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Michelle Bates is one of the country's best known Holga photographers.
She loves sharing her knowledge through workshops and lectures, and has done so at Maine Media Workshops, International Center of Photography, Julia Dean Workshops, SF Camerawork, Photographic Center Northwest, and many others. Her book, "Plastic Cameras: Toying with Creativity," was published in 2006 by Focal Press.
If you wish to visit Ms. Bates website, please visit: http://www.michellebates.net/
As featured in our Winter 2005 School Catalog..."Open Up a New Dimension...with Handcoloring."
Hand coloring opens up an entirely new dimension in image making for the photographer.
Coloring can bring new life to old black and white images; one that reflects reality or creates a new, invented one.
I've used Marshall's Oils to transform old black and white images from the Fremont Summer Solstice Parade, which I
photograph every year, into full-color scenes that match the ...
full article
To ask Ms. Bates a question please fill out the form below. The most
popular questions and answers will be posted on this page.
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Question:
Hello Michelle,
When setting the Holga on the closeup setting, where would be the sharpest point of focus from the camera lens to a persons face? In other words, if a person is sitting 4 feet from the lens, 5 feet, or 6 feet, where is the sharpest point?
Thank you,
Ron
Answer:
Hi there Ron,
According to my test, on that setting focus is from 4-7 feet; I dont have more specific measurements than that, and each camera is likely to slightly different in any case.
You can test on your own by setting the camera up on...full answer
Question:
After 30 years in advertising I now teach at my Alma Mater in Detroit. The Dept chair would like me to teach a class in January using alternative cameras.
My question: Can you suggest a few assignments that work well with the Holgas?
I have your wonderful Plastic Camera book and it does give me a few ideas.
Thank you for any suggestion.
-Peggy D.
P.S. - I went from 20 years of 8x10 work to a Canon EOS, so this plastic camera idea for assignments is a riot to me!
Answer:
Hi there Peggy,
Well, first thing, we have to have the teacher go out and play with a Holga! Shake off all those years of tilting and shifting and do it with your body instead.
Get the students to try things you wouldn't think a Holga can do - ...full answer
Question:
Ms. Bates,
My teacher is trying to start a "toy camera" class at our Jr college. We are getting together to talk about different ideas for the class and to create an outline to submit to the board at the school. I was just wondering if you had any advice or if there is anything you think we should focus on.
Thanks in advance,
Bernadette
Answer:
Hi Bernadette,
There are lots of ways to use toy cameras to teach photography. I don't have a curriculum for you. But, I would suggest using the cameras for different shooting assignments, as you would with any camera. And you can have students tr...full answer
Question:
Hi Michelle,
Some of your images look wide angle - is there a different model Holga that is wide angle or is it that you are just closer to your subject.
I especially loved the park bench image!
Thanks.
Christine
Answer:
Hi there Christine,
All my images are taken with garden-variety Holgas. I use the entire image in my prints; if you use a standard 6" x 6" negative carrier, part of the image gets cut off, and you lose some of the effect.
Also, when shooting, the...full answer
Question:
I was wondering if you could tell me a little more about which films you use, which film speeds and how you meter for the Holga and which type of meter you use. Do you use the Holga filters and if so which ones? What compensation would one use if using the filters?
I have 2 Holgas and 1 Woca. I have shot only 2 rolls with my Woca and am just starting with the Holgas. I use ISO 400 film as per their recommendations.
I will be using a Pentax 1° spotmeter and Ilford Delta 100, Bergger BRF 200 B&W films and have been using Ilford Delta 400. I use Kodak Portra 400 now and will be using Kodak Portra 160, Agfa Optima 200, Fujifilm NPZ 800 and Kodak portra 800 color films. I can always change the color to B&W in the computer. Maybe I will try the Ilford 3200 also.
I will experiment because that's what I love doing. I was just wondering what compensations you might be using when metering or if you just go with what the meter dictates. i.e. if the meter says 1/100 shutter f11( or f8) would require 100 speed film is that what you use?
I would appreciate any advice you would have for me or if you could lead me to other resources.
Thank You
James C.
My website
The SHOW at SLO Art's site
Answer:
Hi James,
You ask about metering and compensating with the Holga. Well, the thing is, you can't really compensate with a Holga. With the newer versions that have bulb settings, you can do long exposures, but there is no way to be exact. So throw awa...full answer
Question:
I've noticed that your Holga images don't have the light leaks that mine have. I was wondering how you fixed that. If you use tape where do you tape and how do you determine where the light leaks are? Thanks for your help.
Answer:
Hi there Grant,
Well, I've noticed that, in general Holgas are not very leaky. There are two main areas where light leaks occur, and once those are taken care of, you shouldn't have too much trouble. If you remove the insert that comes in the camer...full answer
QUESTION:
Do you have any experience with using/transforming
Holgas into a Pinhole. I am a teacher and would like some info.
and maybe a course guideline?
MS. BATES'S ANSWER:
Hi there Beth,
I haven't pinholed a Holga yet, but I recently had a long talk with
Kevin Finney, who makes pinhole body caps for many different cameras,
and he seemed interested in tackling the problem...full
answer
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