Lomography is much more than just photography. It is true art. In contrast to the digital or realistic images it is capable of capturing the true essence of the moment. In addition, it teaches us to live in the moment. It's a state of mind, a way of living, and a philosophy.
I know I don’t have to talk about the advantages of analog photography to a bunch of dedicated Lomographers. Everyone who fell in love with the Lomo pictures know just how stunning a strip of film can be in contrast to the cold and spotless digital images our world is drowning in. Still I will try to add a philosophical approach to this manner.
How can a digital image represent life? It’s too accurate and realistic to do so. Realism is the way we would perceive the world if we were robots. We all know that there is much more to life than what we see. The other senses combined with our emotions influence the way we experience a moment. Let me bring an example. Imagine you walk down the street. You feel normal. Everything is the way it’s supposed to be. Suddenly your eyes make contact with a stunning woman/man. You feel the blood rush through your veins. Your heart beats twice as fast. The street noise stops and the moment seems to be frozen in time. All you see are these big eyes starring directly into your soul. You’re in love!
Now imagine you held a photograph of this same moment in your hands. How would it look like? I’m sure everyone of us has a different picture on mind, but there is one thing in common. It’s definitely not a realistic image, because what made the moment so special were the emotions we felt. It wasn’t just what we saw, but what we experienced.
Lomography can do that. For me that’s what Lomography IS: revealing the essence of things, instead of just showing what meets the eye. The example above is of course somewhat over dramatized but I wanted to make my point cleat. Fact is that none of my pictures are as meaningful but they do somehow capture the atmosphere of the moment. The reason for that is the fact that I let my intuition guide me when I press the release bottom. I don’t think, don’t plan, don’t obsess. Intuition and chance are the the most powerful tools when it comes to creativity and free expression. A Lomographer lives in the moment, in the here and now. Every picture is a love letter to life.
I think I better stop before I get too spiritual :D
17 comments
leela_dark
what a lovely text, and your shots are absolutely amazing!
eva_eva
"Every picture is a love letter to life".
Yes, indeed!!!
vas_vas
:-D
thanks for reading the first text I ever published!!
I very much appreciate it!!
love,
Vasili
nural
exactly the way I feel, really great text...
joeribt
mijonju
agree! so beautiful!
vas_vas
the mask was very simple. i just took a piece of foil that already had these holes in it. it's a foil u can put a piece of paper in it. i dont know how u call it in english or if that kind of foil exists anywhere else apart from germany. but i'm sure u can find something like it in some shop. or make your own holes;) be creative :D
and thank you for the likes!
ipdegirl
Preach on, Brother! The pictures are great and the article captures the essence of what it is that we all love about lo-fi.
mikahsupageek
simply beautiful !
lucyinthesky
perfect. thank you for this... it explains everything I've been trying to express to people who don't know what Lomography is. this is beautiful.
lola_moon
very inspiring words and images!
vas_vas
thank u, thank u, thank u!! glad u liked it!!
electric-bloo
An enjoyable read, and wonderful photos. I love the last green abstract one, i could loose myself in that for hours!
marilda
vas_vas
you may be right marida, but for me it's a huge difference wether the picture consists of bits and bytes or wether it's the result of chemical processes. the one is virtual the other physical. digital is great but analog has more life and soul. it's imperfect and therefore more interesting. but that's just my opinion. i'm no expert either. i like what your prof said. great metaphor!
megane6905
very very good!
muy muy bueno!!
theorangekid93
indeed