Think about all the film rolls you might still have tucked away in drawers, the ones that remind you of a time when every click mattered.
This lamp captures that feeling.
By combining a vintage camera, wooden hands, and scattered rolls of Kodak film, you get more than just a lighting piece, you create a shrine to analog photography.
Every time it glows, it feels like you’re flipping through an old photo album, reliving the patience and magic of capturing light on film.
Materials Needed
- 1 vintage film camera (Canon, Nikon, or similar)
- 2 mannequin wooden hands (adjustable artist hands work well)
- 1 straw hat (or stylish hat of your choice)
- Lamp socket and bulb
- Lamp stand or rod for support
- Film rolls (real or decorative)
- Glass beads or stones for base décor
- Strong adhesive or epoxy
- Wooden or acrylic base plate
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Secure your base plate, wood or acrylic works best. Then cover it with glass beads or decorative stones to create a textured, photo-studio vibe.
Step 2: Position the mannequin hands and glue them firmly so they appear to be holding the camera. Let them dry before adding weight.
Step 3: Mount the camera between the hands. Use adhesive or small screws if needed to stabilize it.
Step 4: Attach a vertical rod or lamp stand behind the camera. Fit your lamp socket and thread the wiring safely through.
Step 5: Place a straw hat on top of the bulb and socket, turning it into a quirky yet stylish lampshade.
Step 6: Scatter a few old film rolls across the bead base for that authentic, nostalgic touch.
Step 7: Screw in the bulb, switch it on, and watch your photography-inspired lamp glow like a moment frozen in time.
Tips:
Use a warm LED bulb to keep the hat safe from heat.
If you’re gifting this to a photographer, tuck a little printed photo under the camera lens for a personal surprise.