2nd April 2019

Lomo look back…

philippanestie Culture, Image, Mannequins

I recently came across some old photos from way back when I bought a Lomo camera in the late 1990’s, they were like ‘all the rage’ and became very trendy…I remember Jarvis Cocker having one so I thought why not have a change from the normal 35mm? The results were mixed but generally not ‘boring’ where a lack of focus actually might add something and let’s not forget the light trails it was famous for at night.

It was kind of fun and to approach with ‘expect the unexpected’ where quality was not the aim, so I scanned in some of my old pic’s capturing the retail landscape as it was then, unfortunately a lot were just not usable i.e. too out of focus…you can only stretch it so far! Also my library of pictures is not that extensive, but well it just gives a glimpse of what was on display then. Though now I sure wish I took a lot more pictures especially of the mainstream mannequins that actually look more ‘human’ and had faces unlike the faceless ‘android style’ we have now which are like so boring.  (more on that here https://philippanestie.com/the-future-of-fashion-is-faceless/) If only I could go back in a time machine with a camera in my hand…though lomo style has not gone away with ‘lomo options’ in many contemporary apps, so the effect can be achieved without the camera…

Definitely not purist I know, sadly I sold mine two years ago as I just wasn’t using it. I don’t regret it as I’m not a photography purist by any means and don’t recoil at using apps or whatever if necessary. I’m more concerned about capturing what’s happening now before it disappears for good…

With the ease of digital photography and the multitude of options (though don’t get me started on SD cards…) I’ve decided I won’t be selling my original 35mm as I thought I might give film try again soon… but it’s very good to have the choice either way…