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Photo Book Reviews

Plastic Cameras - Toying with Creativity (Focal Press) by Michelle Bates Michelle Bates delves into the history and world of plastic cameras as an enjoyable, inexpensive way to explore the possibilities of photography. Article rating: 8.29

Plastic cameras are such an enjoyable phenomenon, it is amazing that everyone doesn't have one.  Inexpensive and easy to operate, plastic cameras are a unique tool for the budding or experienced photographer.  In Plastic Cameras - Toying with Creativity, Michelle Bates shares her love for and the many possibilities available from the plastic camera.

A brief introduction to the Diana and Holga models initiates the reader to the history of the plastic camera.  Invented in the 1960s, plastic cameras began their rise to popularity as the $1 teaching tool of choice in many photography classes.  The simplicity of the plastic camera allowed students to learn and hone their skills in composition and creativity without the distractions implicit in more complex and expensive cameras.

The images created using plastic cameras have been used in endless applications.  From commercial and non-commercial usage, to gallery exhibitions, newspapers and magazines, the power of plastic camera imagery is virtually limitless.

One of the things that makes Plastic Cameras  - Toying with Creativity unique is its focus on collaboration.  Unlike the often competitive world of high-tech photography, plastic camera users, such as author, Michelle Bates, tend to share techniques and tricks of the trade, often joining internet groups to meet fellow enthusiasts. 

Inspiration for the budding photographer comes in the form of chapter two – Plastic Portfolios.  The chapter presents a collection of images gathered from various dedicated photographers, who also happen to be plastic camera enthusiasts.  Many of these photographers utilize their plastic camera exclusively, while others use it as one of their many photographic tools.

Once the reader has been enticed by the imagery contained in chapter two, Bates delves into the many different plastic cameras that are now available.  While she focuses mainly on the classic Holga camera throughout the book, Bates also discusses how plastic cameras have evolved from the original '60s and '70s classics into the many varieties available today.  This section gives readers a good idea of what they have to choose from, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each, depending upon the photographer's ultimate vision.

One of the most exciting aspects of Plastic Cameras is the tips that Bates shares to get the uninitiated plastic camera photographer started.  She explains, step-by-step, how to work with the quirks of the plastic camera - the Holga in particular.  From describing how to cover light leaks to how to work around the scratchy interior of a plastic camera, Bates ensures that photographers know what to look for and how to fix it – if they want to.  While some photographers want to know what to expect from their photography sessions, many enthusiasts thrill at the somewhat unpredictable nature of their plastic cameras.

Plastic cameras have a variety of film options, from black-and-white and color to infrared and transparency film.  The emergence of digital cameras has slightly decreased the availability of some films, however, there are plenty still available and Bates is happy to discuss them.

With so many ways to experiment with plastic cameras, from multiple exposures and vignetting to movement and close-ups, photographers will be amazed at the diversity available to them.  Bates explains many different techniques that can be used to achieve the images and effects desired. 

In addition to the basic tips that Bates offers about perspective, lighting and exposure, she also expounds upon some more advanced tips, such as converting the Holga into an underwater camera.  While one of the attractions of the plastic cameras is their simplicity, Bates discusses how using filters, flashes and add-on lenses can expand the photographer's repertoire.

Cat's Cradle Blues, © Pauline St. Denis

The detail and delight that Bates takes in sharing her love of plastic cameras makes reading Plastic Cameras - Toying with Creativity a joyous experience.  However, the reader does run  the risk of being tempted to run right out and buy a plastic camera! 

Plastic Cameras - Toying with Creativity is 228 pages long.  It was published in 2007 by Focal Press, an imprint of Elsevier.

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Just bought the Diana AND the Holga! Used a roll of film on my daughter getting her braces today and a few other things... can't wait to see how they turn out. I decided to see if Border's Book store had any books to help me and I found this book. I am sure this is going to be the beginning of a big obsession! This book looks like it has a lot of great tips. So glad there are other enthusiasts out there. Posted by: teri Sep 16, 2008 @ 12:57 AM EST

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