Hullo. If you’re reading this, you’re probably curious about what Lomography is about, or you are already part of this phenomenal existence and wants to know if I’m getting it ‘right’.
Ironically, if you belong to the latter group of readers, there wouldn’t be a need to see if I’m right or wrong about Lomography,simply because there isn’t a right/wrong answer here.
“Lomography is… knowing the 10 golden rules and forgetting about them”
Imagine life without judgement - writing an essay without given specific criteria to fulfil, painting a picture without expectations to meet - life without restrictions.
That’s one part of what Lomography is to me. You can of course look up more information at Lomography.com, which I suppose you might have already done so.
You might have also seen these videos on a documentary on Lomography. If you need help with your lomo cameras, you can check out some of the vids here too.
If you haven’t seen the documentary, take an hour out from your hectic life and just watch it, pretty interesting and insightful stuff in there. One of the most memorable things I’ve picked up are from Simone White’s personal thoughts and feelings towards Lomography. I agree with her completely.
Ever since I started taking what can be termed as ‘lomo pictures’, I see things in a whole new way. Suddenly, all the colors seem more vibrant and everything took on a life of its own. And it’s not the idea of being ‘artsy’ or ‘creative’.
“So you do Lomography huh? are you like what ..creative or artsy or something?”
See this picture?
Would you say it’s artsy just because it’s taken with a Lubitel on medium format film and of clouds? I don’t think so. Even before digital cameras became ‘staple’ for consumers, we’ve been shooting film of our surroundings, of people and places, of the skies and the lands. And the pictures that came out didn’t try to be art. I know I didn’t take them to be art pieces, but merely to capture a moment.
I was asked once by an acquaintance this very question, “am I an arty type because I like to take lomo pictures?” . I remember my answer being along the lines of this..
“I’m not artsy or anything but I just like taking the pictures. It’s just my way of telling a story, capturing a moment that I want to remember, or just sharing what I see to other people.”
This will sound like a bunch of bullcrap to others, or even preachy. But it’s the honest truth. Sincerely wanting to just share how I see the world, through my 24 x 24 or 24 x 36 … 35mm or medium format.. it doesn’t matter!
“10 years after, I will still smile when I see this picture…”
Some examples I can think of to show you what I mean….
1. Taking a minute to “take it all in” - we rush by from places to places every day to get to school, work, through life. If you had a camera and a desire to snap a picture, it gives you a good excuse to STOP and just take it all in.
2. Seeing something in a different light - And I mean this quite literally, take a picture of something (someone) you think you’re familiar with.. now take it in the dark with a ring flash, or try a red gel flash (colorsplash anyone?) or just randomly fire away. Suddenly, everything is brand new.
3. Slowing up - ”Slowing up” it means you do not live in the past (with old habits), nor in the future (with not-so-great-expectations), but here in the moment where the true you and the true answers to all your problems can all be found!
Lomography is about slowing up, seeing things differently and taking a moment. I could probably write a short novel on this and what other amazing things you can do with your lomo cameras. But I’d rather you go out there and find out more yourself.
Exploring & experiencing is part of the deal too. :)
xoxo
@arienvalo
