TTV (Through the Viewfinder) Photography

TTV (Through the Viewfinder) photography is a playful and nostalgic way to capture images using both old and new technology. In this technique, you use a digital camera or smartphone to photograph the image displayed on the viewfinder of a vintage camera, typically a Twin-Lens Reflex (TLR) model. The result is a photograph framed by the texture, dust, and character of the vintage viewfinder, creating a distinctive look that blends the past with the present.

What makes TTV photography so appealing is its quirky, low-tech nature. Unlike modern, high-resolution cameras that aim for perfection, TTV embraces imperfections. The viewfinder of an old camera adds a dreamy, soft-focus quality to the image, often with light leaks or scratches that give each shot its own unique personality. For photographers and artists, this technique offers a way to break free from the precision of digital photography and experiment with something more tactile and unpredictable.

Here I am using my TTV contraption.

How TTV Photography Works

The concept behind TTV photography is simple but full of creative potential. It involves using a modern camera—whether a digital camera or smartphone—to take a picture of the image displayed on the viewfinder of an old camera, usually a Twin-Lens Reflex (TLR) camera. These vintage cameras have large, clear viewfinders on top, which display an image in real-time, much like a screen.

To do this, you position your digital camera above the viewfinder of the vintage camera and focus on the image within the glass. The result is a photo that captures not only the scene itself but also the dust, scratches, and character of the vintage viewfinder. The image is typically framed by the black edges or circular outline of the viewfinder, giving it a nostalgic, retro feel.

Because you're photographing through the glass of the vintage camera, every TTV photo carries unique textures and distortions that add depth and a one-of-a-kind aesthetic to your work. It’s a way of merging two worlds—the clarity of digital technology and the charm of vintage cameras.

Setting Up for TTV Photography

Getting started with TTV photography is easier than you might think. All you need is a vintage Twin-Lens Reflex (TLR) camera and a modern camera, like a smartphone or digital camera.

1. Position the Cameras
First, place your vintage TLR camera on a flat surface or tripod. Then, hold your modern camera (or phone) above the viewfinder of the TLR. Make sure the lens of your modern camera is pointed straight down at the viewfinder, but keep a little space between them.

2. Focus on the Viewfinder
Look through your modern camera and adjust it so the viewfinder image of the TLR is clear and in focus. You’re essentially taking a picture of what you see through the vintage camera’s viewfinder.

3. Reduce Glare
If you notice glare or reflections on the viewfinder, try moving to a shaded area or using a simple cover (like a piece of paper) around the camera setup to block unwanted light. (I shoot through a tube of black paper/poster board — see above photo).

4. Take Your Shot
Once everything is aligned and in focus, take the photo. The imperfections of the TLR’s viewfinder—like dust, scratches, or the soft edges—will add a unique, vintage quality to your image. That’s it!

Why I Love TTV Photography

As someone who loves and collects vintage cameras, TTV photography is a perfect blend of old and new processes. I enjoy working with these beautiful, timeworn cameras, appreciating their craftsmanship and the character they bring to each photo. There’s something magical about seeing the world through a vintage viewfinder—dust, scratches, and all—and capturing that moment with modern technology.

TTV photography allows me to merge the tactile experience of using these classic cameras with the convenience and flexibility of digital photography. It’s a way of honoring the past while embracing the creative possibilities of the present. Every photo feels like a connection between two worlds, and that’s why this technique resonates with me so deeply.