The whole roll – Holga 120 with Lomography 800

I had previously owned a Holga but for some reason or reasons which I can’t be bothered to dredge up from memory I abandoned it. I have a habit of making hasty decisions which sometimes work out well and sometimes not.

Only recently I was tempted to revisit it, having seen some beautiful pictures, some of which were on this site. I thought to myself “I’m sure I can make some nice pictures with a Holga if I just keep at it, or if not, I’ll at least have fun trying.”

So, £25 (for camera) + £40 (or so, for 3 rolls of Lomography 800), I was once again a Holga shooter.

Something that attracts me about Holga photography is that the distinctive look of the images, as well as the cost of each frame (compared to 35mm), nudges me towards a more considered approach when composing a picture. This is in contrast to Lomography’s mantra “Don’t think just shoot” which you see scrolling past when you wind on the film to the first frame; a quaint notion.

When framing a scene, I choose something that doesn’t require a lot of detail to be enjoyable because the Holga is only sharp(ish) in the centre of the frame. So, simple compositions with the main subject usually roughly central. And, if possible throw lots of light and shade at it because the lens produces quite low-contrast images which can look flat in soft lighting. Then, ask myself “do I really want to have a picture of this?” and if the answer is affirmative, then shoot.

Lomography 800 was a good choice for Winter with the generally low light levels. I guessed it would be suitable for most outdoor situations. What I didn’t expect with Lomo 800 was the lovely vivid colour rendition and punchy contrast, with surprisingly fine grain. It’s a good match for this camera.

Here are the pictures. Unusually for me they are all quite likeable and most are keepers. The first three are from North Landing near Flamborough on the Yorkshire coast. There are some impressive stacks and arches on the chalky cliffs all along this stretch of coast.

The rest of the pictures are from the Peak District around Stanage and Bamford edges and Ladybower Reservoir.

These two are of the path leading up to Bamford Edge from Ladybower reservoir. It winds through this ancient woodland full of gnarly twisty trees. It has an enchanting atmosphere whatever the weather.

Another snowy day but this time on Derwent Edge. I was hoping for some bright sunshine but the weather was not obliging.

So that is my roll. The Holga has been fun to work with and I’m looking forward to putting more films through it. I have some Phoenix which I’m saving for brighter seasons.

I hope you have enjoyed these and thanks for reading. Find me on flickr here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/125881098@N03/

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