Digital Holga attempts

[stuegan]

Hi,

I've been working on creating a holga effect with some digital photos recently, and wondered if anybody familiar with holga film photos could take a look and offer some constructive criticism if they have time please? I find that for each roll of medium format film I process in the UK I only ever get one, maybe two photos I'm happy with, which is frustrating; due to the cost of development I've been trying to get a similar look using digital for a while now, and some new toys I found to play with mean these are the closest I've got so far...

The gallery is here: http://www.pbase.com/stuegan/fake_plastic_photos. They were taken with a Nikon D80 and all the alterations have taken place in Photoshop.

I'm just looking for a little feedback on the effects - what does / doesn't look like it's been taken with a Holga camera...what works for you, what doesn't...does it look like too much noise is applied....how about the blur when it is used....etc. etc. Any opinions would be much appreciated. My own thoughts, judging from Holga film photos I've seen in the past, is that some of the photos in the gallery with strong contrast applied don't quite carry the effect off.

Cheers,

Stu

[stuegan]

Also...if anybody has any useful tips or is able to recommend any techniques that might help that would be great!

[pinemikey]

The images look great, Stu. The funny thing is, you probably put much more work into each image than you would have if you just went out and got a Holga, shot a roll or two and scanned them. Still, I like the effect. You give me an idea to try something similar with a few images that just viewed clearly just don't do much for me.

[stuegan]

Hi Mike,

Thanks very much. I guess the reason I've been doing this is cost rather than time (without wishing to sound like a skinflint!). I think it would have taken me way more than a roll or two just to get the 15 or 20 or so in there at the moment. Maybe if you have a go with some older photos and like the results you could post them here, or drop me a mail? I'd be interested to see them.

Cheers,

Stu

[jreal]

Stu
I love the work you have there. My favorite is Camberwell Old Cemetery. A beautiful and very authentic looking Holga.
I have a gallery of Photoshop Holga attempts but I am not sure how authentic looking they are.
http://www.pbase.com/jreal/atthefarm
I am not knowledgeable about Holga cameras but I certainly feel you have some wonderful work in your gallery.
Jeff

[sean_mcr]

Long time no see, Stu

Before you give up on the holga, you should consider this book, It's well rated

http://michellebates.net/PCTWC.php.

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/pdf/HolgaManual3.pdf


As for the look, in my honest opinion (and you know we think a like in a lot of ways) you just can't make a 35mm or a dslr look like it came from a medium format camera, they just don't have the same look. You might be able to mimic the imperfection of the Holga, but much of its appeal comes from it being medium format.

[stuegan]

Jeff - thanks very much for taking the time to look and thanks for the link.

Sean - likewise, thanks for the feedback and the links. I should point out that I'm not giving up with the holga just yet despite having a go with these digital versions. In fact I've got way too many rolls that have been sat around waiting to be developed. I've forgotten what's on them now - what's the point in that eh? I should get my backside in gear and get them sorted. I've printed off that guide and will have a read this evening.

[sean_mcr]

Hiya mate,

You do know that there's a 35mm version,don't you?

[benjikan]

You can actually purchase a Holga Lens for Canon, Olympus, Nikon, Pentax and Sony..

Just scroll down and check them out.

http://www.holgamods.com/

Ben

[stuegan]

Hi Ben,
Thanks for that. I actually do own one of those holgamod lenses (for Canon) which I bought last year. I think it's an excellent website and the service is very good...but I don't think it works too well to be honest. Maybe it was just me though!!!
Stu