Holga Camera & Why I’m Smitten
Double Exposure (Actually Triple Exposure)
There is something about 120mm film and this perfect, imperfect toy camera. Is it the simplicity? The colors? The unpredictability? The double exposure capability? The way it vignettes the photo? If you have read my other blogs, you might know how much I love nostalgia, grain, and anything that takes me back to the feels of the 90’s. I also might have an addiction to hormones that are produced in the fear of the unknown… (did I just say that? )
The Holga Toy camera is so simple that you might feel like you have forgotten to do something when taking a photo. It gives this loud click as you press down the shutter - oh, and don’t forget to take the cap off (you can otto ally see out of the viewfinder with the cap on the lens). You never know if the photo will come out blurry or if you accidentally skipped over a frame and now are missing a photo in your roll after development. If you are in a rush, forget about it… you need a few calm minutes with steady hands to load this film (big risk for exposing the entire roll if you are not careful). The Holga forces you to slow down, and photograph with intention.
My Holga is the 120N model and I have attached a flash to mine. The flash does outweigh the camera body, but film loves light and it’s better to have a flash than not, even in the daylight. I purchased a Canon Speedlite 430EX TTL Flash for about 75 US dollars. I am curious about a more simple flash for this camera. Although I have not purached this flash, I have used it second shooting and it may do the trick - Neewer TT560 Flash Speedlite.
As a wedding photographer, I love mixing various mediums because I love texture. Sending a gallery with a mix of digital and film (even a combo of 35mm film & 120mm) showcases the beauty of the day in the imperfections. My motto is that photography isn’t about getting something right (yes, you need to capture the key moments) but rather letting go and allowing the feelings to shine through every image.
xoxo,
Mary
Key Words: Holga Toy Camera, Holga 120N, Film Photography, Holga Wedding Photography, Weddings on Film, Vintage Wedding Photography, Retro Film Photography, 120mm film, medium format film, analog photography, wedding feels, shoot film, retro film photographer, Panama City Beach, Florida, 30A Wedding Photographer, Panama City Film Photographer, Documentary photographer, documentary film photographer, Florida Wedding photographer, destination wedding film photographer