Lomography

Diana Instant Back+ Behind-the-Scenes With LSI Design Manager Steffi
written by kazarareta on March 20th, 2009 , 13 comments (5 votes)

Been craving for some more up-close, Behind-the-Scenes interviews with the people working behind Lomography? Not to fret as we’re having a new set for you! Our latest interviewees from the design and archive department were lucky enough to try out the new Diana Instant Back+, and we have great insights from them with their work environment, personal questions and how good they found the new Instant back!

First up is our resident graphic design division manager Steffi, die_steffi who takes the hot seat with her design inspirations and what it’s like to spearhead the eye-popping design aesthetics of your favourite Lomography products!

First, introduce yourself and what you do for Lomography.

Hello, my name is Steffi and I’m leading the print graphic design team here in Vienna headquarters. Designing your favourite products’ packaging, books, posters and all other needed print-materials are part of our daily business.

How did you end up working for the world’s biggest analogue photography company?

My lomo-story began in 2005, when I was asked to design a new product catalogue. It was all very exciting. I got a few Lomography cameras to try out and I fell in love with them immediately. I was exploring something completely new. Half a year later I got a permanent employment at LSI and a big bunch of nice colleagues.

Share with us three inspiring design websites you frequently visit that could be of interest to fellow Lomographers.

www.hort.org.uk
www.twopoints.com (be part of the “chinese whisper” project!)
www.divany.at

What’s your favourite analogue camera and film combo?

I love love love my LC-A! I tried several other cameras – you can imagine :) – but this one is still my favourite. I take her – literally – everywhere i go. And the best film to use… That’s a hard one. But I would say LC-A and Kodak Elitechrome 200ASA expired – it’s the perfect match for me.

Being one of the resident designers, how do you think working for the biggest analogue photography community inspires your overall design philosophy?

I think it’s more than a inspiration. It literally changed my way to see things. It’s a little bit scary sometimes, but i keep thinking in “good picture”/“bad picture” scheme all the time, even if i’m out of the office.

Tell us in 5 words or less why everyone should pick up a Diana Instant Back+.

Unknown possibilities – instantly!

Show to us your favourite shot from your Instant Back escapades, and probably a short explanation why you picked it.

One very cool thing you can do with the instant back is to draw with light. I made a whole series, trying different lamps (& hats), but this one is my favourite. (Check our cover photo)

Which characteristic of the Diana Instant Back+ do you think makes it stand out?

I think it’s the fact you can use the Diana instant back with the full range of Diana accessories.

After testing our Diana Instant Back+, do you consider yourself as a converted Dianaholic?

The first times i used the instant back, i couldn’t stop making pictures – was like an addiction. Especially the first evening with the instant back was hard. After this experience i tried to control myself, otherwise one day i would have ended up making the 1000th self-portrait. So, no, i try not to be a Dianaholic ;)

Any final words to our frenzied Lomofans?

If there’s no empty space left on your walls, the moment to stop taking instant self-portraits might be there OR it’s the perfect moment to rent a bigger apartment.

See more Diana Instant photos from Steffi here