This is a post that I wrote a few months ago for Holga Blog.  It outlines a few tips for anyone who wants to use a Holga or other type of toy camera for doing self portraits.  It’s not a very common practice amongst the toy camera community, so I wanted to write out a few tips that I’ve discovered along the way, and also encourage others to try it out for themselves.

Click here to visit the original article on Holga Blog.

10 Tips for better Holga self portraits

1. Long Exposure

This is my first and most important tip. This will give you a lot of control over your photo, as well as the freedom to shoot wherever you want, especially indoors (as self portraiture isn’t really a public event!). If you do not have a “B” mode on your camera, you will probably have to shoot your self portraits outdoors. This is something I plan on doing in the near future, for something different!

2. Light Source

Light sources are especially important when shooting a long exposure. I like to experiment with different techniques such as candles, lamps, overhead lights, window light, etc. I’ve gotten some great lens flare by using candles and angling my Holga just right in order to capture the flare (takes some experimenting).

3. Surface / Tripod

Make sure you balance your Holga on a solid flat surface, or use a tripod. I prefer to use whatever is around me – counter top, chair arm, table, my knee – to achieve a unique look. A tripod can also be useful for when you need to shoot somewhere that doesn’t have such a surface.

4. Film Selection

Different films will give you different results. Expired film is great for getting that soft, grainy look. 400 speed film usually works great anywhere. Then you have to decide whether you want black and white or colour. Try some slide film, cross processed for funky colours!

5. Do something to the lens

I like using close up filters or my tunnelvision lens so that I can “get closer”. Especially if you are shooting at arms length or closer, these will give you better results. You can also get creative with your lens, add something over it, around it, etc to create different effects. One of my favourite things to do is add some black tape (hey you’re using it anyways!) across the lens barrell.

6. Props

Use props to create a character for yourself or tell a story. There are so many things you can do with this one. Hats, wigs, masks, makeup are just some of my suggestions. Lots of room to get creative here also! Also a great way to disguise yourself if you are leery of posting a photo of yourself online.

7. Multiple Exposures

Everyone wants to do the signature “double headed” shot of themselves. Try it! Or play around with other double exposures you never know what you’re going to get!

8. Motion Blur

Move around while doing your long exposure. Move your whole body, or just part of it and see what kind of effects you get. This takes some experimenting as well and under the right circumstances will get you some pretty cool shots.

9. Arms Length

If you do not have a cable release (such as myself), make sure you are conscious of your arm and hand that you are using to keep the shutter open. Try to angle it in such a way that it does not look like an obvious self portrait. Also, keep a steady hand on your Holga to avoid blur (unless of course you want blur, in that case, shake away!)

10. Have Fun

This is the most important thing of all, no matter what you are shooting. Toy cameras are all about fun! So, don’t take yourself too seriously and just have fun with the process. Think outside of the box and you’ll be amazed with what you can do with a simple photo of yourself.