Some days the universe knows exactly what you need

and makes the world around you dreamlike and ripe with photo opportunities. Last September a heavy fog awaited me before sunrise and I packed a simple plastic film camera and tripod to take advantage of the sleepy, dim and hazy morning settings.

Aside from the look of a Holga’s plastic lens I also enjoy the certain creative limitation it brings to image making. I knew there was insufficient light for a “proper” exposure at its default shutter “setting” if we call it that (though when using a Holga one is rarely concerned with exactness and fine-tuned accuracy). I set it for a long exposure and held the shutter open a few seconds, guessing when to let go. The movement of the shutter lever press and a wobbly tripod arm setup (see bonus photos below) added to the blur and softness from the foggy field.

Prints & Gifts from this image available here!

Bonus Behind The Scenes post seen on Instagram back when I shot this. Shot and converted to black and white with whatever outdated iPhone & VSCO Cam app was with me. Note the comparative “sharpness” from a smartphone camera versus the lomo love of the Holga.

We all have those days when we forget one tiny adapter or detail. I had packed a camera, intending to photograph scenes in the fog. I threw my tripod bag in the trunk. I was prepared. This day it was the tripod’s quick release plate that I left on another camera, and thankfully I left a Magic Arm in the bag. It held this toy camera still enough for the long exposure snaps.

Whatever camera type thing it is you have nearby today, #JustGoShoot

Prints of this image available here

Pick up a Holga here on eBay or Amazon