Magazine on Lomography

Belairgon 114mm Lens: Give Your Belair the Lens it Deserves

2013-06-19T14:00:00Z

The Belair 6x12 camera is truly a surprising and beautiful camera. The 2 lenses that come with the camera are made out of plastic, and even if Lomographers are used to plastic lenses, I had the impression that something was missing for achieving great shots with the Belair 6x12. And then appeared the word "Belairgon": 2 brand new 90mm and 114mm glass lenses made specially for the Belair 6x12 camera. I knew that I found what I was looking for!

I was very enthusiastic about the Belair 6×12 camera when it came out. A brand new folding camera with a lightmeter and a set of 2 plastic lenses, that was very attractive. When I received the camera, I tested the 2 different plastic lenses (58mm and 90mm) and even if the pictures had the typical Lomographic mood (especially with the very wide 58mm lens) I was truly disappointed by the quality of the plastic lenses. The lack of sharpness – specially at f/8 – was the main problem in my opinion. But, well, it’s plastic and we Lomographers are used to love plastic lenses & cameras that aren’t so sharp but create some moody shots, no? Diana, Holga, or Sardina are amongst our favorite toys, and made only out of plastic, but produce great pictures…

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

And then, LSI announced the launch of 2 other Belair lenses, but this time Russian glass lenses: the Belairgon! I loved the name, reminding me of the old fashioned lenses all ending with “gon” and also the “Minigon” lens of the LC-Wide. I always liked the sharpness of the Minigon 17mm lens, and I thought that the Belairgon glass lenses could be what I was looking for!

So I pre-ordered the 114mm lens and after some months of waiting for delivery, it was finally in my hands! The first impressions were very good: the lens, built by the famous Zenit factory, is heavy (especially compared to the plastic lenses, of course), the focusing ring moves smoothly and precisely. The feeling is the one of a well built glass lens.

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

The technical specifications of the lens, are the following (taken from the Belair microsite):

Lens material: Special multi-coated Russian Glass
Lens Focal Length: 114mm
Maximum Aperture: 1:8
Minimum Aperture: 1:16
Angle of View: 54 degrees (6 × 12)
Standard 35mm equivalent Focal Length: 42mm (6 × 12)
Standard 35mm equivalent Focal Length: 52mm (6 × 9)
Standard 35mm equivalent Focal Length: 67mm (6 × 6)
Focusing Zones: 1m, 1.5m, 3m, Infinity

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

After shooting some rolls, I can confirm that this lens is really sharper and of better quality than the plastic lenses. The pictures are far better, and my impression now is that the Belair 6×12 is closer to the spirit of the Lubitel than of Diana or Holga.

So, if you have the Belair 6×12 camera and are a bit disappointed by the plastic lenses, I can only tell you that the Belairgon glass lenses are a good investment for your camera. Of course, these lenses are a bit expensive, but you can’t expect a great glass lens for the price of a cheap plastic one, right?

Seychelles, The Paradise Islands: 4 Days as in a Dream

2013-06-19T13:00:00Z

Rainbows, mango trees, the ocean and flying foxes... I still can not believe that I had seen it all! Luckily, my dear LC-A, Holga and SuperSampler were with me -- and 16 films of sun and happiness prove, that it was real.

Photo by japsix

I have no idea why it took me so long to write about my trip to paradise island, it was almost 3 years ago! Back then, I worked in a magazine and the editorial office gave me a perfect gift and sent me on a press tour to the Seychelles.

A day before departure, I caught a cold and was even thinking to cancel the trip, (because 10 hours in a plane is definitely not the best medicine) but then I realized that I would regret it for a lifetime! When will be the next time I get a chance to go to paradise island?

I can hardly remember my transfer in Doha, but I will never forget the arrival to the islands: when I woke up, the plane was flying very low already, it was possible to consider a wave and a number of tiny islands in the distance, but there was no land below us, only ocean. I was starting to feel nervous, not really looking forward to landing right into the waves, but at the last minute, a runaway that started directly from the ocean line appeared.

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

At the airport, we were met by a former resident of Nizhny Novgorod named Alexander, who came to the Seychelles 30 years ago to teach Russian and stayed ever since. We were all so terribly jealous, because we really wanted to do the same!

It was raining as we drove to the hotel, but 10 minutes later, the sun was shining and a huge rainbow was in the sky framing all these palm trees, flowers, coconuts… mmm, a dream!

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

On the first day, we only managed to see a small part of Victoria (Seychelles’ capital). This city, is located on the Mahe Island, the population counts around 25,000 people and it is the largest city in the country. As the Seychelles were a British colony once, it is not difficult to guess that the city was named in honor of Queen Victoria.

The city looked charming: a fruit market, fishermen working with the fishnets, the incredible beauty of the sunset near the ocean.

I really wanted to stay in the city to walk along its narrow streets, and feel the real atmosphere of the island. But even a press-tour has drawbacks: long walks around the city are not included into their program.

But in the evening, flying foxes were circling around the mango trees near “my” villa. And at night, I swam in the ocean for the first time in my life. The water glowed in the darkness. It was because of the plankton — when you’re moving in the water, you touch thousands of tiny creatures and though you can’t feel it, you see a glowing trail (very similar to the Milky Way) that appears around you.

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

The next day, we stayed in the hotel, and all 3 of my cameras did not stop taking pictures.

I never liked sandy beaches, but this one was special: with white sand, turquoise water, palm trees, and pieces of smooth granite rocks (a long time ago the island was under water and now you can see the trails of undertows on the rocks and cliffs. Gorgeous smooth furrows and lines).

Attentive hotel workers brought us sunbeds, and opened umbrellas. A minute later, he appeared with a pitcher of cold water, then with a tray of fruit sorbet… everything seemed absolutely unreal, as if I suddenly fell asleep and got into a Hollywood movie!

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

On the third day, we went to the Praslin and La Digue Islands on a huge white yacht and our captain (2 meters high in a striped t-shirt and mirrored sunglasses) had the most charming smile in the world.

We all climbed on top of the upper deck, closer to our captain. And everything was just perfect, exactly up to the moment when we left the bay.

Once in the open ocean, our boat was thrown from side to side, into the sky and then back into the waves.
We grabbed handrails and tried hard to stay in place! Each time the boat fell into the waves, showers of ocean water came on us, no wonder that 5 minutes later, we were completely dripping wet!

It was scary and fun and at the same time. And while we squealed with delight, our captain was completely calm and confident for it is a common thing for him.

The way to the Praslin wasn’t close – a little over an hour. When we disembarked, I could hardly move my hands: they just petrified as I desperately clung to the handrails. But it was worth it!

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

Praslin is the second largest island of the archipelago, it is often called the “Garden of Eden”. Located here is the National Park of Valee de Mai (“May Valley”, is included into the UNESCO World Heritage List). This is the only place in the world where the coco de mer palms grow. Huge coconuts, very similar to female ass in its shape! Some of these coconuts even weigh 20-30 kg! The Government preserves them carefully and if you want to take coco de mer with you, you’ll have to get million certificates for export, otherwise – prison!

The territory where these unique palms grow is now a nature reserve, it is carefully guarded during daytime and at night, no one dares to step into the woods. Local people believe that at night, the palm trees come alive and make love. In fact, when you walk out there in the grove, you can easily believe that all the trees are alive!

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

Another 20 minutes of extreme rolling and we were on the most beautiful island we’ve seen during the trip – La Digue. This small island, only 5 km long and 3 wide, is considered the most beautiful of all the islands of the Seychelles archipelago. The island received its name in honor of one of the ships of French explorer Marc-Joseph Marion de Fresno, who visited the Seychelles in 1768. There are almost no cars: only bicycles and carts, but there are huge turtles, coconut and cinnamon plantations and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world: Anse Source d’Argent.

And it is truly the most beautiful beach, I’ve ever seen!

I couldn’t imagine that such beauty exists in the real life! Sparkling blue waters, powdery fine sand, palm trees and the wild beauty of the stones: huge, smoothed by the ocean granite rocks with deep furrows of the sea currents… The film in the camera ended faster than I noticed it.

Still, even the most lucky shots can’t capture the beauty that surrounds you! This place definitely has some powerful super-positive energy that makes you wanna stay right there on the beach and never leave!

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

We spent only 4 days on the Seychelles islands (though it felt like it was only 4 hours) and they were so bright that I can talk about this trip for hours and hours!

For example, a cute little gecko came to visit me in my villa. He apparently lived there for a while and knew that in the evening fruits and sweets, which he came to feast on, appeared on the table.

At first, he was scared of me and hid quickly when I stepped into the room, but then he realized that I do not have anything against him eating my sweets, and remained sitting on the plate, eating cake with a very satisfied look.

Lou Reed Firing Up A Cigarette With A Giant Flame

2013-06-19T13:00:00Z

Those dark-tinted sunglasses are probably his precautionary measures against the white light/white heat.

Photo via Poking Smot

Uber cool American musician Lou Reed of The Velvet Underground is seen here looking bored and/or bummed while having a cigarette. He’s looking pretty down for a successful rockstar, but maybe that’s because the music business is all smokes and ~~mirrors~~ sunglasses?

What Do I Do During Summer?

2013-06-19T11:00:00Z

Finally, here comes the summer season! It's the most awaited season by many, just to either stay in the sun, go to the beaches, swimming pools, and enjoy a vacation. Let me tell you about what I want to do during summer!

Well, summer hasn’t arrived here officially yet, but right now, we get the sandals and wear them, and we officially open the doors to make those follies.

One of my favorite activities is to engage in the water…either sweet, salty, swimming pool, river or sea. I am an aquatic woman, as my mother says. For this reason, one of my sources of entertainment is to take photographs of everything that I have around me when I’m in bodies of water, either from within or outside the water. I always have to be surrounded by water.

From under the water:

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

From out of the water:

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

What do you like to do during the summer season?

The Passages, Neighborhoods and Villas in the 20th arrondissement, Paris

2013-06-19T10:00:00Z

Paris, as a world's capital, is known for its distinct European air and its cosmolite character. However, there is nothing more romantic than discovering the passages and villas of the 20th arrondissement.

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

Unlike the arcades of the 9th arrondissement (“district”) that neighbor the Opera district, the passages in the 20th arrondissement are characterized by their “country” flair — with small houses and lush gardens. It gives you the feeling that you are not in Paris, but in a far away place, in another city, another time, another world. Le passage des Soupirs, found between Rue des Pyrénnées and la Rue de Chine, is an example of these peaceful “islands”; it even has a community garden.

This remote location is close and in Paris. In fact, the return of spring has made walks along the 20th arrondissement the perfect place to take some pictures. An unparalleled pleasure after such long winter.

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

So, take out your cameras and take the opportunity to take some snap shots!

Lomo LC-A+ 29th Birthday: Enjoy 29% Discounts!

2013-06-19T09:08:00Z

Hip hip hooray! It's the Lomo LC-A's birthday! Come celebrate with us and enjoy 29% off all LC-A cameras for a very limited time only. The countdown begins! Read on for more details.

Photo by:digitaljunk

Can you believe it’s been 29 years already?! Everybody raise your glasses and join us as we toast the legendary camera that continues to win over our analogue hearts, the 35mm icon Lomo LC-A!

And because we’re in such a celebratory mood we want to treat all of you to a 29% discount on any Lomo LC-A and LC-Wide camera that you desire. This discount is limited to 290 units only and is available at the Online Shop and Lomography Gallery Stores until supplies last. Hurry, this deal started at midnight (CET) Wednesday, 19th of June and is valid for 29 hours 29 minutes and 29 seconds only..

Lomo LC-A Cameras

Lomo LC-Wide Camera

Please note: Only 1 camera purchase per person. Unfortunately this offer is not available in Brazil

We love you, Lomo LC-A!
For twenty-nine years this camera has become witness to countless tales, memories, and photos. For your amusement, we prepared a fun tribute especially for the Lomo LC-A:

Get to know more about our special birthday celebrant and visit the Lomo LC-A site.

Finally, the icing on the cake – keep the festivities going and send in your best selfies taken with an LC-A camera to the Lomo LC-A Selfie Showdown for a chance to win Piggies to spend online! We can’t wait for the submissions to start pouring in. Cheers!

The Lomo LC-A+ is known worldwide for its amazing features: automatic exposure, extended ISO range, and multiple and long exposure capabilities. Get your own Lomo LC-A+ now!

The Lomo LC-Wide boasts the newly-developed 17mm Minigon Ultra-Wide Angle lens. This 35mm camera wonder is the perfect companion for your photo expeditions. It produces eye-catching splashes of colour with astonishing saturation and contrasts with the added versatility of 3 different formats. Open up to a new photographic experience with the LC-Wide, available in our Shop.

Use the Frame Area of your Fisheye to the Maximum: Make a Frame

2013-06-19T09:00:00Z

Do you wanna use all the millimeters of space on your photo? Do you dream of getting interesting Fisheye images with a beautiful frame instead of a black space around the edges? Then this short tip is for you.

I love my simple Fisheye One Green. But I always want to do something to fill the black edges on the frame of a fisheye photo. Especially it concerns evening and night shots when there is a lot of “black” space on the photo, much more than at daytime. But at the same time, I wanted to keep the original image “clean” and, for example, the offered tip “Multiexposure with flowers” doesn’t fit me. So I came up with a pretty simple idea. Shoot doubles with my computer, but cut a black circle on the “computer” images.

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

All you need is:

Fisheye camera
Any other full-frame camera
Monitor
Any graphic program
Tripod (optional)

Load a film in a Fisheye camera and take any picture you want to (shoot at par with the sensitivity of the film). However, this advice is better suited for night and evening shots because the transition from black on the image to the to black on the frame is smoother with such images. Why do I suggest to shoot with a Fisheye first? Because then, you can find a suitable framework more easily according to the taken image.

After you end up your roll, we turn to the second part – finding and preparing images for framework. You can choose any image you like for frames (black-and-white, color, old photos, or patterns), but it should be noted that a large part of the image will be replaced with black circles. Then, draw a black circle in the center of selected images using any graphic program. I didn’t care a lot about size of circle, I drew it on the eyes. You should have something similar.

Photo by betterthanelvis

But it would be better if the drawn circle will be slightly smaller than the original Fisheye image. Since the transition from the frame to the picture will not stand out in the photo. Unfortunately I realized it only after the first shot roll.

Then, load the film again to any of your full-format cameras (I used a Zenit 122). Put it on a tripod (although you could shoot without it if you trust your hands) in front of a monitor with the earlier prepared pictures open, and shoot. Don’t forget to set the film speed one step up (I used 200ISO, so I set it to 400ISO).

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

Good luck in your experiments.

I Know What You Did Last Summer (With a Supersampler)

2013-06-19T08:00:00Z

Last August ,I decided to try the Supersampler, I had always thought it would be a fun camera that would be funny to use during sunny days. Almost a year later, I have developed the film and here are the results...

Photo by carmengraphy

The Supersampler is a very user-friendly camera. It has no viewer but you won’t really need it. You only have to load your camera with your favourite 35 mm film, pull the ripcord, and shoot. Bear in mind to pull the ripcord gently (more than a few have taken it apart by pulling too hard…)…

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

I used a Werlisa DXN 100 ISO 100 film with 24 exposures. Colors have turned out beautifully, really saturated.

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

I’m quite happy with the outcome, it’s certainly a camera that meets Lomography’s Golden Rule #6 Don’t think (and have fun).

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

See you!

Russian Constructivist Graphic Design: In Service of the Revolution

2013-06-19T06:00:00Z

An art and architecture movement sparked by the Russian Revolution of 1917, Constructivism was spear-headed and encouraged by the Russian avant-garde as a marriage of beauty and practicality. This concept was strongly manifested in the graphic design of the times, and prevailed until the 1940s.

Alexander Rodchenko’s design for the cover of Book About That by Vladimir Mayakovski (1923). Image via DesignBoom.com

Russian Avant-Garde

Going back to the most basic explanation of Constructivist Art, the Russian avant-garde, spurred by the events surrounding the Russian Revolution of 1917, thought that the notion of “art for art’s sake” had to be scrapped. For them, it was time for the bourgeois concept of autonomous art to be cast aside, and a reconstructed art that everyone can enjoy, understand, and take part in be put in its place.

In essence, Russian art around this time revolved around the goal of propelling social change or serving a social purpose, which meant it didn’t have to just look good, there should be some use for it as well. Perhaps, this concept can be best seen and understood from the graphic design point of view.

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

As can be seen in the examples above, Constructivist graphic design was minimalist, geometric, abstract, orderly, and rarely emotional. It often catered to the ideologies of the movement, which supported the concept of a Utopian society where everyone could benefit from all things — including art. This simplicity can thus be attributed to the need for the common people to understand advertisements, illustrations, and even political propaganda materials, making them active viewers of the artworks laid out before them. This is why Constructivist graphic design has been touted as an important tool for revolutionaries to get their points across.

Famous Artists

The best known artists identified with graphic design around this period include Alexander Rodchenko, El Lissitzky, and Anton Lavinsky. These graphic artists and their contemporaries in sculpture, painting, photography, and even architecture later on inspired radical counterparts in the West.

Drawing inspiration from this monumental art movement, Lomography introduces a new film camera that allows you to put together an analogue beauty that is both charming and functional. Called the Konstruktor, the latest addition to Lomography’s roster of cameras is a 35mm SLR camera that you build from scratch and customize to your liking afterwards. Head over to the articles below to find out more about the Konstruktor:

The Konstruktor is the world’s first Do-It-Yourself 35mm SLR camera. With it, you can easily build your very own camera from scratch. It’s the perfect tool for having fun whilst learning the exciting mechanics behind how analogue photography works. Get yours from the Online Shop or Lomography Gallery Stores Worldwide. Find out more about the camera on the Konstruktor Site.

All information for this article were sourced from DesignHistory.com, Art History Archive, historygraphicdesign.com, The Art Story, and Constructivism (Art) on Wikipedia.

Fun Under the Sun: Hello Pangandaran Beach!

2013-06-19T03:00:00Z

Who could say no for sound of waves, heat of the sand, and smell of the sea? Find out more after the jump!

Photo by spidey27

Summer time is here, and we decided to spend it in Pangandaran Beach, a beach in west Java, Indonesia. This beach is one of West Java’s best kept-secrets as far as international tourists are concerned. It’s not really far from my hometown (Bandung) — just about 150 miles away. Pangandaran is located on a peninsula on the south coast of West Java, about 56 miles from the town of Ciamis. It offers uniquely black and white sand, calm-waved beaches and spectacular views.

This beach is quite famous, and many people come there for holiday. But we are different. We also went there without any plans; the idea of going there came all of a sudden in the end of the month. It means we, as college students, have minimum budget, actually. We went there not during the holiday season, but just as sweet escape from tiring college life, and, yeah, just for fun!

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

We left from my house early in the morning, because we didn’t want to be wasting our time. After a five-hour drive, we headed to Pangandaran. SInce went not during the holiday season, Pangandaran Beach was so quiet; it looked like there were no other tourists but me and my friends. But it maDes our holiday more fun because it felt like we got our private island, we were free to go to every part of the beach. Usually, this beach is crowded, almost all hotels are fully booked during the holidays. So, lucky us! We rented a house for six, played on the beach everyday, swam in the sea like we just forgot about time until our skin ached from sunburn. Yes, the sunshine was very hot, a perfect time for lomo-ing!

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

After we got tired playing on the beach whole day, we ate our dinner quickly. Thank God, the place is seafood heaven! It’s easy to find fresh and cheap seafood there. So after that, we went looking for dessert! Here’s the famous ‘es podeng’, our favorite!

Photo by spidey27

At night, after we got full with our dinner and dessert, we went to a small bar on the side of beach, singing together, drinking beer, playing cards, laying on the sand (surprisingly, it’s softer than our beds!) under the starry sky and chatting about everything we would like to share. We also set the bonfire to complete our quality time.

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

We just didn’t want to go home yet, but we were penniless, so we said goodbye to Pangandaran Beach! Thank you for the great memories!

Photo by spidey27

29 Coolest Photos Taken With The Lomo LC-A+

2013-06-19T00:01:00Z

It's the Lomo LC-A+'s 29th birthday, and we thought we'd honor this occasion by putting together a small gallery. Picking the best LC-A+ photos is an impossible task, but we managed to narrow it down to just 29 shots (phew!). Take a look at our favorites - which one do you like best?

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

The Lomo LC-A+ is known worldwide for its amazing features: automatic exposure, extended ISO range, and multiple and long exposure capabilities. Get your own Lomo LC-A+ now!

29 Reasons Why You Should Own a Lomo LC-A+

2013-06-19T00:01:00Z

What's the best Lomography camera for newbies? We say - invest in a Lomo LC-A. In honor of its 29th birthday, we listed the 29 reasons why the Lomo LC-A is a must-have!

Photo by: larahacefotos

1. It’s a classic!

Photo by jmcedo

2. It’s pet-friendly.

Photo by lomomowlem

3. You don’t need to look through the viewfinder to compose cool mirror portraits!

Photo by the_fstops_here

4. It’s so easy to use, you can snap a photo with one hand.

Photo by dylbot

5. If you’re experimental enough, it will reward you with unbelievable shots like this:

Photo by hodachrome

6. It’s easy to get astounding results – just use slide film and have it cross-processed.

Photo by gatokinetik-o

7. You can even take it underwater (just make sure it’s enclosed in the Krab!)

Photo by traaaart

8. It’s sexy.

Photo by fafascinado

9. The Multiple Exposure switch makes it easy to go artsy!

Photo by izadrazi

10. It won’t scare away kids.

Photo by jennson

11. It’s nostalgic.

Photo by juditto

12. It’s compact and discreet, so you can quickly snap a photo without disturbing your subject.

Photo by sushi_9009

13. The sky looks more magical through the LC-A.

Photo by gocchin

14. The LC-A makes night scenes more mysterious and intriguing.

Photo by mingkie

15. It has the ability to make mundane objects look more interesting.

Photo by life_on_mars

16. It brings out the beauty even in dreary weather.

Photo by upic

17. It transforms humdrum situations into magnificent moments.

Photo by trash-gordon-from-outer-space

18. Who says it’s only great in color? It works best with black & white film too!

Photo by gocchin

19. It gives a warm, analogue vibe to instant photos (when used with LC-A Instant Back+)!

Photo by beni

20. Paired with the Splitzer, you can slice and dice your images to make them more surreal.

Photo by mont0417

21. You can easily customize it to make it truly your own. (Pictured is an LC-Wide you can try the tip on your LC-A+ too!)

Photo by bao_wei

22. It’s romantic!

Photo by romeria

23. Silhouette/shadow snapshots look awesome.

Photo by mok

24. Nighttime shots look stunning!

Photo by ohlordy

25. Paired with a Colorsplash Flash, your photos will be even more vibrant.

Photo by life_on_mars

26. The vignette adds a nice touch to your photos.

Photo by anarchy

27. Pair it with the LC-A Fisheye Lens to get a different perspective!

Photo by mephisto19

28. Try using it against the light and it still produces amazing results.

Photo by bebopbebop

29. It takes excellent pictures! Need we say more?

Photo by kleinerkaries

The Lomo LC-A+ is known worldwide for its amazing features: automatic exposure, extended ISO range, and multiple and long exposure capabilities. Get your own Lomo LC-A+ now!

29 Most Memorable Moments With The Lomo LC-A+

2013-06-19T00:01:00Z

For many Lomographers, the Lomo LC-A+ is a part of everyday life. It's a witness to so many strange, funny, and awkward moments! Here, 29 Lomographers share some of their most memorable memories with the iconic camera.

Photo by: Mijonju

Michel Jones, aka Mijonju, Photographer
I was pointing my camera at a girl in the train, just when i was about to press the shutter she looked at me (into the camera), and the shot was made. It was an extremely awkward feeling, it’s not a specially beautiful photo, but that day I was really embarrassed. Read more

Photo by: Theo Volpatti

Theo Volpatti, Photographer
I took a taxi ride with the LC-A+ on the roof. I got out of the car freaking out, “Where is it? Where is it? I have lost it” …but no! It was still there. Read more

Photo by: Xavier Boyer

Xavier Boyer, Vocalist for Tahiti 80
I bought my first Lomo on tour in Japan, and we went to these old shrines et al. The Summer light was so perfect, that all my pictures looked like vintage postcards. Read more

Photo by: Brendon Stuart

Brendon Stuart, Lomographer
I like taking photos at night and sometimes when I’m out and about I’ll see something cool and snap a shot of it, but I have to stay still to keep a steady shot. Sometimes people will pass confused as to why I’m frozen in place. I had someone stop to ask what I was doing once. Long uncomfortable silence between question and answer because the shutter was open for around 30 seconds. Read more

Photo by: eastmoe

Isz Rodzai aka Eastmoe, Lomographer
I am in love with this picture which I took on my wedding day. Read more

Photo by: Amber Tamblyn

Amber Tamblyn, Actress
My boyfriend, naked in Paris, begging me to take a picture of him in an Alpaca flap hat whilst drinking tequila in an ice bar. Read more

Photo by: Yaya

Yaya, Vocalist for Herman Dune
I have learned to take pictures of two wonderful beings – my beautiful girlfriend and my little dog. I remember capturing them both together, and when I saw the film processed, I saw an image of my love for them. Read more

Photo by: Shini Park

Shini Park, Graphic Designer/Blogger
Once, I was in Seven Sisters and spotted an amazing shop display with rows and rows of wigs, so I whipped out my LC-A and snapped it. The owner stormed out, snatched the camera out of my hands and demanded me to delete the photo. She didn’t understand the camera, so she kept saying ‘She locked the camera so I can’t delete it’ and yelled that she will call the police. I got literally shoved away. Safe to say I’m never going back to Seven Sisters again! Read more

Photo by: kozyndan

Kozyndan, Artists
Kozy: When Dan shot photos in the pool, we also messed up those rolls and came out with some awesome mistakes that we liked more than almost anything we shot with our Lomo.

Dan: The mistakes are still my favorite part of shooting Lomo. You just cannot duplicate that digitally. Read more

Photo by: Mark Sovel

Mark Sovel, Music Director/Radio DJ
I stumbled upon Devo as they were prepping to go on stage, so I started taking shots. They had new suits that were made of reflective material and Mark Motherbaugh wanted to see what the suits looked like with a flash. I had to show him the back of the camera and say, “I’m shooting with film”. He was flummoxed. You can see the shots in the slideshow, the suits look like they are made of light. Read more

Photo by: Chris Bear

Chris Bear, Drummer for Grizzly Bear
I felt really sneaky trying to take pictures of old Italian men. I’m a little shy when it comes to taking photographs of strangers. Read more

Photo by: Sandya Nydegger

Sandya Nydegger, Lomographer
I was crouched on the ground very close to the fence where the bulls come in and out of the arena (bulls don’t move so far so this is the best place to get close shots). The action was getting loud, fast and dusty and suddenly the fence was being lifted up in the air… by a large horn. All I can remember next is finding myself on top of the roof of a car that was parked nearby, LC-A still in hand … ready to shoot more. The bull took a nice run among screaming people. This rodeo event did not happen the following year, nor the next. Read more

Photo by: Gavin Thomas

Gavin Thomas, Lomographer
I was photographing 50 Cent for Rap-Up Magazine and he asked if the LC-A was a real camera and if he was going to be able to see the pictures due to the small size of the camera. Read more

Photo by: Iza

Iza, Vocalist for Prototypes
Traveling by plane in USA with 60 rolls, and the policemen who were checking all the rolls one by one, for each travel plane for each airport controls… Good times! Read more

Photo by: Candice O’ Donnell

Candice O’ Donnell, Professional Surfer
I must admit that shooting my friend topless in the busy street of France was the strangest moment, as I had to work fast and without offending any onlookers, and at the same time keep my subject motivated and comfortable. Read more

Photo by: Kreso Gotovac

Kreso Gotovac, Entrepreneur and Underwear Designer
You know when you hand your camera to a complete stranger and ask them to take a photo of you? I love doing that with the Lomo LC-A+! People are totally confused and have the greatest reactions. So now I just stop people for fun. The last stranger who I shoved the LC-A+ at told me, “You know, you can get a new camera pretty cheap these days”. Ha! Read more

Photo by: Latoya van der Meeren

Latoya van der Meeren, Photographer
The first Lomo LC-A belonged to my boyfriend. He went exit though and so did the camera. Thankfully I got an assignment in which I talked to creative director Al Moseley of 180 Amsterdam. We also talked about Lomo and he actually had one at home that was gathering dust! Read more

Photo by: Joel Pott

Joel, Lead Vocalist/Guitarist for Athlete
One of my friends had a party and had these ‘sumo suits’. About 2 hours of sumo battle commenced…..I got some pretty weird/uncompromising shots from that. Read more

Photo by: Simon

Simon, Street Artist for Permanent Unit
I had some funny moments especially with the LC-A Instant back+. I always take two photos of the same friend so that I can put one in my album and give the other one to my friend. It happens quite often that the two photos are looking completely different although I took them in the same light conditions with the same exposure time and it’s really hard to choose one photo when both are looking totally awesome. Read more

Photo by: Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman, Author
Mostly, loved the confusion on people’s faces when they realised they couldn’t look at the back of the camera to find out what i had just shot. Read more

Photo by: Justin Thompson

Justin Thompson, Photographer
One summer I was home for a week, playing in my backyard with my 3 dogs, and was just messing around snapping some random photos. They were all laying in this amazing triangular pattern, all looking so perfect and I snapped this photo that is probably my favorite photo of all time. The three dogs in that photo were everything to me at the time, and I absolutely adore and cherish that photo every day. Read more

Photo by: David Arquette

David Arquette, Actor
I was gonna take a picture of this homeless guy but he looked at me and said, “Hey! What are you doing?” I said, “I was gonna take your picture.” He said, “But I’m homeless.” I felt like shit. I gave him some money but I still felt pretty shitty. Read more

Photo by: Yu Heng

Yu Heng, Singer/Songwriter
About 2 years ago, my family and I went to a small town about 30 minutes away from my hometown for lunch. While waiting for the food, I wandered around the restaurant with my LC-A+. Eventually I came to a ruin which was filled with debris, when I was about to click on my shutter, somebody shouted at my back, "Who are you? What are you doing here? Are you reporter?!” And before I could react, the guy threw a chair towards me, luckily I was able to escape without being injured. In the end we left the restaurant without finishing the food. The owner of the restaurant told us that the guy who threw the chair to me was mentally ill, once he wanted to chop people with a knife. Read more

Photo by: Dannyfresh

Dannyfresh, Lomographer
When I was in Loas, I met a girl on a bus, made friends and ended up traveling with her throughout Loas and Cambodia. One day i was shooting by a river and pulled out the KRAB underwater casing. All of a sudden, she was like “Waaaiiiittt……I’ve seen that red thing before! I think I was sitting in the back of a Tuk Tuk opposite you a few weeks ago”…We worked out that we had shared a Tuk Tuk ride together a few weeks before we had ‘officially’ met and hung out. Read more

Photo by: DJ Miss Yellow

DJ Miss Yellow
Most unforgettable: The first time that I shot a double exposure of my brother’s proposal. Both of their faces are printed on the photo. Like it so much! Read more

Photo by: Mathiaz Malzieu

Mathias Malzieu, Musician
I was wearing a cat costume and sunglasses, pacing at the Montmatre cemetery with my longboard. I shot the tombs, the clouds and my cat head in multi-exposure. The passersby must have taken me for a kind of cat-phantom. A kid looked at me as if I were some low brow super hero, an old man was waving his walking cane at me, screaming and an old lady applauded me as if I were a racer in the tour de France. Read More

Photo by: Ike Edeani

Ike Edeani, Art Director
We found this brilliant run-down old barn along the highway, and as we walked inside we noticed two horses on the other end staring at us. They stuck around the whole time we were there, completely unimpressed by what we were doing. Read more

Photo by: Wrik Mead

Wrik Mead, Artist & Assistant Professor
The close up photo of the owl that is out of focus is my fav. This is a shot of a plastic owl that we use to keep the critters away from our home. They can cause a lot of damage and our owl seems to have been keeping them at bay. At first glance it looks like a real owl but I think that it becomes apparent that it is a fake due to its’ animated appearance. Read more

Photo by: John Vanderslice

John Vanderslice, Musician
I had my Splitzer on and and a colored flash blazing away, my friend said: ‘What is going on with you???’ Read more

Any interesting moments with the Lomo LC-A+ that you’d like to share? Post them in the comments section below.

The Lomo LC-A+ is known worldwide for its amazing features: automatic exposure, extended ISO range, and multiple and long exposure capabilities. Get your own Lomo LC-A+ now!

Summer Lovin' with the Lomo LC-A+!

2013-06-19T00:00:00Z

Sea-soaked, sun-drenched, beach-bummed -- these are just some of the ways to describe what an amazing summer would be like. You can make it even more amazing by arming yourself with an analogue companion to document your summer escapes and adventures. Something like the handy and fuss-free Lomo LC-A+!

The sultry summer is without a doubt many a lomographer’s favorite season: the weather is delightfully warm, the days are brighter, and the sun lights up everything. These conditions are without a doubt perfect for shooting outdoors with your analogue cameras, especially if you head out somewhere scenic, adventurous, and action-packed!

Our fellow lomographers have been bringing along the handy Lomo LC-A+ along for their summer trips, wanting to keep things fuss-free and easy while still getting amazing results. Despite its compact size, the Lomo LC-A+ is packed with many useful features that let you experiment with your photos whatever the season: ISO dial that lets you set the film sensitivity from ISO 100 to 1600, distance setting with a flick of a switch, cable release thread for long exposures, and of course, a Multiple Exposure (MX) switch for effortless doubles and multiple exposures!

Thinking of bringing along your Lomo LC-A+ for your summer trips? Draw inspiration from these stunning snaps by our fellow lomographers from their own sun-drenched escapes!

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

The Lomo LC-A+ known worldwide for its amazing features: automatic exposure, extended ISO range, and multiple and long exposure capabilities.

In celebration of the LC-A’s 29th bithday, we’ve prepared a spectacular offer just for you! We’re treating you to a 29% discount on any Lomo LC-A and LC-Wide Cameras that you desire. Discount is limited to 290 units only and is available for both Online and Lomography Gallery Store shoppers. Hurry, it is valid for 29 hours, 29 minutes and 29 seconds only!

Super Selfies Taken Using the Lomo LC-A and LC-A+

2013-06-19T00:00:00Z

When it comes to self-portraits, the Lomo LC-A and LC-A+ cameras are among our classic cameras of choice. Together with the Lomo LC-Wide, we can trust this triumvirate of classy compacts to give us share-worthy selfies each time! Take a look at some of the impressive ones taken by our fellow lomographers after the jump!

The Lomo LC-A and LC-A+ are among the most popular and coveted cameras among us lomographers and film photography enthusiasts for the signature vignettes and lo-fi goodness it lends to each lomograph. Of course, as with any camera, we lomographers always feel the need to take self-portraits with the Lomo LC-A and LC-A+, whether from an arm’s length or against mirrors. Looking at the sheer number of self-portraits in the community that were taken using these two classic lomography cameras, we’d have to say selfies are among our favorites when it comes to snapping away with the Lomo LC-A and LC-A+!

If you’ve seen and liked some of the super selfies taken by our community using the Lomo LC-Wide, we’re sure you’ll also find the selection of selfies taken using the Lomo LC-A and LC-A+ equally impressive! Remember, aside from the usual techniques, you can also play around with the MX Switch of your LC-A+ to make those self-portraits even more interesting!

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

Do you have a stunning self-portrait that you’d like to share with us? Step right up and leave a comment below!

The Lomo LC-A is the camera that started the Lomography movement. With full controls and wide ISO range, this automatic gem is perfect for beginners and professionals alike. It is known worldwide for its amazing features: automatic exposure, extended ISO range, and multiple and long exposure capabilities.

Review Roundup: The LC-A Family!

2013-06-19T00:00:00Z

The LOMO LC-A's birthday is just around the corner, so it's time to shine the spotlight on the community's favorite analogue companion, along with its extended family!

Photo by lucretia

Whether you’re a veteran Lomographer or a newly christened one, the LOMO LC-A epitomizes and embodies the whole appeal of the analogue movement. It’s portable, discreet, but at the same time, packs quite a bit of punch under the hood with its world famous Minitar 1 lens. It comes to no surprise that the LC-A has remained a cult favorite for close to three decades now. So for today, we’re featuring reviews done by the community on the different members of the LC-A family. Read on and enjoy!

Photo by sirio174

Walking in the Park with a Refurbished LOMO LC-A

Deadstock LC-A’s are practically impossible to find nowadays, but if you really want to hold in your hands something from the old-school, the Lomo LC-A Refurbished is the way to go. sirio174 recently took one out on a spin on a beautiful spring day in Italy. Read his review to find out about his thoughts on the Refurbished LC-A!

Photo by ajagee24701

The Little Wonder A.K.A. The Lomo LC-A+

For newer Lomographers like ajagee24701, the LC-A+ is the best option to get acquainted with the sought-after, pocket sized classic. Read on for her review – from the agonizing wait, to the unboxing, down to the first few rolls!

Photo by lucretia

Lomo LC-Wide – A One of a Kind Creative Tool

If you’re more of a fan of wide vistas and exaggerated angles, the LC-Wide would be perfect. lucretia shares her thoughts on how its 17mm Minigon Ultra-Wide Lens was simply irresistible. Check out her review as she shares the best ways to unleash your LC-W’s potential!

Tipster Recap: The LC-A Family!

2013-06-19T00:00:00Z

The Lomography community's resident lab maniacs and analogue experiment addicts have been constantly pushing the envelope throughout the years. Let's check out the recent Tipsters they cooked up for the LC-A and its family after the jump!

Photo by gatokinetik-o

While most Lomographers like you and I are merely mild mannered men (and women!), some members of the community have a knack of going against the grain and doing things their way. These individuals are members of an elite Tipster task force, going boldly where no Lomographer has gone before. These brave men risk life, limb, and their precious LC-A’s just to make our Lomographic lives a bit better. For the LC-A’s birthday celebration, we’ve collected a few recent Tipsters that you can do with your LC-A and its kin!

Photo by gatokinetik-o

Honing our Beloved LC-A: Basic Tips for Good Maintenance

It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to assume that most LC-A’s are older than a big chunk of the community. That is why gatokinetik-o thinks it is paramount to always keep your beloved LC-A at tip-top shape. Hold your breath though, as this requires massive surgery! Read on to see how he does the procedure!

Photos by sandravo

Camera Modification: Turn your LC-A+ into a Rainbow Camera!

If you aren’t too keen on operating on your LC-A+ just yet, you can try out sandravo’s Tipster of giving your camera a rainbow of filters to choose from! If you want that X-Pro look, but you’re only midway through your roll, here’s your solution. Curious? Head on over to her article!

Photo by bebopbebop

How to Save Your Money and Films with 72 Lomographs in 1 Roll with LC-Wide

If you’re rocking a rare film with your LC-Wide, and want to squeeze every possible frame out of it, here’s all you need to do. You can’t go wrong with 72 photos in just one roll, right? bebopbebop’s Tipster is so simple its genius! Make sure to read the details on how she did this in her article!

The Wanderlust Wonderlist: LC-A-Friendly Destinations

2013-06-19T00:00:00Z

In line with the LC-A’s 29th birthday, we’ve brought together a list of some of the most LC-A-friendly destinations that the Locations section has to offer! Check it out!

Well, we all know about the LC-A’s trademark look and feel right? With its radiant colors and shadowy vignettes, you can be sure that travel images made with this cult camera can easily be used for postcards!

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

Scotland

Apart from its almost endless range of hills and valleys, Scotland has its share of secret spots – secluded beaches and hidden caves down by the sea, rocky playgrounds and landscapes weathered by nature – just waiting to be immortalized.

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

Portobello Road, Notting Hill

Portobello Road is famous for its street market, especially on weekends when antiques go up for sales. Imagine the vibrant colors and the hustle and bustle that you can capture!

To browse this gallery please read this post on our website

Easter Island

Easter Island, or Rapa Nui in the local language, is a remote island located in the southeastern part of the Pacific Ocean and is known for its monumental statues called moai. And while it may not be the most accessible of places, the sights and the history of the island make it worth the while.

Lessons from Photography Masters: Elliott Erwitt

2013-06-18T23:00:00Z

Paris-born photographer Elliott Erwitt is among those photography masters that remain important and respected for his simple yet evocative photographs. If you're looking into drawing inspiration from the esteemed Magnum photographer, you should check out this installment of Lessons from Photography Masters!

Elliott Erwitt holding a print of one of his most popular photos. Erwitt has written, “The picture I am holding was snapped in 1974 just across the street from my apartment in New York’s Central Park. It has been 38 years since that event and sadly I have lost track of the participants.” Photo taken by Tim Mantoani for his Behind Photographs series

Elliott Erwitt, who was born in Paris in 1928 and moved t0 the United States with his family in 1939, developed an inclination for photography during his teenage years. He pursued this interest and worked for a commercial darkroom in Hollywood, then proceeded to learn more about photography in Los Angeles City College.

During the time he moved to New York in 1948, he took film classes in the New School for Social Research and finished two years later. While in New York, he also met famous photographers Robert Capa and Edward Steichen, whom he joined in Magnum Photos in 1953. Erwitt also worked as a freelance photographer for Collier’s, Look, Life, and Holiday.

Today, Erwitt remains to be a respectable figure in the photography world, inspiring fellow photographers and artists both young and old with his works. His photographs of are simple yet evocative, showing his mastery of Henri Cartier-Bresson’s concept of the “decisive moment.”

In this installment of Lessons from Photography Masters, we bring you some words of wisdom from Elliott Erwitt which tell about his insights on photography, taking pictures, and his life as a photographer.

FRANCE. Paris. 1989. Eiffel tower 100th anniversary. Photo via Magnum Photos

On photography

Photography is pretty simple stuff. You just react to what you see, and take many, many pictures.

To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place… I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.

It’s about reacting to what you see, hopefully without preconception. You can find pictures anywhere. It’s simply a matter of noticing things and organizing them. You just have to care about what’s around you and have a concern with humanity and the human comedy.

USA. New York city. 2000. Photo via Magnum Photos

On taking pictures

If your subjects are eternal… they’ll survive.

All the technique in the world doesn’t compensate for the inability to notice.

Balance of light is the problem, not the amount. Balance between shadows and highlights determines where the emphasis goes in the picture…make sure the major light in a picture falls at right angles to the camera.

Be sure to take the lens cap off before photographing.

A visual sense is something you either have or you don’t.

The best things happen when you just happen to be somewhere with a camera.

The whole point of taking pictures is so that you don’t have to explain things with words.

USA. California. 1955. Photo via Magnum Photos

On digital photography and digital photomanipulation

The problem with digital photography is it’s too easy, and when things get too easy, people get sloppy. And sloppiness is not a good thing in photography.

Somehow Photoshop and the ease with which one can produce an image has degraded the quality of photography in general.

I’m almost violent about that stuff — electronic manipulation of pictures. I think it’s an abomination. I reject it all. I mean, it’s OK for selling corn flakes or automobiles or for taking pimples out of Elizabeth Taylor’s face, but it undermines the thing that photography is about, which is about observation and not about manipulation of images.

HOLLAND. 1973. Photo via Magnum Photos

On his life as a photographer

My ‘work’ is about seeing not about ideas.

Most photographers work best alone, myself included.

I’m an amateur photographer, apart from being a professional one, and I think maybe my amateur pictures are the better ones.

When I get up in the morning I brush my teeth and go about my business, and if I am going anywhere interesting I take my camera along.

In those simpler days, you could just take pictures of movie stars and show them the way they were, as normal human beings. And if I felt part of any movement at the time, it was just to do that – to be journalistic and photograph what is, rather than what is made up.

The work I care about is terribly simple. I observe, I try to entertain, but above all, I want pictures that are emotional.

Looking for more words of inspiration and wisdom from our photography masters? Why don’t you check out all Lessons from Photography Masters articles so far!

All information for this article were sourced from Brainy Quote, GoodReads, and About.com – Photography

Most Popular Photo Last Year: June 18, 2012

2013-06-18T23:00:00Z

I never knew polka dots and palm trees would make a great combo!

Photo by sixsixty

But sixsixty surely did! Look at those knockout colors and retro vibe, this Lomograph definitely deserved all the love it got last year! Great tipster here my friend!

Photo take with Lubitel 166+ loaded with Fuji Velvia 100F (120mm) film.