Plastic Cameras: Toying with Creativity by Michelle Bates
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Book Reviews of Plastic Cameras: Toying with Creativity
Book Review: Excellent resource for the non-digital photographer
Summary: 5 Stars
As someone who has been involved with digital photography for over 10 years, I first became curious about 'plastic' cameras after seeing an exhibition of the author's work a few years ago. The images were hauntingly beautiful and I was surprised to find out they were completely un-touched by any digital process. Holgas, one of the models that form the centerpiece of this book, can produce a variety of images depending on how they are set up, or in some cases, not set up.
Michelle's book is fun to read and offers many tips, tricks and techniques for the amateur and seasoned photographer alike. I disagree with the reviewer who described the images in the book as too 'artsy fartsy'. I feel they appropriately serve to illustrate the techniques discussed and are a good overview of contemporary artists using 'plastic' cameras.
This is a great title for the curious. I'm now inspired to attempt some panoramas and double exposures as described in the book.
Book Review: Plastic Cameras: Toying With Creativity
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great book that very much needed to be written. It is filled with photos and instructions that could inspire people who want to be more creative with their point and shoot digital cameras but are covinced that shooting film is a difficult, precise and expensive operation.
A Holga costs about $20.00, film is readily available and Michelle describes how anyone can shoot and then develop their own film right at home. Also included are easy to follow instructions on how to modify your Toy Cam to get more of what you want from it.
The great photos can also bring veteran Toy Camera users out of those shooting slumps that sometimes descend upon us.
Great job Michelle!
Terry Hinshaw
Book Review: If you own a Plastic Camera, Get This Book!
Summary: 5 Stars
If you own a Holga, Diana, Blackbird Fly or any other plastic camera, this book will really get the juices flowing. Fantastic photography, great tips on use and modification. There is also a section on toy digital cameras.
She goes into great detail on how to set up and use your Holga, discussion on various film type, and a reminder that Holga cameras DO FLOAT, made me laugh.
This book should be included with every plastic camera, if you are buying a plastic camera for someone, they will need this book.
Although I own a very nice DSLR, I also own 3 1/2 Holga's, a Diana and am looking to purchase a BBF this year.
Book Review: A reference and manual.
Summary: 5 Stars
Michelle Bates has the experience and expertise to give an overall review of the Holga, Diana and others. The book contains an extensive collect of works by major toy camera artists and an explaination of their methods.
There is an interesting history of the Holga and several chapters demonstrating the use and modification of our favorite piece of plastic. Film selection and processing is also discussed.
If you are a Holga or Diana user or are considering purchasing one, then this is the book for you. Read it once, refer to it often, it's that good.
It's also well bound and excellently printed.
Well done, Ms. Bates
Book Review: Fantastic Book for Fantastic Cameras
Summary: 5 Stars
As I'm not expert yet on toy photography, this book was great getting me started. It taught me a lot of new and great things and helped me understand my camera and what to expect from it and what it's capable of. I couldn't wait to get out there and start taking pictures. It teaches you the pieces of your camera, how to tape it, where to tape it, what you can do to make it do this or that. Even has a section on developing film. (Which after I take some classes will make a lot more sense to me.) I loved this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone getting a toy camera.