Holga: The Vintage Camera

Known largely for its old fashioned style and make, the Holga camera was originally created in the earliest years of the Chinese industrial era so that people could take pictures of every day life without having to pay a lot of money for a nice camera. As the camera reached the Americas in later years, however, its popularity slowly began to climb. It was just an ordinary film camera, that is, until artists got a hold of it.

For serious photographers, the Holga was a phenomenal discovery.  Not only was its classic frame an attractive feature, but people also liked the different effects it has on an image simply by altering the camera in certain ways. For example, one can achieve a light black border around their picture by taping black construction paper to the inside of the plastic film cover. This blocks out light from the small crevices and forces the image to darken around the image. Photographers can also alter the zoom on their Holga to its maximum length in order to achieve an image of the film itself.

Border effect, Holga 137. Photograph by Heather McCuiston

Although all Holgas are made of a plastic exterior, they have proven to be extremely durable over the years. The creators of the Holga say on their website to "take your Holga everywhere," meaning to travel with the camera at the photographer's side 24/7.

Shadow effect, Holga 137. Photograph by Heather McCuiston.

Manufacturers and representatives of the Holga brand also encourage their customers to alter the perspective from which a photograph is taken. For example, instead of placing the camera directly in front of something, try holding it slightly tilted or just above it. This simple alteration enhances the overall quality of the picture and makes an ordinary event appear to be a professional shot.

Light leak. Photograph courtesy of Holga photo archive

Although the Holga produces amazing shots, its primary purpose is to be independent of modern technology. With its old-fashioned outer frame and view finder, only film can be used with an Holga. The original models do not come with a flash, however newer models have been released with an automatic flash installed.


To find out more about the Holga vintage camera, visit their website and check out the impressive gallery!

Short Overview

I figure that many of you are wondering what this blog is all about. It's simple really: Art. I'm very interested in every aspect of it, from the most conservative classics to modern concepts to fashion. Art is all around us, whether it be in the architecture of a church or the color coordination of graphic advertising. No matter how far we look, the means by which art affects our lives reaches further.The world of art knows no bounds or restraints, so why not explore it?

If you would like to explore with me, try visiting some of my personal favorite websites:  Studio Treasure, North Carolina Museum of Art, and Artspace.

This blog is where all the excitement compiles and is spread to be distributed to the masses. Enjoy!

Duke Raleigh Hospital Gives Back to the Community (Draft)

Duke Raleigh Hospital Gives Back to the Community

By Heather McCuiston

How often do you hear about a local hospital funding a secret project to give back to its surrounding community? What if a surprise tribute awaited the community?

Just outside the double doors of the Duke Raleigh Hospital, a whole new world can be discovered, a project that has remained secret to the public until now, as its construction has come to a close. In an attempt to better satisfy patients and their families, this hospital has been setting aside private funds for the sake of building an outdoor garden laced with various pieces of art made of mediums from all over the outdoor spectrum. As patients and staff alike walk along the new stone pathways of the garden, they stroll through what some might refer to as a “photographer's Heaven” as different works of art such as sculptures created from greenery as well as unique fountains, vibrantly painted birdhouses, and a lush brook accompany them.

Through this effort, Duke Raleigh Hospital has been able to not only maintain the construction of this project without delay, but also to ensure patients with a brighter, more uplifting atmosphere by providing a place to go on walks and relax. The garden provides visitors and family with a place to go with loved ones under the hospital's care to explore and have a cup of coffee. This project took five years to complete and has proven to be worthwhile, as locals claim it's the "perfect getaway from the whole hospital atmosphere," and "gives you a place to go while you're waiting on people to be cared for or are undergoing an operation." Perhaps this garden is the perfect solution for easing the tensions acquired while in a hospital awaiting a loved one to feel better.

Cynthia Ann Shore, registered nurse and volunteer pediatric assistant at Duke Raleigh Hospital, was able to provide insight as to just what was going into the project behind the scenes. “It’s been going on for several months,” she says, “but no one really knew about it except for the staff and a few patients that were here during the time of construction.” This well-kept secret has proven to be more than worthwhile, as family and friends of patients can stroll along the pathway outside and feel more relaxed.

The garden consists of a short path that is surrounded by various pieces of art, their medium being nature itself. Ordinary bushes have been trimmed to resemble flowers, as well as various statues of children that represent past patients who have turned to the hospital for help. In the center of the garden is a gazebo which overlooks the entire path.

Not only are there tributes through artistic pieces, but there are also words of thanks in the path itself. If observed closely, the concrete stones from which the path is created reveal specific memorials to staff, volunteers, patients, families, etc. As one of the tiles reads, “Thank you to the nurses who provide compassionate care to our patients,” one can be reminded that the Duke Raleigh Hospital cares.

Having been proven as one of the largest private, non-commercial projects in the city of Raleigh, the tribute garden at Duke Raleigh Hospital has been proudly completed and will permanently serve its purpose of providing comfort to all who see it as well as set the hospital apart from other hospitals in surrounding cities.