Newcomer of the Week: ivaylo

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Moved by the breathtaking scenery he witnessed during his frequent hikes, Ivaylo was encouraged to take photographs. When not indulging in the beauty of nature though, he rummages busy streets and abandoned buildings in search of poetic images. Meet our Newcomer of the Week from Sofia, Bulgaria—Ivaylo.

Name: Ivaylo
LomoHome: ivaylo
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria

Tell us about yourself and what you do.

I am 26 years old and I live in the wonderful city of Sofia, Bulgaria. Hiking on Bulgaria’s amazing mountains, talking to people and listening to their stories are some of the things that I love doing in my spare time.

How did you find the community and who/what convinced you to join?

Joining the community was simple. Thousands of people and millions of photos and ideas can be found in one place! Being part of all that and being able to share my own work here is so valuable.

Credits: ivaylo

As you have read the 10 Golden Rules of Lomography, what rule do you apply in your everyday life?

I honestly believe that the first two rules (Take your camera everywhere you go. Use it any time – day and night.) are the ones I am really stringent about. However, I relate more with Rule #10 – Don’t worry about any rules, because worrying is not my thing, especially when talking about expressing myself.

In this digital age, why still film?

My love for photography emerged in the mountains, literally. As I already said, I love hiking and spending time in nature. The incredible views and the way that the light shines over the clouds, rocks, and forests, forced me to take tons of pictures. It is a beauty that must be shared and must be experienced by others.

The beauty of nature prompted me to shoot on film. Everything – every moment, every exposure – should be as natural as it is. I loved the authenticity of these photos. Later, I discovered the same beauty in the city streets, in deserted fields, and in shadows obtained at sunset.

In Bulgaria, we have all conditions for photography – from stunning scenery to apartment blocks in our suburb. I believe that those show just the way we live our lives. All those small and deserted villages are reminiscent of the former agrarian power of our country.

Your favorite analog camera as of the moment? Why is it your favorite?

Surely this must be the Lomo LC-A! The camera is so small and compact and it has so many amazing qualities! As the owner of the photo studio that I frequent to have my film rolls processed once said, “You can’t go wrong with this camera!” And you really can’t! The wide and wonderful lens, the sharp colors, the vignette, and of course that sweet “lomo” effect – I do appreciate it all!

Credits: ivaylo

What is the Lomographic camera you’d want to have someday?

I am having difficulties here. I really can’t choose between the Lubitel 166+ and the Lomo LC-A 120. Both of them are really amazing and both of them provide so much freedom to the photographer. I will surely buy one of those in the near future. I love them.

Any song or movie you live by?

“It’s Your World” by J Dilla, an artist that I deeply respect. I am so grateful for his work.

Share your current favorite Lomograph, could be yours or a friend’s. Why is this your favorite?

This is my favorite one. I mean, we’ve just discovered a massive treasure here – a pack of cigarettes lost an hour ago! My friend on the right is having the time of his life. This is the kind of emotion that I want to capture more often in the future.

Any Community member you look up to? If so, why him or her?

I really love what akula is doing with his chairs and the light. Hodachrome has brought me to so many magical places. And of course swordsplay! He has this amazing experimental approach. We share a lot of ideas with each other and perhaps you will see a film swap of ours in the near future.

What are you looking forward to in our Community?

It is all about the experience we share with each other. I’ve learned so much here and I know that a lot more will come. I would really love to visit distant countries and join someone for a film swap or two. So, yeah, if you have a spare couch and free time – do not hesitate and write me a message!

written by Eunice Abique on 2015-02-15 #videos #lifestyle #newcomer #newcomer-of-the-week

5 Comments

  1. swordsplay
    swordsplay ·

    my boy

  2. icequeenubia
    icequeenubia ·

    Thank you, @ivaylo! :)

  3. whimsicalgrid
    whimsicalgrid ·

    Congrats @ivaylo! :)

  4. ivaylo
    ivaylo ·

    Thank you too Eunice, the pleasure was mine! @icequeenubia

  5. ivaylo
    ivaylo ·

    @WHIMSICALGRID thank you!

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