Travel and photography are without a doubt inseparable, but film makes the trip more exciting!
For a travel bug in eternal wanderlust, a camera is not just a tool. It’s a traveling companion, a collaborator in the efforts to document an adventure. With film, travel photos look delightfully different—more playful, unique, and momentous.
When I first brought a film camera loaded with slide film to the beach, I remember feeling both curious and excited about the photos I will bring home with me. I hoped they would look as stunning as the ones I’ve seen, but also have their own character and appeal. I wasn’t disappointed. In most of my photos, it was as if I came to a beach born out of my imagination, with purple skies and crimson waters.
I’ve been traveling with film cameras since then. I plan which films and cameras to bring along, then excitedly pack them first before the rest of my stuff. Why do I find such joy in traveling with my Lomography/analog babies? Here are just a few reasons why.
Convenient and easy to lug around.
When you’re after an experience or a great adventure, a big, bulky camera should be the least of your concerns. Many film/lomo cameras come in compact designs and sizes that won’t weigh you down so you can move around as freely as possible. Also, instead of batteries or bulky chargers, you can bring more films to make sure you’re fully loaded! So go ahead, slip some films and a film camera or two in your bag, and explore to your heart’s content!
Allows you to make fresh takes on angles.
Angles, odd or otherwise, can make or break a photo, but you can always jazz up your angles using certain film cameras, techniques, or equipment. Use a Fisheye camera or lens for comic portraits; use Holga or Diana cameras for superb vignetted photos; take sprocket photos of your favorite landscapes; press the bulb mode for motion shots with character, or double-expose your photos for interesting multiple sceneries!
Lets you play with tones and colors.
With film cameras, there are countless ways to make your travel photos extra memorable. Are you planning to catch your destination’s colorful festivals or surroundings? Load your camera with a slide film to emphasize strong hues, or a color negative film for subdued tones with a vintage feel. Not your first time in town? Capture it in a different color and see everything in new hues! Make your skies rosy pink, turn the grass into a sea of vibrant green, age your buildings through redscaling, or give the beach an extra touch of turquoise!
Do you love traveling with your Lomographic/analog cameras? Tell us why by leaving a comment below!
27 comments
optimus_fabrica
I haven't travelled much with my camera yet, although I always do take it to the few places I have gone :) Good article!
grazie
I love traveling with them too and yes, lately they are the first ones I pack plan for before anything else.Last March for Mardi Gras in New Orleans I brought 3 cameras and lots of films and I'm glad I did that.
mailesmiley
Totally agree!
awesomesther
Going to Vietnam next month with my analog babies!!! :D so excited!! :D
maxwellmaxen
Did europe last summer, france this spring and will do the states this summer. I always pack them last so they are on top of everything ;)
azmorello
contramag
easilydistracted
I love taking my cameras everywhere with me and I love that different ones help you tell a different story!
lofi_eman
catherinejcruz
couldn't have described it better. :)
sfarjoud
Yes! i took my dianaf+ to europe the past winter.. and i looooved it!
jodimeetdiana76
Went to Key West a couple months after I got my first analog camera, a Diana F+. The week before I left I stopped at my local gallery store and got my first pack of B&W (ear marked for the Key West Cemetery) and slide film. I packed my camera in my carry on, never in my suitcase. I don't know what I would do if my camera (film or digital) was lost. :( When I got there I met so many people because they wanted to know all about my camera and it turned out to be a great conversation starter! My pictures were great and the slide film Key West look even cooler! (all on my lomohome :)
My next big trip is to Italy in the fall and I can't wait to bring along my Diana!
fouillis
jackal-
Lomo/analog cameras gives mind blowing results! :D
nural
the worst part is, I never know what camera I'll need or want so I end up carrying all my lomo cams with me on each vacation just to be on the safe side :) and I don2t put them all together, just in case something happens to my luggage :))
paperplanepilot
i love travelling with film because it gives you just one chance to capture a moment - which is how long a moment lasts. one moment, once chance.
boobert
'i just did... http://www.lomograph(…)luz-getaway
Nice read.
jacet
onegreenfan
gelibee
I live to travel and shoot! Ahhh nice article :)
mojo_lomo
go go analog traveling!!
cutebun
Because the camera is so light weight~ mine is waterproof too! =)
pomps
Lomo travelling! Í've just came from a 3 day and I can't wait to take 4 films to the Lab!
bear_feet
Wonderful article, wonderful images!
mishika
I make sure that all my memories are in analog! The cameras are light weight and are easy to bring anywhere.
loveweng
monofasico