Pinhole Cameras

Definite want! We've seen some great photos recently that people have taken with DIY pinhole cameras, so we'd love to learn how they've done it!

   

Buried by Stephen Gill

We mentioned the book Buried by Stephen Gill in yesterday's post, and we were so intrigued by the subject of the book we thought we'd give it its own post.

Publisher's Description

'The photographs in this book were taken in Hackney Wick and later buried there. The amount of time the images were left undergournd varied depending on the amount of rainfall. The depths that pictures were buried at also varied, as did their positioning. Sometimes they were facing each other, sometimes back to back or sometimes buried singly.

'Not knowing what an image would look like once it was dug up introduced an element of chance and surprise that I found appealing. This feeling of letting go and collaborating with place - allowing it also to work on putting the finishing touches to a picture - felt fair. Maybe the spirit of the place can also make its mark.'

 -Stephen Gill

Buried is housed in a paper slipcase, and each copy of the book includes an original c-type photograph in an envelope marked 'Bury Your Own.'

   

Unfortunately it is very expensive to buy, but it could be fun to try this out for yourself!

The Polaroid Book

We think our new year's resolution is going to be to buy a new book every month, to try and reduce our wishlist!

  

150 Projects to Strengthen Your Photography Skills - John Easterby

Added to the wishlist :)
More tips for when shooting with a digital camera, but still helpful tricks.

    

Toy Cameras, Creative Photos - Kevin Meredith

Another book for the wishlist :)

   

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION (from Amazon)

Toy Cameras, Creative Photos is the perfect book for creative photographers, image-makers, designers, and toy camera aficionados. Focusing on the photographs produced by each camera, this is a stunning visual guide to the unique stylistic qualities that different toy cameras offer. Arranged by camera model (all of the cameras included are readily available and in popular current use), Toy Cameras, Creative Photos discusses camera characteristics, special tricks, foibles, functionality, and interesting projects by users, but the visual emphasis is firmly on the photographs. The workings of each camera model are described, as are the ways in which they differ from "everyday" digital cameras, and the distinctive photographic results reveal a huge potential for experimentation that moves away from run-of-the-mill photography. Including a gallery of images produced by each camera, a resource section on film types, and adapting cameras to the use of film, Toy Cameras, Creative Photos fills a gap in the market for a comprehensive guide to this most hip and exciting of creative photographic endeavours.

There is also a great review of the book here (all images also from this article)

52 Photographic Projects

Another for the wishlist :)
Click on through for a look through the book.

150 Photographic Projects

A book for the wishlist; '150 Photographic Projects for Art Students' by John Easterby. Have a look on Amazon to have a look through the book.

Review

'This inspiring book is packed with practical ideas to help you become a better photographer. The advice is clear and helpful throughout.'

  --Black & White Photography, September 2010

Hot Shots - Kevin Meredith

Another book for the wishlist! We originally found this book in Urban Outfitters, but it's much cheaper to buy from Amazon!

You can also click through for a look inside the book :)

   

Plastic Cameras - Michelle Bates.

Another book for the wishlist :)

Reviews

"Following the success of the first edition, the second edition makes Plastic Cameras even more comprehensive and up to date. This book provides extensive how-to information to get you started and a new section on alternative processes for the advanced photographers. This ultimate guide is also packed with many inspiring photos by world renowned Holga artists such as Sylvia Plachy, Michael Kenna, Thomas Michael Alleman, Brigitte Grignet, Christopher James and many other additions." - Holga Inspire Newsletter

"This volume brings together the world of toy camera photography, including the history of their use, exhaustive instructions, tips and tricks for getting the most out of Holgas and other choice cameras, advanced camera modifications, darkroom and presentation information, and resources for continued research and sharing." - Photography Blog

From the Back Cover

Take a tour of the burgeoning world of plastic cameras and low-tech photography. Whether you're an experienced enthusiast or toy camera neophyte, you'll find Plastic Cameras chock full of tantalizing tips, fun facts and, of course, absolutely striking photographs taken with the lowest-tech and simplest tools around.

I got me a Holga.  Now what?

Holgas need a little TLC before they're ready to go out into the world and start snapping. Plastic Cameras digs through all the different Holga models available, lays out their advantages and quirks and helps you get up to speed on all the prep you'll neeed to do to jump in on the toy-camera revolution.

What should I Feed my Plastic Camera?

Holgas, Dianas, and other toy cameras can use many types of film. Plastic Cameras lays all their pros and cons out on the line letting you get some images you want, and some you could just never imagine.

Can Toy Cameras Come Out to Play?

Plastic Cameras will help you steer your way through all the details and quirks of taking wonderful and weird pictures with your toy camera. We'll explore possible subjects and the best way to shoot them and play with all sorts of techniques from vignetting, to multiple exposures, to panoramas, close-ups, movement, night photography, flare, flash, color and more.