A couple weeks ago I went to the Texas Livestock Show and Rodeo where I basically spent all my time in the petting zoo laughing while a herd of goats, sheep, and a couple of llamas terrorized children and adults. The lighting wasn't great for Holga photography (it was inside), but I took photos anyway (all underexposed). I went back with my flash a few days later, but the animals weren't up to the same antics! When I was first there, the biggest llama was stalking people and the reactions of the adults, having a llama suddenly appear over their shoulder with an eager and slightly aggressive stare-down, was hysterical. When I went back, there were too many people and the llama wasn't as concentrated on swiftly moving in on each and every person who entered. Also, the giant, pregnant goat wasn't as pushy because she must have been getting enough food. The two younger, male goats weren't rearing up and butting heads like they were on my first visit. I really missed all the action with my flash!
But I did get this, and I'm very happy.
I took one photo and then waited, knowing I might see a better shot unfold. When that turkey ducked down and looked at me with its black eye, I was thrilled.
That was a decisive moment, for sure.
The shot I missed was the cow resting its head on the body of the cow next to it. I saw it, timidly walked up and snapped a photo, only to realize I didn't have my flash on. The cowboy who owned the cows came over to get them up to go to wherever they needed to be and I swallowed my shyness and asked, "Can I take a picture of your cows?" He said, "Sure. I don't care." ha ha! So I went up, right as the cow started to lift its head, and snapped the following picture.
I still kind of like it, but it's hard knowing I missed the real moment I was going for.
I have something I'd like to grump about.
I'm so tired of people saying, "Oh! I love the Holga because you never really know what you're taking a picture of!" As if it's all just chance. Over and over and over and over, I'm just getting lucky with my shooting! Of course, there are issues like unwanted light leaks (I'm in the no-light leaks camp, even though they still get me sometimes), and technical issues, but as far as composition, it's really not a mystery or surprise.
When I shot with a SLR 35mm, I was always extremely aware of the entire frame, what was in it, what was out of it. I was rigidly anti-cropping. Cropping is done at the time of shooting, not in the darkroom. Obviously I had to drop some of that exactness with the Holga, but it doesn't mean that I have no clue what's going to be in my frame. Often, if there's opportunity, I shoot several frames knowing that my desired image will be within the 2 or 3 shots.
I wonder if I'll ever shoot 35mm again? hmmm... for now I'm happy with my Holga. Just out there gettin' lucky!
