Toy Cameras: Creative Photos

by Kevin Meredith

The art of film photography using plastic or "toy" cameras is the sensational new trend among camera buffs and hipsters. Featuring a shoot-from-the-hip attitude and a playful retro look, Fantastic Plastic Cameras is the definitive guide to the low-fi phenomenon referred to as Lomography. Inside, photographers will find a roster of forty of the most popular plastic camera models, tips and tricks for shooting with them, and examples of amazing photographs. Perfect for both beginners and die-hard fans, this handy volume is sure to enchant anyone who loves the soft-focus world these cameras capture.

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction

169 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

40 cameras, 40 articles and a whole bunch of example photographs. Lomokev is back again with his third book of photography. This time he's concentrating on explaining the possibilities that each of the different 'toy' cameras offers the photographer.

Covering the Holga, Diana, most of the Lomography canon, as well as some other oddities and even a digital toy camera. Each article provides a good overview of the camera, its specifications, strengths and weaknesses. But the majority of each article is really the selection of photographs that Kevin has selected to represent each camera. Mostly they are photographs by the author, but he's not shy of using the work of others when he thinks they provide better examples of the camera's capabilities. Sadly, although I bumped into Kevin in Barcelona when he was shooting the photographs for the book, his presumably dreadful photo of Louise and I with the split cam didn't make it into the final book.

As with all Lomokev books, I made sure to get a nice signed copy direct from the author.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initial thoughts: I borrowed this book from the library because I was very curious about all those toy cameras. I'm not particularly familiar with lomography, so for me Toy Cameras offered a great overview of what is out there beyond the Holga and Diana. If I can get hold of some of those, I'd definitely take some time to experiment. Should be loads of fun.

[Maryam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of cameras, and if your curious about weird, fun, odd, and strange cameras that are out there you would definitely enjoy this book. It provides example photos from each camera featured and some of them are genuinely stunning, and intriguing. If you are looking for a fresh creative look at photography and cameras this book delivers that experience. Would strongly recommend this book.

[Irina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really valuable compilation of information on toy cameras - especially for someone looking into film photography as a hobby. It's super informative and comprehensive. Concise with facts, practical opinions, and visually very helpful with example shots for each camera. Inspired me to start shooting more film and gave me the confidence to pick my first toy camera!

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must have for those interested in lofi photography. Each of the 40 one page synopses is full of useful information, which is presented in a concise, easy to access format. In addition to each summary, there are plenty of photographic examples by the author and photographers who specialize in that camera/format.

[ModCloth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect inspiration for a summer hobby!

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