How to fake a TTV photo

Hi friends! While Kelli was staying at my house last month she taught me to take photos with one of my vintage cameras. I loved what she shared so much that I immediately grabbed my camera and photographed a quick impromptu how-to to share with you! Here is Kelli's easy method for faking photos that look authentically vintage... Enjoy! 

 

Collecting vintage cameras is something we all love to do, right? They look pretty on a shelf, but it's even more fun to be able to take advantage of their charm- even if they aren't in working condition or you are unable to find film. So, combining your digital camera with a super cool old camera....you will get a fabulous vintage photo that has a very authentic feel to it. When I saw Elsie's old Ansco Rediflex camera, I knew I wanted to try this technique out on her.

You will need two cameras to make this happen. A vintage camera with a waist level viewfinder (meaning, you have to hold the camera far from your eye- down by your waist- to see your subject clearly). In order to take a steady photo, I stacked a few books on top of a large moving box so I could place the vintage camera down so I could get a steady focus with my digital camera. I focused on Elsie through the viewfinder of the vintage camera. (see above) Depending on which lens you are using, you may need to manually focus in order to get the  clearest image. These old cameras have a tendency to have dirty lenses, which I love... it adds to the character....so you'll need to really focus on your subject, making sure your  camera isn't focusing on something else. At the same time- imperfections are perfect when it comes to this type of photography. There really aren't any rules and soft images can be really beautiful too!You can take this a step further and crop out everything but the black border in photoshop (or whatever editing program you use) to get a a real TTV look out of your photo. Dust off your vintage cameras and play around with the possibilities they have! Experiment and have fun!

Thanks so much, Kelli! If you're curious about where to find a camera like this try your local flea markets (where I got mine), etsy vintage or eBay (try searching "rediflex"). I love this easy method to create vintage style photos without film. xoxo. elsie

Comments

[robbie]

i've been wondering about how to do this! i have a few brownies i can't wait to play with!

[Vivi K]

Ooh, this is so cool!

http://vivikstyle.blogspot.com/

[Mary]

That is so neat! I need to see if my Dad still has one of these.

[Carrie Rosalind]

So fun!! I've seen this technique and been wanting to try it out, but now that I have seen your instructions and cute results, I'm going to make it happen this weekend. Thanks!

[Rachael]

How fantastic! The effect created is so pretty and unique, a very inspired idea!
Rx

[Emily]

This is so awesome! I have an awesome vintage camera at home similar to your Rediflex, but I have no idea where to get the film or where to get it developed. I am so trying this when I go home during spring break! :)

[allison]

that is so awesome.

www.absurdlypeculiar.blogspot.com

[Jenn]

i totally have that camera and am so reluctant to buy the super expensive film. thanks for posting - you are saving me frustration & $$

http://retrogypsy.com)

[Margherita]

Super smart!

[sécia]

What a fantastic idea! I'm totally trying this tomorrow. Thanks!

♥ sécia
www.petiteinsanities.com

[Jo - Lost in the Haze: Fashion Blog]

So so so cute! I love looking through my 'lookdown' camera; everything looks so beautiful! I took mine out last month to take some film shots (http://www.lostinthehaze.com/?p=3801) I think it's time for another photo-taking adventure! x

[Bailey Tann]

I love doing this! It that pretty vintagey look without all the photoshop. love it.

[Bohemian Kate]

Neat! I'd love to start experimenting with different cameras, especially vintage...I voted for you btw. Good luck :)

[Diana Reidlinger]

As soon as I got my vintage camera last Christmas I took photos like this! I love how unique it looks! Thanks for sharing! I love your blog. Inspires me everyday. :)

[Allison D]

What a wonderful idea! I really really love this. Thanks for sharing!
xx
http://www.thrifted.ca

[Courtney]

so awesome!!!

[AnneMarie]

But....surely what you did there wasn't a fake TTV. You really did take a photo through the viewfinder of another camera!!
Love the photos :)

[Avie]

We found my dad's old lubitel 2 and last summer took it on holiday with us. We tried this technique but also ran a few films through - the results are like stepping back in time. You can see them here... http://hearthwitch-cottage.blogspot.com/2011/11/hearth-and-home-links-to-past.html?m=0

If anyone has one of these vintage cameras I would definitely recommend at least trying to run a film through - you may be amazed!

Great post, as always, Elsie. Xx

[irene wibowo]

cool love it.. :) http://lovesimplegreen.blogspot.com/

[dannelle@nestenterprises]

how simple & beautiful.
happiness...
dannelle@nestenterprises
http://nestenterprises.typepad.com