The Holga is a simple camera constructed of nearly 100% plastic. The lens itself is plastic and only consists of one element. Why would anyone want to use such a poorly-constructed camera when you could use a 24-megapixel monster instead? It’s simple, digital photography lacks the soul that resonates through film. Film has some aspects that digital images are unable to reproduce; from the tonal gradation between colors, to the feeling of holding a negative, film is a living thing.

So, why not use a better medium format camera so you can maintain the crispness that is so desperately sought after in photography? For me it’s because the Holga’s image is more true to how the moment is remembered. Our memories aren’t crisp, they are soft. It creates a type of nostalgia that causes a reflection on the moment or the day of when the photo was taken.

This photo of Erik Bailey was taken last summer when the Valo team was up in Nor Cal filming for “Valo 4Life.” Brandon Smith had already begun setting up, so I decided to poach a few photos with my Holga while he was prepping his lighting. This photo isn’t about being technically perfect, it’s about capturing a moment where so many different personalities can come together as friends for the simple pleasure of blading. Be sure to check out “Valo 4Life,” either from your local skate shop or now on iTunes, to gain an even better perspective on how blading should be documented. — Matt Bolger