Lomography

LOMOGRAPHY

Since i first heard of Lomography in my A Level Photography course three years ago, i have been fascinated by it. At first i didn't understand what distinguishable characteristics made a photograph an example of lomography and what didn't, but after a bit of research i got a better grasp on the concept.

"Lomography is a community of Lomographic photographers who advocate creative and experimental film photography. The name is inspired by the former state-run optics manufacturer LOMO PLC of Saint Petersburg, Russia that created and produced the 35mm LOMO LC-A Compact Automat camera, now the centerpiece of the Lomographic movement." - Wikipedia

According to Wikipedia, Lomography represents the trademark of the Austrian company Lomographische AG who produces camera and other tools used for this photographic movement. Most of these cameras are designed to produce photographic effects such as oversaturated colours, extreme optical distortions, rainow-coloured subjects, off-kilter exposure, blurring and alternative film processing - all things usually considered as bad photography. Some cameras are constructed deliberately with mechanics that are not too technical, and make use of multiple lenses and rainbow-coloured flashes, as well as exhibiting extreme optical distortions and light leaks.

Lomography is summarized in its motto "Don't Think, Just Shoot" and also follows the ten golden rules:

Rule #1 - Take your camera everywhere you go.

Rule #2 - Use it any time - day and night.

Rule #3 - Lomography is not an interference in your life, but part of it.

Rule #4 - Try the shot from the hip.

Rule #5 - Approach the objects of your Lomographic desire as close as possible.

Rule #6 - Don't think.

Rule #7 - Be fast.

Rule #8 - You don't have to know beforehand what you captured on film.

Rule #9 - Afterwards either.

Rule #10 - Don't worry about any rules.

I find myself drawn to the experimentation involved in this movement and love the look of images that have been cross-processed (when film intended for developing in slide chemistry is processed in photographic negative chemistry and vice versa). I would eventually like to get a lomo and fish eye camera and some other lomography tools to create some cool film photography. However, there are also many tutorials online showing you how to digitally create lomography using various processes and techniques so i decided to start off by using Photoshop to create some of these effects.