I ♥ Diana


I mentioned in my last post my fondness for my Diana camera, so I wanted to share some wonderful photographs taken with these sweet little cameras. Not my photos. I’d like to share my Diana photos, but I don’t currently have access to a decent scanner to copy and upload them to my computer. The following photos are so much more beautiful than my stack of blurry blobs in a box anyway. If you’d like to know more about the wonders and the many faults (the faults often described as being part of the charm) of the Diana, then click here. Or don't, as the Diana is all about the element of surprise!


The above photos are by Stephan Kaps, sourced from the Lomographic Society International archives.






These photos are by Perth photographer, K. Sundari Carmody, who has one of my favourite art-photography style blogs called Intimate Vignettes. Sundari has recently submitted a series of her Diana photos for the Dianalogues No. 1 – “Through A Woman’s Lens” book. I believe two of the above images are part of her submission, and judging by the beauty of these photos I’m sure her series will be included. I sure hope they will be! More of Sundari’s exquisite photos can be viewed on her blog and Flickr site.

"The Diana questions many photographic axioms, such as "a photograph must be sharp," "a photograph must have maximum detail," and "a photograph must possess a complete range of tones to be considered good." The Diana challenges the photographer to see beyond the equipment and into the image. The Diana summons up the Dadaist traditions of chance, surprise, and a willingness to see what can happen. This lack of control can free you from worrying about doing the "right" thing and always being "correct." Since the Diana is a toy camera, it allows you to look and react to the world with the simplicity and playfulness of a child." - Robert Hirsch


Such a cutie-cam too! The insightful Mr Hirsch forgot to mention that.

Comments

LaAlicia said…
oooo, Diana has a nice style -- can't wait to see your photos too! These have a lovely je nais se croix (forgive my spelling, I don't speak french)
I've never heard of that camera before you. Fun shots! And I love the wonderful perspective of Mr. Hirsch! I will have to click all the links to learn more about it all. Thanks!
Unknown said…
Auwww... Thank you so much for your kind words. Will try and take more diana photos after all the assignments are in.
Anonymous said…
I love toy cameras. You can never take a bad shot with one. The problem is unless you have your own dark room, it's hard to get the film processed, at least it is for me.
Unknown said…
Hey T, I was thinking about the Diana camera after the last post, wanted to say that it looked like my dad's toy camera from many moons ago, so it was..I guess in the world of digital photography, its fun to go back to basic and enjoy some 'raw' pics, its beauty and flaws being appreciated at the same time. I read the link on wiki (for once haha..) and found out more about your little friend. Did you take the SSS button with this. I kept wondering how you got that shot. It's a cool camera anyway and tks for sharing :D big hugs!!!
Katie said…
How cool! I love the boxy shape.
Anonymous said…
I'm also looking forward to see your shots with the Diana. Now for sale again in the Urban Outfitters. I'm tempted, but I have to find out if I can get the film here in Belgium, how much it costs and if it still can be developped, so it certainly won't be for tomorrow. The Diana's are very wanted for art photography, for those who are tired of perfection, which I sometimes am, then I like to be surprised and then I can be very pleased with all the results that don't follow the rules of a 'good' photo. I'll check your link to Sundari.
Victoria said…
What a delightfully cool camera! Need to keep my eye out for one of these babies!
Anonymous said…
I love these...

I recognised your etsy avatar but I didn't realise you were from Australia too until I came to your blog! *waves from Perth*
Been reading lots of gushing Diana reviews lately.

Love the photos you included...
bobbie said…
Lovely pictures - and very interesting links. Thank You.
Oh I love the colors in these pictures! Gorgeous...absolutely gorgeous! I can't wait to see your pictures taken with the Diana......I am anxiously waiting ;-)
Anonymous said…
j'aime tes photos, ton style tes compositions
Anonymous said…
How charming - a camera with the element of surprise! Puts the art back into photography - and I'm all for it.
Chubby Chieque said…
What a cutie & smart cam... Might grab one...

Cheers!
Nosideup said…
Love them. I had a Holga, but never got round to printing the stuff, lived in sucha small village it was not possible :(
Elizabeth said…
I love the unusual effects this camera gives.
Very different from the desire to be sharp/sharp
Bobbi said…
I had never heard of a "Diana" until now. How cute, sweet and simple. I love the quote about taking pictures with out worrying if you are right or not. Taking them with simplicity and playfulness just like a child. That's what makes photography fun.
Stacey said…
I heart Diana, too. :)
picciolo said…
what an interesting take on photography, can't wait to see your images!
: )
Hey Tracy :) My blog wouldn't shut you out! Would it...? Well, it'll just have to get used to your babbling, cos I like it! And somehow, I just KNEW that you would love Elliott Smith too ;)
I love these photos so much! So simple, but just amazing. They make me want to go and take pictures. But I can't because it's dark. But tomorrow I will!
Hot Fudge said…
Thank you for Diana's story. I had never heard of it before, and I was something of a camera buff in my other life. The images are a pure joy and I really look forward to seeing your Diana images.
Ali said…
I'm looking forward to seeing your pics too Tracy! Thanks for sharing those photos, they have such a lovely quality to them.
SandraRee said…
love the way this Diana thinks! Charming camera T! Beautiful photos!

Thanks for the mention in your previous post and I love, LOVE the new award! Thank you! :)

I'm back...it's been a crazy 8 days. And I've certainly missed visiting you! xo
please sir said…
I love my Diana camera too...honestly I bought it because my name is Diana! Ha!
Claire, said…
I'm so glad you are talking abut Diana. I find I get the best shots from mine when the light is behind me...
Daydream Lily said…
My diana camera is in the mail. I can't wait to start taking photos with it!

great post
Alissa Nicolau said…
Thanks for all the info on the Diana camera. I am new to this love of photography and love all the learning and tips I can gather. I enjoyed all the links too!
Alissa Nicolau said…
Hi!

I checked out you profile and guess what...

My Uncle Don used to be Mr Schultz's tennis doubles partner. And, I had my 10th birthday party at the Schultz Ice Skating rink. Snoopy danced me around on the ice while Happy Birthday played. No one else was allowed on the ice while the tune was sung, just me and a giant Snoopy. I was in love.