Lomography. What's the big deal?
By Nicolle Johnson
18 Apr 2008
When I explain to people what's so cool about my lomo cameras, I tend to get confused looks and brushed off as some stupid, teenage, amateur photographer. Lomography isn't about traditional "OK, say cheese!" photography. That's exactly why they created a new word for it.
My love affair all started about a year ago when I received my Lomo Supersampler in the mail. My first reaction was, "Wow, even the packaging is cool!" The supersampler is great for action shots, but of course it's not limited to that.
The second lomo camera I purchased was the Fisheye No. 2. I took my fisheye with me everywhere, because it can breathe above water. The fisheye and the supersampler shoot on standard 35mm film, which makes it very convenient.
The third lomography camera I bought was the Holga CFN 120. It's most defining characteristic is that it shoots in squares, which to be honest, is what first attracted me to the bulky, plastic camera. It comes with a book that gives you instructions on how to use it, a ton of photos fellow Holga-ers took, and it has blurbs from Holga users too.
"She fits into no pocket." "I love how people don't care what you're photographing - when your camera looks like you stole it off your little sister." Those are some of the loving words for the Holga.
So, what's the big deal? Why do I and so many others love lomography? Is it the soft focus, the wacky colors, and the unpredictability? Yes.
Photography isn't supposed to be stuffy and boring. I don't always want to change 15 settings on my DSLR just to take one photo. I want my camera to be able to run with me! Lomography is about no boundaries and making up your own rules as you go along. Shoot upside down or don't even look in the viewfinder!
Digital is great, but sometimes you just have to pick up a funny looking camera you bought online to remember why you love photography in the first place.
4 responses
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serge rolland said (28 Oct 2008):
i would love to see this essay published, i agree with every bits of it. good work :)
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sasha ormond said (27 Nov 2008):
YES!!! i'm in complete agreement! my vote!
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Meg Raiano gave props (7 Dec 2008):
awesome :)
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Tremaine Sterling gave props (23 Oct 2009):
Awesome work.
