Lomography

Old-school Lomographers know her as the queen of multiple-exposure Lomography. World Champion at the Vienna World Congress in 2001, Natalie Zwilinger was the trailblazer that inspired a generation of Lomographers to push their boundaries. Never satisfied with the safe approach, Natalie created a body of work that is to this day still beyond compare.

Old-school Lomographers know her as the queen of multiple-exposure Lomography. World Champion at the Vienna World Congress in 2001, Natalie Zwillinger was the trailblazer that inspired a generation of Lomographers to push their boundaries. Never satisfied with the safe approach, Natalie created a body of work that is to this day still beyond compare.

And then came the burnout. Natalie seemed to vanish. Her cameras likely buried under a pile of clothes in her apartment/silk-screen studio in New York City. This renaissance woman had moved on to other creative endeavors, pursuing her degree in Textiles at FIT. I gave Natalie a roll of film to double in November of 2006, and didn’t see that film returned until February of 2008. It was in her camera the whole time.

But now, the prodigal queen has returned. It took the LC-A+ and the new self-portrait kit to reignite this truly brilliant Lomographer’s passion, and the result was this fantastic new gallery of Lomographs.

We proudly present to you the third of our self-portrait amigas – the great Natalie Zwillinger. She is the reason I first picked up a Lomo LC-A in 2004, and I am proud to call her one of my best amigos. Enjoy!

How long have you been a Lomographer (or are you new to this whole thing?)
Natalie Zwillinger: 1998. but i’m also kinda new since i took a big Lomographic break.

Describe the Lomo LC-A+ in five words.
NZ: small. light. functional. cute. unpredictable.

The strangest, funniest, or hands-down greatest photographic/Lomographic encounter that you have ever had.
NZ: i met a midget Lomographer. not.

If your photos shown here could have a soundtrack of three songs, what would they be (song title & artist please).
NZ:

• amina/lori.
• mum/dancing behind my eyelids.
• lali puna/40 days.

Your multiple exposures and dual images have always been absolutely stunning. Any secrets for the people out there?
NZ: yes. a big secret. listen to this… ignore the double exposure button. it’s great for directing a picture. but if you want random and surprising absolutely stunning images… just shoot.rewind.shoot.rewind… best outcome is the unexpected unplanned one. a bit of thinking is involved. and i never. e v e r. shoot without looking through viewfinder… im a geek what can i say

If you could be anywhere, doing anything, right now – where would it be and what would you do?
NZ: doing my masters in printmaking at risd.

The absolute best restaurant in your hometown – something authentic, delicious, and not too pricey. Name & address please.
NZ: mogador. st.marks between ave a & 1 ave… new york city.

We understand that you used a homemade foot clamp to mount your Lomo LC-A+ and take some of these awesome shots. Tell us about that!
NZ: omg. that was so much fun. as if i don’t look like a freak anyway… so.the Lomo package came with a great and highly recommended clamp. and cable release. so i decided to clamp it to my foot and run around in a public park. jump around is more correct. and the pictures came out great. my foot hurt a bit after but it was great. like having another friend around that is not retarded and can take pictures… be ware though… i have tried many of the new gadgets and managed to break the color splash while experimenting. be safe. and never drive drunk.

The one person (living or deceased) who you would most like to photograph.
NZ: sophie calle

Your advice to future Lomo LC-A+ shooters.
NZ: use the Splitzer it’s awesome. play with Wide Angle lens, Clamp, and Cable Release. don’t ever be afraid to shoot in the dark, you will be surprised at the results if you just stay static. cross process as much as you can. love your camera… i have to admit i was a bit suspicious of becoming a “real” Lomo amiga… but i decided to give the camera a second chance and im saying – in a world that is coming to en end e-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y should have a Lomo LC-A … with or without the +.

Natalie Lomohome