Yesterday I attended a “Toy Camera Class”, instructed by Rob Holland at The Camera Doctor.  The last photography class I had was back during my first year in college.  Even then, it was not a formal class on photography but merely a section of our art class devoted to the darkroom as it dealt with one of our projects.  Not really sure what I was getting into, I ventured over to check it out.

I was fortunate enough to be able to drive down Flat Shoals & Candler.  For those not familiar with Atlanta, this area is a very pleasant view of check cashing locations and run down businesses.  You also have the added bonus of being visited by the homeless at each red light.  Not really the best place in the world to be.  Thankfully the shop was located in a better place.

The shop itself is misleading from the front.  I would imagine many would just write it off as just some one hour photo joint and nothing more, despite the signage indicating otherwise.  Once inside you step completely into another world.  I felt as if there were one of every camera ever made inside.  It was very fascinating.  Toy cameras were everywhere, along with photography samples.  It was just a great little place.

The class was very informative.  For $50 we got a 3 hour class, a free roll of b&w film, as well as the time to go out and shoot.  The class covered the basics and some more advanced tips, which I found both extremely helpful.  Rob covered some Holga modifications and more importantly, had some of them there, including a “stereo Holga”, which to me, was a double-barrel Holga!  We were given some hand-out materials as well, containing some very helpful information (including a list of Holga online resources).  The class size was small enough so that you didnt feel like just a number either.  All in all, great material and great setting.

I wish that the class was longer to include printing of a few of our photos and a mini-critique.  I would have been willing to pay more for the class if that was included. I wanted to see some shots of the other students and be able to ask how far away they were, how they composed the shot, etc.  I realize this is probably not done for time and cost, but perhaps an advanced toy camera class, or Holga specific class would feature something to that effect.

My first experience with such a class was a positive one.  Both Rob and Steve (store owner) were more than polite and professional. As an aside, Steve really knows his stuff.  I brought in a roll of 30 year old 127 film and he had negatives for me within an hour.  Friendly, knowledgable, and willing to help.  He keeps an amazing stock of photography gear on hand and despite the drive for me (I am about an hour away) I can still see visiting his shop in the future.

A few of the photos I took can be found through my Flickr photostream.