TexasGirl Photography

In my last post I wrote about making some Holga images in downtown Waco on April 1st. Well, that day I photographed with more than just one Holga: I also had a Holga WPC with me that I scored for a song (in the metaphorical sense of course).

This was my first time using this camera, and since Waco is a place I can easily revisit I figured it was a worthwhile risk. Really I did what I always do when I’m “testing” a camera: I used it as if I’d known it for years. I am happy to report that it performed well, and I’m sharing the results with you today!

I would say that the above photo of the Waco Suspension Bridge is my favorite, but it’s difficult for me to pick just one from this set.

In addition to downtown, we also went to Cameron Park. I love the park; photographing there, especially at Proctor Springs, always makes me think about my Dad. He loves it there! I know he would be out there every day photographing and hiking if he could.

The last photo above has a little big of a light leak on it, which I think happened when I nerfed and didn’t realize a roll of film was exposed already. Could have been worse!

Some of you have undoubtedly heard / read me singing the praises of Ondu Pinhole Cameras. I can say without hesitation that while the Holga WPC is fun, lightweight, and capable of making good images, it doesn’t hold a candle to the Ondu. Having to use a cable release or stand there holding the button for the shutter was a total drag for me, since I am used to the loveliness of Ondu’s magnetic shutter arm / switch (the older versions had a little arm, whereas the newer ones have a sliding switch). With Ondu, you open the shutter and can relax, make a phone call, do cartwheels, get into and out of the frame, etc while the moment exposes onto the film. I’m used to that, so I found having to stand there and be actively keeping the shutter open annoying PLUS I couldn’t get into the picture. I have since tried using a longer cable release to make some self portraits with the Holga, but it looked like it wasn’t strong enough to open the shutter all the way so I’m not certain if those turned out well or at all. The film is waiting to be developed.

So all of the above is to say that while the Holga WPC is a good pinhole camera, and it’s certainly perfect for someone on a tight budget that wants better negatives than what you can get with a homemade camera (speaking from my own experience) BUT if you really want to get into pinhole, save up and hold out for an Ondu. (I promise they don’t pay me to say these things).

Will the Holga WPC get to go on my next road trip. Yes, of course.

Thanks for looking, y’all! Happy Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day! All the photos shared here today were made with Ilford HP5.