Holga Mania

Photograph by Hannah Schultz

About three years ago, I bought a cheap 120 mm film camera for myself: the Holga. Made out of plastic, the Holga is known for producing light-leaks, vignette blurring, and inspiring creativity in its users. Basically, it's so low quality, you can never tell how your pictures will actually turn out. Growing up in a digital age, I used to think film cameras were as outdated as cassette players. I didn't have the slightest idea how they worked. I bought my Holga because I was curious. I wanted to see what I could create. But because I didn't even know how to load film, it mostly sat in my room as a decoration piece. Thankfully, one of the first friends I made at Western Washington University was a photography major, and an extremely patient teacher. I took my first film photograph in her dorm room of our friend Maddy. I double-exposed it so that she'd be in the picture twice, while a poster of John Lennon lingers in the background. That picture remains one of my favorites.

To this day, my Holga photography has been pretty experimental. Sometimes I ruin entire rolls of film by over-exposing them or continuing to load the film incorrectly. As much as I'd like to say that I've become photo-savvy, I know that I still have a lot to learn. The slideshow below contains my nine favorite photographs that I've taken the last three years. I display about twenty-five on a wall in my room, but in my opinion, these nine are the best quality. One of my favorite things about film photography is the risk and patience involved. It feels more like art. Every roll of film is, essentially, a mystery until it's developed. For that reason, I feel a lot more connected to my film photographs than my digital. I invest a lot in them, and when they're developed, I love that I can hold them in my hand. These photos on my wall remind of memories, but they also remind me that as technology progresses, old-fashioned techniques will disappear unless people, like me, hold on.

Vintage Maps and French Chefs

Photograph by Hannah Schultz

When I was a senior in high school, my Chamber choir went on a tour of Italy and France for two weeks. It was, undoubtedly, one of the best experiences of my life. In fact, sometimes I wish it had been a little less enjoyable, so that I didn't miss it so much. Adventuring around Europe with my best friends, singing in old churches, experiencing new cultures and foods; what could be better? Every part of it was surreal. This poster in my room was bought in Nice, France towards the end of the trip. It actually almost didn't make it back to America with me. I had left it on the other side of a security checkpoint and had to beg an airport employee to retrieve it for me. Thankfully, I was successful.

More than anything, this poster and the vintage maps around my room remind me of my desire to travel the world, and how lucky I've been to do so already. I believe there's something really important about experiencing new cultures and going outside your comfort zone. It challenges who you are and what you think. It shapes character and independence.

Photograph by Hannah Schultz

This coming Fall I'll be going back to Germany to study abroad in the IES European Union program. I'll be living in Freiburg, a city near the borders of France and Switzerland. During this program I'll end up visiting about 12 different European countries. For me, it's the opportunity of a lifetime. As a transfer student, I never thought I'd have the chance or time to study abroad. Now that I can, I'm relishing in the opportunity. I even started following another girl's blog who is in the program right now.

One of the best parts of this program is that I'll be able to study multiculturalism and environmental sustainability in Europe; issues that are affecting the world today. I'm going to get a hands-on, real-world education on the political structure of Europe. Furthermore, this is my chance to finally become fluent in German. Before I was born, my parents lived in Germany for two years. I was also an exchange student there for a month in high school, and have maintained strong ties with my German friends. It has been a goal of mine to become fluent since I was a little girl. I'm counting on this five month immersion to make a significant impact on my language proficiency.

Photography by Hannah Schultz

I'm also counting on this experience to push me far outside my comfort zone. I want to learn more about both myself and the world. I've learned that many Europeans have an unfortunate opinion of Americans. Many think that we are simply ignorant and unconcerned with the rest of the world. In all honesty, I have a lot to learn, because I'm not exactly "politically-savvy". So really, my knowledge has nowhere to go but up!

This poster and the maps in my room bring back specific memories of my travel experiences. I think of that panic I felt at the airport, or when I first saw the Eiffel Tower. I think of my German friends and the old buildings that are like living history. But today, even more than those memories, these items in my room represent a large part of my future. They remind me that a world exists outside of my own. They make me think of all of the adventures in my life that lie ahead.

Avada Kedavra eReaders

Photograph by Ariel G

It is impossible to talk about my childhood without mentioning Harry Potter. When I was eight, the first book came out. From then on, I grew up with Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Our ages were nearly always the same and I spent every summer immersed in the latest installment. It was truly a cultural phenomenon. From an academic standpoint, these books significantly helped develop my literacy. They inspired me to start reading for myself, for fun. To this day, I collect books more than any other item. For some reason, book characters always seem more real to me than TV or movie characters. Reading is personal, and it takes commitment. Because of my connection with my books, I proudly display them all around my room, and like a security blanket, I usually want to have them close by.

Unfortunately, the latest shift towards eReaders is threatening the existence of "old-fashioned" books, potentially placing them on the endangered species list alongside bottle-nosed dolphins. It makes me wonder: in ten years, are eReaders going to be the norm? Are the books I own going to seem like ancient artifacts from a far away world?

Google Image

I understand the general appeal of devices like the Nook, iPad, or the Kindle. They're convenient. Instead of carrying around five different books, they could all be uploaded on a single device. But here is my problem: text on a screen never feels as real as text on print. I think there is something special about holding the three-dimensional copy of a book with actual pages to turn. I'm not sure I could ever feel as connected to a book without reading the physical copy. Or maybe I'm just being stubborn.

Right now is the time for society to consider, what is the future of books? If eBooks take over, what will happen to the libraries and book stores? Portland's own beloved Powells recently laid off 31 full-time employees. According to an article from OregonLive.com, "The 39-year-old retailer that's become a tourist attraction for book lovers around the world has been rattled by the unprecedented, rapidly changing nature of the book industry." Personally, I think Portland would lose a lot of its' charm if bookstores like Powells were to close down. One of my favorite things to do is get lost in the aisles and discover books I'd never heard of before. Furthermore, if book stores are in trouble, what would happen to the publishing companies like Pearson and McGraw Hill, and subsequently, the economy?

Photograph by Hannah Schultz

I think back to my childhood and wonder if I'd feel the same about Harry Potter had I read it on an eBook. I'll never truly know, but for future generations, this is a significant technological development that will affect their futures. In fact, many schools are providing students their own personal eReaders instead of textbooks. I think this is a strange concept for anyone who grew up with and still prefers real books. Perhaps my perspective is skewed, but if I was an author, I would dream of the day my book was published in print. I would display that first-edition copy in my home with pride.

The books that surround my room represent so many things: my childhood, my personality, and my culture. They remind me of stories and times in my life that contributed to who I am today. But right now, in 2011, they represent something much more important: a change. A change in the way people read, whether I like it or not.

For the most part, I understand why many people prefer eReaders, and I say, "To each their own". But ultimately, if this development means the end of books in print, then sign me up for the revolt.