Occult Photography

Life without a viewfinder…a photographic journey through Spain.

Tracy Reehal — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:54:24 +0000

So, it was during these moments, ignorant to the viewfinder, that my thoughts gave way to silence…I was not the photographer. For being one would have only hindered my creative nature. No, I was a passerby in a foreign land. I observed it all, not noticing how different the Spanish culture was…but I appreciated all of our similarities…all of the very simple characteristics that makes one human.

Mission 30…a time sensitive Pinhole experiment.

Tracy Reehal — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:55:47 +0000

I’d like to introduce you to the latest addition to my Pinhole family…‘Mission 30′. And yes, I do give all of my Pinhole creations a name; regardless to how short-lived their lives may be! No matter how many layers of duct tape is applied and re-applied, light always has a way of creeping in…

‘Mission 30′ was made using black foam core board, black opaque tape and a Polaroid film back. I like to embellish my cameras just a tad bit…as you can see by the vintage watch face I mounted and used as the pinhole opening. I completed the box with a little handmade name badge (thanks to my collage skills) made from a resin-covered, vintage San Francisco trolley ticket. Oh, I also threw on a 1620 Hollande Lager Beer bottle cap…just for good measure! The vintage watch face used for the pinhole, set the theme for the three images posted.

They were all taken during the evening, indoors using two lamps for lighting. The exposure time for the first two images was 20 minutes & a 35 second developing time. The third image was my attempt at a double exposure. It’s extremely difficult to see, but the underlying image is of Abe Lincoln. For better results, I should have left the hole exposed for another 5 or more minutes. I used Fuji FP 100B black & white film that had an expiration date of June 2009.

I am quite pleased with the results. The pinhole produce fairly sharp, high contrast images. I am especially fond of the excessive vignetting. A rule of thumb in pinhole photography – to capture the sharpest image with the signature pinhole characteristic of vignetting, it’s best to use pre-drilled metal shims with the smallest hole possible. I would have liked to have an even smaller opening with this camera, but I didn’t have any watch face plates with smaller holes.

As always, feel free to leave any comments or ask a question or two. I’m always looking for some suggestions or pointers from fellow Pinholer’s! Also, check back next week for updates on my Lomo Lubitel Pinhole experiment. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend!

~Tracy

Altered Lubitel Lomo…a pinhole experiment

Tracy Reehal — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:25:17 +0000

As much as I love having my pinhole cameras loaded with instant film (due to my impatient nature), I’ve decided to give some attention to 120 film. Plus, all that instant film is getting expensive!
I bought this lovely, little Lubitel Lomo 166+ Universal from Ebay. I know what you’re thinking…and no, I’m not altering a $365 camera into a pinhole…my crafting skills are not precise enough to take on a project, as such!

The Lubitel I’ll be using is in less than perfect shape – let’s just say, it has seen better days. Guess that’s why I snagged it for $20. Cosmetically, the camera looks flawless – with the exception of the missing plate which goes around the photographic lense. Since this camera has been around awhile, a large amount of dust and debris has become trapped behind the lenses.

So I figure, I have a few pinhole body crafting skills – I might as well remove the lenses and mount a handmade pinhole shim to the body. Imagine…a pinhole camera that has a sleek body! Okay, I know there are a lot of pinhole body’s that look sleek, but I’m talking about a camera that I alter…create, with my own two hands. And not to mention, it will only set me back $20!

I’d like to add that this new Lomo pinhole creation is not an attempt to replace my beloved instant film, I’m just ready to put my pinhole skills to the test…and possibly invest in a few darkroom materials:)

Not sure how long this alteration will take, but I will post updates on my progress of disassembling/reassembling of the camera and the outcome (or possibly – the aftermath) of the pinhole images this Lomo creates!

All suggestions are greatly appreciated. If you would like to offer me any advice or tips, please come forth! Thanks!

…this is my ode to Polaroid

Tracy Reehal — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:17:58 +0000

So I’ve had this ’77 Polaroid film for months now, wanting to use it but knowing the chance of any image being produced is slim – if any chance at all. At any rate, I’ll be loading my pinhole with this film over the weekend and shooting who knows what, not expecting any results…at least I’ll have some awesome vintage polaroid sheets for one of my nifty collages.
…this is my ode to Polaroid.

my Pinhole photos

Tracy Reehal — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:20:26 +0000

Here are a few pinholes that I have taken over the past couple of years. These images were created using a modified Holga camera with a Polaroid film back. I used a variety of films including Polaroid 669/664/667, Polaroid Viva & Fuji 100C/100B.

Comments and suggestions are always welcome!

Pinhole lovers unite

Tracy Reehal — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:36:28 +0000

Hello to all the pinhole photography lovers! I’ll be adding my personal pinhole collection shortly. In the meantime, feel free to add yours!

Tracy