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Lomography (I have a Lomo and I know how to use it).

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Information about the Lomo.

Some cameras are worth talking about, some are worth using and some, like the various Lomos, are worth taking everywhere you go.

The Lomo way = Spontaneous imperfection as beauty.

It's not art, but it can be.

It's not about being perfect, but it can result in the perfect image.

It is about making photography fun for everyone.

Lomo Photography - Love it or hate it (it's all the same).

A photo taken with a Lomo can only look like a photo taken with a Lomo - usually.

One of the great things about Lomo cameras is their ability to give garish, outlandish, vivid and downright weird results.

The worst thing about Lomo cameras is their ability to give garish, outlandish, vivid and downright weird results.

Explanation - you can only go so far with a Lomo camera before a "real" photographer starts wanting a real camera that they can use to get exactly the result they want. Using a Lomo camera means losing control. This is both the main appeal of these cameras and their major downfall.

Anyone can use Lomo cameras to get Lomo results.

The 10 Lomography rules

These are the 10 rules for lomography according to the Lomographic Society International (www.lomography.com).
  1. Take your Lomo everywhere you go.
  2. Use it any time (day or night).
  3. Lomography is not an interference in your life, but a part of it
  4. Shoot from the hip.
  5. Approach the objects of your lomographic desire as close as possible.
  6. Don't think.
  7. Be fast.
  8. You don't have to know beforehand what you've captured on film.
  9. You don't have to know afterwards, either.
  10. Don't worry about the rules.

My 5 rules of Lomo photography

  • Take your Lomo everywhere - don't be afraid to use it.
  • Get in close.
  • Expect to get only one good photo per roll of film.
  • Enjoy the act of taking photos with your Lomo. The experience of Lomo usage is often better then the results - but this is OK. Use the non-threatening Lomo as a way of interacting with people.
  • Expect to spend a lot of money on film. Lomo photography is addictive.

LC-A

Best 35mm snapshot camera ever? Probably not - but who cares?

The LC-A is a delightful everyday carry camera.

Unlike most 35mm cameras - the LC-A is quiet. Perfect for taking candid snapshots.

The viewfinder is cr@p - but that is ok. This camera is ment to be shot from the hip (fire it with your arm stretched out like you are firing a gun and you will be fine).

IF you are going to buy only one Lomo get the LC-A if you already know how to use a manual camera OR the Pop9 if you just want to point and click (not worry about other controls).

My funniest real life experience using a LC-A

Went to take a photo of a street performer.

They jumped back slightly and raised their hands in horror.

They thought my camera was going to squirt water at them. **snicker**

Pop9

Fun party camera.

The Pop9 is a cheapish point and shoot camera that has nine lenses. Each of these lenses produces a nearly identical image on the same 35mm frame.

Great party camera. No focusing and it comes with a flash. Even the most boring single image can look interesting grouped in a series of nine. Simply put, Pop9 = "Whoo Hoo".

Like one of my friends said, "Wow - that camera makes you into an instant Andy Warhol image producer".

(non angry) Cross Processing.

Cross processing involves either processing colour reversal film in C-41 chemicals OR processing negative colour print film in E-6 chemicals. Either way it results in strange unpredictable colour shifts in the film (with often an increase in either colour and /or saturation).

Obviously any film can be cross processed. The reason Lomo users tend to use this technique more often then regular users is that they can be more willing to experiment and take chances in order to achieve happy accidents.

I have found that about a third of commercial film developers will cross process for me - so it may be necessary to ask around to find a place that will be willing to do this for you.

Lomo Film Recommendation

For something different you may want to try using out-of-date film. The more past the use by date the better.

Old film = unpredictable results.

Holga vs Diana

Battle of the cheap, but fun, medium format cameras.

Q: Holga or Diana?

A: Buy the one you can find the cheapest.

Both are fun. Both create unique photos. Both require the user to accept a certain amount of risk :-)

If you find you enjoy the one you buy then you will probably end up buying the other one anyway.

Those funny Lomo cameras on Amazon.

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Lomo Links

Lomographic Society International 2007
Official site for those Lomo people.
:: LOMOGRAPHY AUSTRALIA ::
Buy Lomo cameras in Australia.

So what do Lomo cameras mean to you?

  • Pastiche Apr 2, 2012 @ 7:06 pm | delete
    Instant pop art, fun, unpredictably interesting results ... what's not to love?
  • manicnymph Dec 6, 2011 @ 9:47 pm | delete
    Great lens! I just discovered lomography a few days ago, and I am a huge fan of happy accidents so I am very interested in purchasing a Lomo camera. As soon as I started researching I started wondering Holga or Diana? Your lens was really informative, thanks!
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Nov 30, 2011 @ 11:20 am | delete
    Very creative. Really enjoyed your take on lomography. Almost sounds like a medical term. "My doctor asked me to come in for a lomography tomorrow." ;-) I may have a photographic disease.
  • nadjaiskeniskie Nov 30, 2011 @ 1:51 pm | delete
    "My doctor asked me to come in for a lomography tomorrow." - That's funny, wish I had thought of it. Thanks for the comment, I may have to steal it **grin**
  • manicnymph Dec 6, 2011 @ 9:43 pm | delete
    LOL!!
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nadjaiskeniskie

I own some Lomo cameras (and I've been known to use them).

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