The Whimsical Charm of Lomography Instant Cameras with Community Member @lisafot

Community member Lisa's (@lisafot) love for instant photography serves a few purposes: to explore and experiment with the medium, to express herself through self-portraits, and to document her surroundings in Conwy, North Wales.

In this interview, we talked to Lisa about her instant photography, where she draws inspiration from, as well as her experience with the Diana Instant Square and the Lomo'Instant Square Glass, the latter being her favorite instant camera.

Hi, Lisa! Welcome to the magazine. Can you tell us about yourself? When and how did you start shooting film?

My name is Lisa, I'm from a small town in North Wales called Conwy. I've been married for eight years, I have a bubbly four-year-old son called Theo and a black cat called Daisy. My journey into film photography started towards the end of 2019.

What's your favorite thing about analogue photography?

It's the element of surprise and anticipation that it brings. Unlike digital photography where you can instantly see the results. With analogue, there's a sense of mystery and excitement in waiting for the film to be developed. Each shot feels more deliberate and precious, making the process of capturing images even more meaningful.

You've used quite a few Lomography cameras and film stocks including the Lomo'Instant Square Glass and the Diana Instant Square. How's your experience been with these products? Do you have a favorite?

Lomography has a distinct aesthetic and experimental approach that I find intriguing. The unique characteristics of Lomography cameras, such as light leaks and vignetting, add a whimsical charm to my photos. Undoubtedly, my top choice is the Lomo'Instant Square Glass, a recent addition to my collection. Its glass lens truly breathes life into every detail, making it perfect for capturing professional-grade portraits.

How did your work with the instant format start? What do you love most about instant photography?

My journey with instant photography began when I found out I was pregnant and it was a desire to immortalize those precious moments that made me buy my first instant camera. There's something magical about watching the image develop right before your eyes, creating a memory in an instant.

It's a medium that encourages spontaneity and embraces imperfections and that is why I love it so much.

You experiment a lot with self-portraits, landscapes and plants/flowers. Can you tell us your process? How do you conceptualize a photo and is there a reason you're drawn to these subjects?

My approach to photography revolves around exploration and experimentation. When conceptualizing a photo, I often draw inspiration from my surroundings, emotions, and personal experiences. For self-portraits, I see them as a form of self-expression and introspection, I'm also fascinated by time and how we all change over the years and it's another way of noting these changes.

Landscapes offer a way to showcase the beauty of my country, there is so much history and stunning scenery in Wales that it always keeps me inspired. For me, flowers symbolize growth, resilience, and the beauty of nature's intricate details.

You mentioned the Lomo'Instant Square Glass is your favorite instant camera. What do you like about it?

The Lomo'Instant Square camera holds a special place in my heart for its unique blend of charm and versatility. What I love most about it is its ability to instantly capture moments with a nostalgic aesthetic. Being able to see the photo develop right before my eyes adds an element of magic to the process. It offers creative freedom with its multiple exposure feature, allowing me to experiment and think more outside the box.

Do you have a favorite instant shot and can you tell us the story behind it?

My favorite shot is this:

It was taken over the border in a city in England called Chester. It's known for its Tudor buildings and rich Roman heritage. The reason I have chosen this picture is because it's my favorite building there and I was really pleased with the double exposure result.

Any tips for anyone planning to try instant photography for the first time?

For those considering buying an instant camera, my suggestion is to remain patient and dedicated to practice! Mastering the nuances of the Lomo'Instant Square Glass, for instance, took me some time.

A good trick for double exposures is adjusting the exposure setting to a lower level after the initial shot. This will enhance the outcome and also conserve your film, sparing you from multiple attempts to achieve the desired exposure.

Lastly, is there anything else you'd like to share with the community?

I'd like to encourage everyone to enjoy their journey with film photography. It doesn't need to be flawless, embrace the imperfections and enjoy the process. Happy shooting!

We'd like to thank Lisa for sharing her images and stories with us! To view more of her work, visit her LomoHome.

written by sylvann on 2024-06-19 #culture #people #places #instant #north-wales #diana-instant-square #lomo-instant-sqaure-glass #lisafot