One Tip That Will Improve Your Holga Photography

Want to know how to greatly improve your Holga photography over night?

Well the truth is there are no complex tutorials or guides, the answer is simple: You need to take your Holga camera with you, everywhere you go.

Think of all the things you see when you are out and about. Think of the things that you miss, when you don't have your Holga.

Getting into the habit of taking your Holga absolutely everywhere with you will open up a completely new world of possibilities.

Trust me, Make room for it in your bag!

Labels: Lessons, Tips, Tricks, Tutorials

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Taping For Maximum Light Leaks

If you read my previous post then you will know that using tape on the back of your Holga is a sure way to reduce those light leaks, but some of you want the security of tape, while getting as many light leaks as possible.

Don't worry, there is a solution for those of you out there. The trick is to tape in key areas with as little tape as possible.

Check out the images below for a guide. I've used yellow tape just to make it obvious. Because we are trying to get maximum light leaks you could use clear tape, but it might leave sticky residue.





The areas I have taped give the back of the Holga maximum security, while letting in as much light as possible. Notice that most of the seams are left uncovered!

You may also want to avoid taping up the advance window on the back as sometimes that can let some light in.

On an opposite note, if you want to stop all the light leaks then check out my post - Reducing 99% of light leaks with tape.

Thanks very much for reading my post and blog!

Labels: Light Leaks, Tape, Tips, Tricks

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The Go Holga Project - What Happened?

A few of you have started to remember about the Go Holga project that was supposed to happen way back in 2009. Everyone contributed £1 and I bought and painted a Holga.

The only problem was, when trying to complete the aperture hack, (to cut a long story short) I messed up, so for a while I didn't really know what to do.

The good news is a few weeks ago I set about fixing her and the camera is usable again, but only with the larger aperture.

This shouldn't be a problem: If its sunny, use a slower film, if its overcast just pop in some 400asa.

My plan for now is to do a mini project around the United Kingdom. If that goes well I will then plan one for the USA only, and if that goes in maybe the rest of the world.

I have some names for the UK project, and will be posting the camera out soon.

Thanks to everyone who made it possible by contributing, and sorry if you're not going to be a part of it right away. It will happen one day though. I promise!

Labels: Go Holga, Project

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Custom Holgas To Be Sold Here Soon

Over the next few weeks I will be making a few custom Holgas, that I will be letting go to you.

I'm currently trying to save up for a few holidays that I will be going on this year and need all the money I can get. Therefore I will be selling them through the blog.

As this is going to be a regular theme in the blog if it takes off, I'm going to be 'launching' it with a competition. There may be a nice little prize for the person that wins ;)

Stay tuned for news on that.

I hope you are all enjoying your lo-fi photography. I'm just on the verge of buying some new developer and film so that I can perfect my home developing.

A lot of you have been e-mailing me, asking about scanning negatives. I will make a post on this as soon as I can.

Sorry its been a little quiet here recently, but I've not had any time to post.

Labels: Custom Holgas, News, Scanning Negatives

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Top Things For New Holga Users To Be Aware Of

When you are new to the Holga, its good to know all the main things that could possibly go wrong.

I by no means have named absolutely all of them here, but I think these are the main problems that you need to prepare for.

If you have any ideas of your own then please share them in the comment section.

1. Your Back Could Fly Off

Be aware that the back of your Holga is prone to flying off, so make sure you add some sort of security.

The metal clips are now much better on the newer Holgas but personally I would also add a little bit of tape on the sides just to make sure.

You might also be interested to read my post, My Holga Back Flew Off. Will My Film Be Ok?

2. Your Focusing Could be Off

Make sure you always check your focusing before you shoot. I got into the habit of always having it on infinity. That way I always know where it is when I go to take a shot. Then if the subject is closer I know to move it, and if its not I know not to bother.

Off-focusing can cause blurry subjects, and although we want a blurry element, we want to keep that to the edges and not the main focus of the shot.

Continue Reading »

Labels: Newbies, Preparation, Tips

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How I Motivate Myself To Use My Holga

Ever get into one of those zones where your just don't feel like picking up your Holga for months on end?

Well don't worry because its a perfectly natural feeling and it happens to us all. The key to overcoming these phases in your Holga photography is to motivate yourself to get out and use it again. That's easier said than done though.

I would like to explain some of the methods that I have used over the years to get myself buzzing about my Holga again. Hopefully, if you are stuck in one of these ruts, this will help you to climb out.

Continue Reading »

Labels: Motivation, Tips

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Go Holga For 2 More Years!

Good news readers, I've just renewed the domain goholga.com for two more years!

That means we'll be around until at least February 2012.

Thanks very much for the continued support and I hope you continue to find the blog useful and fun!

Labels: Domain, News

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My Holga Back Flew Off. Will My Film Be Ok?

Will your Holga film be ok if the back of your Holga accidentally falls of? The answer is usually yes. Depending what frame you are on, you should continue to use the film as normal.

That frame and possibly the next will not come out, but remember, the rest of your film is safely wrapped up on the left hand side so don't worry too much.

My advice is continue to shoot the film and see how it comes out. I would be very surprised if it ruined the full film.

For more FAQ's please view our FAQ labelled posts.

Labels: FAQ, Newbies

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When Home Developing Goes Wrong

If anyone can help me out here, then I would like to know why, every time that I develop I get all these water marks on my negatives. It happens every time I develop and usually ruins the negatives.

Here is a failed attempt to develop my panorama experiment at home.



Any help would be appreciated.

Labels: Developing, Fail, Panorama

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Should The Numbers On My Film Be Upside Down?

I've had a few people ask me if the numbers on their film should be upside down when they are shooting on their Holga.

The simple answer is that YES, the numbers will be upside down on most film types so there is no reason to panic.

Labels: FAQ, Film, Numbers, Upside Down

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