Film Photography

Thank you, Lomo

There’s a great article on the BBC website today about Lomo photography and the part it has played in keeping film photography alive.

Bournemouth Pier - Diana F+ My very first Lomo photo! Bournemouth Pier – Diana F+

It was certainly true for me – after years of shooting only on digital I became more and more curious about all these strange people who were taking amazing photos with film – whilst there were Photoshop tricks to make your images look more ‘filmy’, I figured it would be a lot more fun to actually buy a roll of film and give it a go for real – that was about five years ago and I’ve not looked back since.

Bournemouth Take Away - Diana F+ Another shot from my first roll of film and Lomo Diana F+ camera – I’m glad they came out well as I may not have carried on otherwise.

Being able to buy a brand-new film camera from the Lomo website (a Diana F+), one that had a user manual and lots of online support gave me a lot of confidence in my new venture. It meant that the first time I used it the results were dependable and looked pretty cool as well – very reassuring. I remember feeling very clumsy* man-handling the 120 film; everything looked so basic I didn’t think anything good could come of it – but happily everything worked a treat. (*Actually, loading film into a Diana always makes me feel that way)!

Porthtowan, Cornwall - Diana F+ Light leaks, vignetting, a cheap plastic lens – the Diana has it all.

Winter double exposure - Diana F+ It’s great fun playing with multiple exposures.

From then on I got braver and began experimenting with junk shop finds – it’s pretty hard to kill off a film camera completely, you know! (I’ve even had great results from a Lubitel 2 that was found in a skip and is held together with gaffer tape).

So, yes – thank you Lomography, you got me started on a fabulous adventure. I now have drawers full of cameras to choose from any time I fancy taking a photo (although going away on holiday and having to choose which ones to leave behind is getting more and more like Sophie’s Choice every time).

Shoreside Southampton - Diana F+

You’ve no idea how much I want to get out there RIGHT THIS SECOND with my Diana and a roll of film!

Have you ever shot with a Lomo camera or thought you might like to try? What’s your story?

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7 Comments

  • Reply
    frutina
    22 November 2012 at 14:28

    this my collection of lomography cameras http://frutina.wordpress.com/2012/11/19/moji-moji/ it’s not much but i love every piece here, my fave is the cheapest one – smena 8m. I also love digital but the excitment when you get your films developed, well, you absolutely don’t get that with digital

    • Reply
      Angie
      7 December 2012 at 00:04

      What a great collection! There’s a few there I’ve never tried – maybe one day :)

  • Reply
    Rhianne
    22 November 2012 at 14:39

    As if you found your Lutibel 2 in a skip! Thats amazing!!! You’re living the dream Angie! (the exclamation points are for you, I saw your tweet lol, and they’re necessary I think)

    Its funny but when I got my first toy camera (my holga) I didnt know about Lomography, but I can’t imagine life without my cameras now, especially my little Diana Mini… great post, hurray for film!

    • Reply
      Angie
      7 December 2012 at 00:05

      The Lubitel 2 was rescued (not be me) literally from a skip! The base was smashed in (probably from being on a tripod and having a fall). I just gaffer-taped it up and it worked a treat – that’s the beauty of analogue :)

  • Reply
    Michelle
    22 November 2012 at 14:45

    Your Lomo photographs are so, so nice.

    My first Lomo camera was an Actionsampler – I think it was 2005 when I bought it, and since then my Lomo collection has grown. I find film photography, especially Lomography, really fun. And yesterday I received a new gold fisheye which I won in a competition, and I’m so excited to see the results.

    • Reply
      Angie
      7 December 2012 at 00:06

      Oh wow, you won a camera! I can’t wait to see your photos too – I’ve never used a fisheye :)

  • Reply
    Phoe
    24 November 2012 at 20:09

    I have a Diana Mini, great fun.

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