Christopher John Ball Fine Arts Photographer and Writer

Plastic Cameras: Toying with Creativity (2nd Edition) by Michelle Bates.

Published by Focal Press. ISBN: 978-0240814216

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Plastic Cameras: Toying with Creativity (2nd Edition) by Michelle Bates. Michelle Bates was first introduced to the 'Holga' camera in 1991. Like many, including the author of this review, Bates fell under its spell and hasPlastic Cameras: Toying with Creativity (2nd Edition) by Michelle Bates. been using variations on the Holga, along with other 'toy cameras', for many of her fine-art and editorial assignments. Along the way she has won several awards and has taken part in various international exhibitions devoted to work produced via 'toy cameras' such as the Holga and the Diana. Bates has been keen to evangelise the use of plastic cameras and has been running workshops on their use since 1998. She has also taught at the Photographic Center Northwest, the Julia Dean Workshops in Los Angeles and at the International Center of Photography in New York. She is also sits on the Advisory Board of Photographic Professionals of Freestyle Photographic Supply.

Plastic Cameras is a 286 page, soft cover book that opens with a foreword by Mary Ann Lynch, followed by a short introduction by Bates giving some background into how she first became seduced into the world of Plastic Cameras. Chapter one opens with 'What are Plastic Cameras?' which is an informative introduction to the history of the plastic camera and the various species available, such as the Diana, the Holga and Superheadz cameras the Golden Half and the Blackbird Fly.

Plastic Cameras: Toying with Creativity (2nd Edition) by Michelle Bates. The next section of the book, and by far the most interesting, are the 'Plastic Portfolios' where we are offered a selection of work from artists whoPlastic Cameras: Toying with Creativity (2nd Edition) by Michelle Bates. have made using plastic cameras their specialty. On show are many delightful and often moving images from Nancy Rexroth, Nancy Siesel, Thomas Michael Alleman, Franco Salmoiraghi, Ted Orland, Anne Arden McDonald, Sylvia Plachy, Pauline St. Denis, Nancy Burson, Michael Kenna, Susan Bowen, Michael Ackerman, David Burnett, Mary Ann Lynch and many more. The images are all beautiful and range from fine art, social documentary to reportage and each portfolio is accompanied by informative text that further adds to the experience. Each artist has a different take on how they use these cameras, some preferring monochrome film and others colour. Many have experimented with panoramas, pin hole cameras, multiple exposures and focus. Each one gifts the reader with inspiration, whether they be seasoned 'plastic camera' users or are approaching their use for the first time.

Plastic Cameras: Toying with Creativity (2nd Edition) by Michelle Bates. The rest of the book looks at the camera options available and where they can be purchased along with the film stock you will need to 'feed' yourPlastic Cameras: Toying with Creativity (2nd Edition) by Michelle Bates. plastic friend. You will also learn how to prepare your camera for shooting, how to load up 'roll film', make modifications and adaptations to your camera to keep the film tight or its back on securely. Bates also offers advise on focusing, exposure, the use of filters, close up lenses and much more - including how to process your film and either printing or scanning the negatives. Each chapter is filled with inspiring and beautiful images that make you just want to get out there making images for yourself. The book is printed on high quality paper, beautifully laid out in a combination of monochrome and colour and, at 18.2 x 20.9 x 1.7 cm, is large enough to do the images justice. A kindle version is also available.

The use of toy cameras are a great antidote to the clean, instant world offered by the digital media and Bates enthusiasm for these little plastic wonders permeates every page of this wonderful little book. I urge you to purchase a copy, a plastic camera and a roll of film as soon as possible.

Review by Christopher John Ball

**** Rating

I have long favoured the use of 'Toy Cameras' in my own working practice and examples can be found here.

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