New Year, New Photos

In revisiting some Holga prints that I previously rejected, I found this one - taken at Rye Playland last year. I remember having an idea of how I wanted it to come out. But, it didn't meet my expectation, mainly due to sun glare. But looking at it now, at least a year later without expectation, it is like a brand new photo.

Holgapalooza!

Now which photos to enter?....

http://www.holgapalooza.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51&Itemid=58

Greetings From....

... scenic upstate New York!

These first photos are from a great antique/kitsch/junk shop in Bolton Landing. Any store that I can walk out of with a pair of pink ceramic squirrel planters from the 40's for $20, is alright with me. Although, I was totally kicking myself for not bringing my flash... there were several rows of antique and just plain old cameras. It would have made a great photo. Damnit.. always bring the flash!

Next, the fabulous Olana Estate... we stopped off in Hudson on the drive home:

My Holga photos never feature people... enter my friend Karen!

And just for fun... here I am! Karen shot this one. I like the way she framed it around that curved branch:

Coming soon... My Plastic Camera- The Etsy Shop!

So, I've had a vintage clothing page ("Varla Vintage") on Etsy for a while now... needless to say, it's been about a year, and 1 item has sold. Boo. Despite this lack of success, I'm going to set up another Etsy shop! This time it will be all Holga prints. The link will be posted here once it's all set!

"Chrysler Looming" Featured in the Westchester County Amateur Photo Contest

One of my favorite holga photos, "Chrysler Looming" (below), is now featured in The Westchester County Amateur Photo Contest. The photos are now on display in the Howard and Ruth Jacobs Family Gallery at the Greenburgh Public Library through June 17, 2010. Join me for the Photography Contest Award Ceremony & Reception on Saturday, May 15, at 1:00 p.m.

Random Shots... North and East

North: Middletown, NY
These shots were taken while on location during a portrait shoot. Actually, it was a tattoo shoot, and resulted in some amazing photos- femininity against a gritty backdrop of abandoned warehouses and auto parts. I'll be uploading the actual portraits to my Bella Photography site soon, so check back there.. in the meantime, they are already on the Bella Facebook page- so become a fan and I'll keep you updated on events and special offers! FYI, they won't be posted here, because this is all Holga, all the time.

East: South Norwalk, CT
Wasn't working this day, just hangin' around. In between window shopping and thai food, I remembered that I had my camera and caught these... a colorful ice cream truck and an empty warehouse with broken windows...

Art Show and Fundraiser at PD Gallery, Norwalk, CT!!!

I'm excited to announce that I will be showing 12 of my recent Holga prints this spring at the PD Gallery in Norwalk, CT. I will also have a hand-printed, framed black & white image (35mm) at the gallery that will be a part of the "Viva Chile!" Fundraiser to benefit Chilean earthquake victims. A portion of art work sold will go towards the Red Cross.

Where?
PD Gallery at Performance Dance Studios
12 Fitch St.
Norwalk, CT 06855
203.855.1118

When?
The art fundraiser and gallery will be open to the public on:
Friday April 9, from 6pm-8pm
Saturday April 10, from 2pm-5pm
Sunday April 11, from 2pm-5pm

How?
Just walk right in! All artwork is for sale, however designated pieces will be for the benefit. Buy some artwork and decorate your home or office with original, local art- all for a good cause!

For more information, please visit:
PD Gallery

Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Jan. '10

Last week, I went over to Flushing Meadows Corona Park to shoot the relics from the 1964 World's Fair. Driving back and forth on the commute to jobs, I was fascinated with the Unisphere and the remnants of the Metropolitan Pavilion. They are right next to brand new Citi Field, yet they are frozen in time with the space-age look that was so popular in the 60's. The Pavilion used to have a circus tent-like covering, and the tall round structures had elevators that brought spectators up to the circular decks. From the Grand Central or Van Wyck, they appear more like look-out posts for futuristic prison guards in a 1960's sci-fi movie.

First we have the Metropolitan Pavilion- with look-out posts in the background and lots of typical Holga light leaks and under that, The Unisphere:

Nice day with nothing to do...

Sounds like a good day to shoot to me. I'm finally heading over to Flushing Meadows Park to shoot the World's Fair relics- the Unisphere, mosaics, time capsules, and my favorite, the Metropolitan Pavilion. Which is the large weird structure you can see from the Grand Central Parkway that looks like it's straight out of a bad sci-fi movie. Once the film is developed, they will be posted here! So come back!

NYC, July '09

These were the first black & white pics taken with my plastic camera. Being a New Yorker, I always take for granted how beautiful the city is. I rarely ever stop to take a photo, because you know, that's what tourists do! Well, not anymore.

Here is Grand Central with the Chrysler Building looming in the distance and The Chelsea Hotel.

Coney Island, Oct. '08

Last October, my fiance Dan and I went to the Coney Island Film Festival to see Steve Balderson's new film "Watch Out". It was a humid, rainy, foggy day, and no one was around. These photos reflect the quiet, creepiness of the day, but the movie was way creepier!

My Plastic Camera, the intro

Welcome to my new blog! This blog is designed to be an off-shoot of my professional website Bella Photography, dedicated to my fascination with the Holga camera.

I am fairly new to the Holga, having only been using one for a little over a year now. But it has completely made me fall for photography all over again. It all started with an antique camera that sits on my bookshelf, a Kodak Duaflex IV. I became curious about TTV (Through the Viewfinder) photography. My research took a turn and lead me to the Holga. I decide to purchase one on Ebay for $20, and it's become my favorite camera.

I welcome your comments, conversation and critiques as this blog grows.