Holga week
Holga Week is an annual international celebration of one of the most iconic and quirky cameras in the world of photography: the Holga. Holga week is held every year during the first week in October.
What is a Holga I hear you ask?
This is a Holga
The Holga is a cheap, plastic, medium-format camera originally manufactured in Hong Kong in the early 1980s. It was designed to be an affordable tool for amateur photographers, particularly in China. However, due to its simplicity and numerous technical "flaws," it became a cult favorite among photographers looking to break free from the precision of modern digital cameras.
The Holga is known for its unpredictability: light leaks, vignetting, soft focus, and distortions are common, giving photos a dreamy, nostalgic feel. These imperfections became its signature style, making it popular in the art and experimental photography communities. In an age of pixel-perfect digital imagery, the Holga's low-tech charm has become a symbol of creative liberation.
Holga Week started as a way to unite film enthusiasts, especially those who appreciated the unique quirks of the Holga camera. The event was inspired by other film photography gatherings, such as Polaroid Week, which celebrated instant film photography. Holga enthusiasts wanted a similar occasion dedicated to their beloved camera.
The first Holga Week was launched in 2014, and since then, it has grown steadily, with participants from all over the world. Each year, photographers submit their best Holga images, which are shared on social media platforms under the hashtag #HolgaWeek, creating a global gallery of lo-fi, artistic shots.
How to get involved in Holga Week
Holga Week is open to anyone with a Holga camera, regardless of experience level. Participants are encouraged to shoot and submit photos during the designated week.
You can use any Holga camera model, whether it’s the classic 120 format, 35mm version, TIM half frame, panoramic or a pinhole and submit up to 3 images.
Holga Week is all about creativity and pushing boundaries. Try multiple exposures, unconventional lighting, and the camera’s unique features like its plastic lens or various aperture settings. Embrace the light leaks and imperfections—they are part of the magic!
Once your images are ready, submit them to the official Holga Week website or social media platforms using the hashtag #HolgaWeek. This year's categories are
Holga Effect (NEW)
Holga Street
Holga Nature
Holga portrait
Holga pinhole
Holga select this category winner is chosen be all the participants in holga week.
2024 Holga Week Champion
There are prizes for the categories winners and overall winner gets a gold Holga.
I have been participating in Holga week for the last 4 years and last year and this I have held a photo walk in London as part of the week, this is a great way to met up with other Holga users and enjoy time shooting together.
Holga isn't just for Holga week
A lot of people will only use a Holga during that week but I like to use mine as much as I can, so I always carry it out & about with me.
Holgas only have two apertures (if you're lucky) f8 & f11, I tend to leave mine set to f11 and shoot 400 iso film and mainly black & white.
No two holgas are alike, some will have crazy light leaks, light flares from the cheap lens and others won't, luckily or unluckily mine does have any and the lens is pretty sharp in the centre with a nice soft fall off to the edge.
These are fun cameras to shoot with and the only thing to worry about is the composition.
The cameras can be picked up second hand fairly cheap on eBay or you can buy new for around £30.
Go grab a Holga and join in the fun.
What a fascinating article.
I have an Ektralite 400 from 1981 that I am restoring for that nostalgic, retro, “cheap” photo quality.
Nice shots !! pix look great