- Toy cameras are colloquially referred to as such because they are made mostly, if not completely, of plastic. In fact, toy cameras are fully functioning machines. The body of a toy camera is not as robust as those encased in metal, so warping and holes that cause light leaks and haze on the film are common. How the light leak affects the film depends on the size and location of the hole causing it. Some holes cause bright white spots or streaks, others cause a haze at the edges that can eventually creep further toward the middle of the image.
- Using toy cameras or photo editing software to achieve light leaks and haze on the final image has earned its place in the artistic genre of vintage photography. The unpredictability of haze and light that occurs with a toy camera gives photo artists a unique challenge to work with. On the other hand, applying the effect through digital means allows an artist to artificially give her images an aged, amateur look or to evoke a sense of nostalgia. No matter how it's achieved, the effect can completely change the context and atmosphere of an image.
- Although a natural haze or light leak effect happens in a film box (analogue) camera, a photographer may choose to apply it digitally so that he has more flexibility and control over the original image. Using photo editing software, a photographer also has the power to strategically place haze and light leaks so that they appear to be a happy accident, instead of negatively affecting the subjects and their composition.
- Digital effects of haze and light leaks have even made its way to the world of mobile devices. Camera software applications are available for mobiles phones that give you a series of vintage photo effects which can be instantly applied to your photos. The effects are based on those related to toy and Polaroid camera, many of which include hazed edges and light leak spots or streaks.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -