may have it, but you may have to resort to online purchase for your film. Buying film online means you have to plan how much film you will need for a vacation or outing since you can't just run to the store to get more.

Since digital cameras are the norm these days, it is also harder to find a place to develop your film. You will need to take it to a photography store rather than your local drugstore or grocery store - so forget about seeing your results in less than a couple of days.

But once you get started with your Holga, you will find that these little inconveniences are well worth the artistic and unique images you create.