100cameras

Photography has changed your life, I bet. It may not be a professional series camera you use, but the smartphone you carry that connects you to the world. You're able to share, see, and be inspired by something that fits in your pocket. Can you imagine your life without photography? I know I couldn't. I know how it changed my life, how it inspires my visual creativity, and how I love to connect to people through a simple photo on Instagram. 

When 100cameras contacted me, it was something I really wanted to be a part of. I can't imagine my life without photography and when I read their mission to impact children with cameras, this is something I deeply wanted to share. 100cameras started with 4 women in NYC who wanted to give children cameras and capture their community, something a professional photographer won't be able to see. The first camera was sent to Sudan and it grew from there. With the sales of the children's photos, they are able to give back clean water, shelter, education, food and resources to benefit their community.  Here are a couple of my favorites and more info-

This photo was taken by Kiden. She is 16 years old. 

When Kiden was fourteen, her father threw her out of his house because she was pregnant. She came to St. Bartholomew’s orphanage where she gave birth to her baby girl, Viola. At just two years old, Viola died due to hydrocephalus. Kiden is remarkably resilient and more mature than most of her peers. She takes care of the younger children in the orphanage as if they are her own. Kiden is a hard worker and helps serve in the kitchen. Kiden's favorite activity is singing.

This photo was taken by Joey. He is 14 years old. Joey lives on the Lower East Side with his father and ten siblings. In friendship, he highly values respect, trust, and honesty. Joey enjoys playing basketball and his favorite classes are Spanish, Science, and Gym. One day, he wants to be either a video game designer or a professional weight lifter. Joey likes photography because two people could take a picture of the same thing, but it could have two different meanings. During the 100cameras project, Joey enjoyed taking pictures of sneakers and street artwork. This is what he sees; this is his story.

You can get involved by purchasing a print, sign up for emails for updates, share your story here or here. 

Storing Camera Gear

There really is no glamour for storage. When I think of my old camera storage, I think of broken and lost equipment. I read Elsie and Emma's camera gear list, and before I add more fun items to my collection (I'm wishing for the 40mm lens), I needed to organize what I had. I did sell some items in my Instagram shop (and the valuable items through eBay),  but I kept a lot of items I don't use as often. I've minimized so much in my life, this is one area I'm struggling to loosen the belt on. Here's what it looked like before. YEESH. 

BEFORE. Ugh, just look away. 

When we had our bookcases installed, camera gear was the first to be organized. Here's what I did;

I have a Kelly Moore camera bag (no more diaper bags!) and I carry just what I need for the day. There's also a pocket for SD cards so I don't have an excuse to lose those.

-Organize by lens and usage. What do you reach for more? The fisheye or the 50mm? I've rarely used my telephoto, so that's hidden in the back. Convenience is key. 

- Try to keep the original boxes. When every lens is black and you're in a hurry, can you imagine grabbing your novelty lens over a professional lens especially if it's for work?!

-Keep your favorites together. I constantly have one novelty camera, my 50mm (I call it my foodie lens), a batter pack, and my camera body. 

Always keep your film in a wine fridge, unless you're going to use it that day (like I did with this 120 film). The condensation in a regular fridge adds moisture to the chemicals in film and it may not perform as well.

After. WHERE is it? Tucked it away nicely in the cabinets below. 

And there it is. During this cleaning process I had to ask myself a few times- does having more camera equipment make you a better photographer? No, it just makes you a different kind of hoarder. I need to remember this next time I question the purging I'm about to do.

What tips can you share for organizing camera equipment? 

Instagram Giveaway

For months I was in denial on the popularity of Instagram. I have twice as many followers on Instagram than I do on my blog I've poured into for years. It's easy to post a pic but takes dedication to host a blog. Bloggers, I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. So I've come to terms that it's okay. I have no plans to quit blogging, I actually have a few posts lined up, but as a thank you, I'd love to do a giveaway on Instagram. I don't want to alienate people who don't have Instagram (do people not have one? C'mon, my mom has one!) but it's a fun way to connect. Instagram is fun but instant film is more fun! Put down your phone and pick up a camera. Analog, digital, instant, whatever it is, just not your phone. It's so refreshing. If you're not familiar with instant film, I'm also adding in Instant Love. It's a resource book on instant film. It's inspiring and made me wonder why I even put away my camera gear. Find the giveaway here and be sure to read the giveaway rules before entering. Best of luck to you!

Paris on Film: Lomography Negative 35mm

I finally tested out Lomography's own slide film, on my Canon AE-1 . I tested it on the most colorful place I could think of- Disneyland Paris! The colors were saturated, intense, and the contrast to each photo visually describes how I experienced the park. I love the Disneyland park I visit here at home often, but Disneyland Paris was...well...honestly, it was better. I felt like it was how Disneyland should be, and I've never experienced anything like it. I have some photos on my DSLR I'll be sharing and go more into detail and you'll see why it's awesome. Besides the park being only 20 years old, Europeans really took the magic of what Walt had in mind and made it better. Scott and I are huge fans of anything Disney, and Disneyland Paris seemed like the perfect place to celebrate our anniversary (yep, we're kid adults). There were two parks, like here in Southern California. The Walt Disney Studios reminded me of a mix of Universal Studios Hollywood with California Adventure.

I had some film left and took it on a stroll to Champs-Elysees.

Paris on Film: Lomography Earl Grey

I realize film is so much more easier to work with. It can be unpredictable, but compared to digital photos, it saves me a ton of time. Instead of going through each picture to edit, crop and make it just as how I want it, film doesn't need any of this. I just ask my lab developer to add it on CD (or scan if you have the time) and pop it in my computer, upload and it tells the stories for me. Another reason I love film- lazy blogging ;) I tried out the Earl Grey film from Lomography. I bought this last year but my wine fridge kept it for me. I liked how the film came out but I don't think it came out as a strong contrast like black and white does. I won't disregard the film, but I do want to try it one more time in another camera.  I wanted sharper images but I'm not sure if this is my camera or the film. I do however, really want to try the Lady Grey from Lomography.

The images below are from room service, to the red light district.

Paris on Film: B&W Film

Enjoy your weekend! Here are some pics from Paris. I used generic black and white film from Amazon. Not all the photos came out on this roll, but a reader emailed asking where I put my film when they went through the xray machines in the airport security. I did have it packed in my checked bag both bags (which I wasn't expecting to check even when I spent weeks researching what to bring, but that's another ranty blog post on airports) but she sent me this link that was really helpful for future travels. This explains the Spectra film I packed after I tested it at home, it came out beautifully but when I tried after I arrived, it was blank. The TSA also suggests you can have a hand inspection of the film rather than having your film go through the machine. This was our hotel, I loved how modern it was but it still looks vintage even with the film, and I barely caught a man running through the streets of Montmartre, and a small cafe I tried to snap but was pushed by other tourists. The last one is an accidental double exposure of the The Dali exhibit. I know not every picture taken is gold, but I also know each shot is a lesson learned to something better. I can't wait to keep shooting!

Paris on Film: Color Kodak 400

I tried out a new (vintage) camera, a Canon AE-1 with a 50mm lens I got for Christmas. It was a camera I'd easily sacrifice 10 cameras on my shelf for,  and I finally had a chance to use it. Scott bought it off Ebay, and I should know better to get the camera cleaned and looked at before I use it. Especially for taking it on a big trip! I was too excited for it, I didn't bother. I'm not used to the settings and didn't familiarize myself before I used it- big mistake. I still had fun with it and these are the results.

Half of the film was ruined and looks like this when I didn't rewind the film properly (never ever experiment with a new camera in sunlight, I know better and still kicking myself for it).

I'm really loyal when it comes to companies and services, so for me to try out a new film service made me nervous. I've been using my usual service for almost 8 years. I tried Old School Photo Lab and I'm so glad I did. It was quick, and even if it was a bit more than my usual lab, I loved the results and one thing that is important to me the other company didn't have- communication. I was sent an email when I had a question, they are friendly on Twitter, and when I had an issue they were quick to politely respond. That with great film developing is a company I'll be going back to and happy to support.

Giveaway! Polaroid Camera Cards by xoazuree

I was lucky enough to get a fun gift from Azuree, a Polaroid photographer I've admired from afar for some time. As happy as I was for the Hello Kitty toy, I was thrilled with her set of Polaroid Camera cards!!

The cards are made by her on quality paper (you guys, this stuff is legit), and all taken with her beloved SX-70. I loved the cards so much, I wanted to share them with readers. Here are some of her pics from her etsy shop (if you're gonna pin these lovelies, please give credit).

To enter this giveaway- just leave a comment with who you would send these to or how you'd display them. I'm not looking for the best answer, it's just a fun question. Winner will be chosen at random next week, and yes, the winner could be an international reader, no worries on the continent barriers.

To learn more about Azuree, visit her blog and shop. Good luck!

futurowoman's Half Off Sale

I'm a big fan of Nancy Stockdale's work, I've even had the chance to interview her a couple years ago. I was sad to see her announce on her Twitter page she is closing up shop. You can purchase the last of her final printed photographs for half off right now with the code HALFOFF here. If you've ever admired her work from afar, now is the chance to grab a piece from her. I wish you the best, Nancy!

Some of my favorites below...

Buy Film Not Megapixels

by Raymond Echevers on flickr

There's a flickr group devoted to the support of shooting film than digital. I'm all over it.

(via tokyo camera style)

Four Corner Store Giveaway Package {Closed}

 Four Corner Store is offering a giveaway the full package of
>> Kitty Camera Strap
>> Four Corners Film Collection
>> Camera Passport Case
>> Superheadz Wide Camera, the color of your choice! My personal favorite is the Superheadz Wide Camera. I have one in gold and I love it.
It's very easy to enter, just fill out this quick form. Thank you, giveaway is closed. Winner has been emailed.
This is a giveaway courtesy of Four Corner Store, visit their site and let me know what new item you're eyeing right now. They have the cutest photo gadgets and stay on the latest by signing up for their mailing list here and read all about their mission.

A big thank you to Jena of Miss Modish for the cute graphic and making this possible. Check out her blog and say hello, one of my faves. 

Filmspiration

(yeah, you know that title was coming, right?)

I ordered a couple packs of the new film from Lomography, Early Grey 35mm and Tungsten 35mm. I'm feeling a little uninspired lately since I can't find my digital camera, but I was able to dust off my Canon SLR. I haven't used film in months (how sad). I can't wait for these to arrive. Did you pick up anything from Lomography's new batches of film?

Pink Polaroid Giveaway

It's the best combo possible. I'm not doing the giveaway, but Cesar is in lieu of his one year "blogiversary" for his Polaroid photography blog, The Dead Format.  Head over HERE to enter and cheers to Cesar!

Giveaway visual by Cesar.

Film: Not Dead Yet

I interviewed Lesly back in 2009 (and so sorry the photos aren't available, Blogger is such a punk sometimes but if you click on her webpage, you can check out her work.) She left Etsy and blogging to pursue her dream- photography. You'd think wanting to pursue such a freelance job would require blogging and Etsy, but she's a testimony that all you need is great work ethic and some (metaphorical) elbow grease to go with it. CNN just did a piece on film and interviewed her on thoughts on photography. Go, Lesly!

wino

I finally have room in my home to store a wine refrigerator for my film. As soon as it arrives, it will feel like such a luxury- having film that's well taken care of. I don't feel safe putting it in my own fridge- chemicals and food don't mix well.

Happy Polaroid Week 2011

I'm really excited for Polaroid Week, but I just realized my scanner is packed away. I'd love to still participate, and scan them later. In the meantime, I'll be admiring the participants in the Flickr group.

Also, I found an old iZone of my brother in my flickr. One of my favorites. Hello, 2003.

Here are some links for your Monday... what I've shared in my Google Reader, and what I've pinned in Pinterest. Happy Monday ^_^

Top Bloggers Who Use Analogue

Thank you to Rhianne for writing a neat article on top bloggers who use analogue- so grateful to be featured with some of my favorite bloggers! I still have so much film to scan from traveling this year, but unfortunately, they are boxed until I set up my film scanner in a new office next month.

Hope everyone had a great holiday!

What Polaroids Were Made For

Pony rides, LA Gear sneakers, white tights, red bandanda, white cowboy hat, no front teeth, and a bowl-styled haircut. Where does the awesomeness even end??

*taken sometime in the mid-80's at Griffith Park Pony Ride in LA.

NYC Polaroids

I haven't had a chance to share my NYC Polaroids, but I'm lucky to post them on Adele's blog, Poptart. If you're not familiar with her blog, you're welcome for the swoonage you'll experience when you visit. Comments are closed here but feel free to say hello. Click on the pic below to redirect you to the post. Thanks for having me, Adele! ♥

Roma Polaroids

As I'm packing to leave for Canada tomorrow, I'm taking a little blogging break. I've been itching to share my Spectra Polaroids from Rome. I've been getting my apartment ready for housesitters, and in the meantime, I've been blogsitting myself. I saved the best for a srslyliz guest post. Come take a look and say hello here. Thank you, Liz!