Tanya Braganti Shoots with the Diana F+

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Tanya Braganti is a freelance photographer based in New York City. She has worked on numerous assignments for several esteemed organizations such as the LIFE Magazine, and her work has been featured in countless publications, too. Now, she takes on a new assignment as the latest LomoAmigo for the Diana F+ camera!

REAL NAME:
 Tanya Braganti
CITY: 
New York City
COUNTRY:

 U.S.A

How long have you been a Lomographer (or are you new to this whole thing?)
 

I’ve been a Lomographer for the past 3.5 years. My stepbrother gave me the Fisheye for the Holidays. It was special because it was the first gift from my step-family-to-be and never before had I been able to justify buying a fisheye lens for my other cameras.

Please describe the Diana F+ in 5 words.
Lightweight. Merrymaking. Old-timey. Unexpected. Colorful.

The strangest, funniest, hands-down greatest or simply most interesting photographic/Lomographic encounter that you have ever had.

Overwhelmingly, the most common comment I receive from friends when I’m shooting Lomo is: “that is ALL you are carrying?!” The Lomo is so lightweight and un-burdensome compared to all the other equipment that I’ve been known to carry. It’s completely refreshing.

If your photos shown here could have a soundtrack of three songs, what would they be? (song title & artist please)
Great question – because “Soundtrack” is very important to me, and music obviously contributes to the allure and my love for the South (shown in Instaback photos). Here are few from my “road mix” which I think those photos evoke:

  • Afterglow 61 – Sonvolt
  • Tennessee – the Kamikaze Hearts
  • Leaving Louisiana in Broad Daylight –Emmylou Harris (by Rodney Crowell)

You shot with both the Diana F+ as a stand-alone camera, and also tried out the Diana Instant Back+ for a few shots (great photos by the way!). What are your thoughts on the camera, and please give us your impressions of the Instant Back?
I love shooting the Diana F+ with and without the “Instaback”. There was definitely a learning curve shifting to the the “Instaback” – to learn what the compensation was between the viewfinder and the film back plane. “Instabacks” give an old-fashioned, arty feel – but also give you that instant gratification we’ve come so used to in the Digital age; so it’s really the best of both worlds.

The Diana F+ is super because people almost don’t believe it’s real – it’s like a toy – and they seem much less intimated and more approachable then when you have a regular, large, intimidating camera.

If you could take your Diana F+, Diana Instant Back+, and a few dozen packs of instant film anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?
I think I’d go on a road trip back South to explore it more deeply, in particular, photographing people. The South, with all its musical history, resonates for me and I think using the Diana F+ would kindle and honor my romantic perspective of it.

How did you get started as a professional photographer? And where would you like photography to take you in the future?

My first exposure to photography was when my dad set-up a darkroom in our basement. It was magic! When I moved to NYC I worked for Magnum Photographer Philip Jones Griffiths (two days of working/printing for him in exchange for a room in his apartment). This is where I learned most of what I know. Apprenticeship is the way to go, you just have to pick the right mentor. He was exceedingly generous. It’s also been a huge asset shooting for the NY Daily News - getting an opportunity to photograph every day, in all different kinds of situations — is invaluable. And it teaches one to do much from minimal equipment and lighting.

As can be seen on your website, www.tanyabraganti.com, you’ve shot some pretty interesting people. Who is the one person (living or deceased) who you would most like to photograph?
Of all the people I’ve photographed, ridiculously or not, I think I was most nervous to shoot … Shirley Jones! That says a lot about my childhood.

I would be honored to photograph Lucinda Williams, the greatest songwriter of “my time.”

What tips can you give lomographers about the professional photography trade?
I’d stay stick to what you’re good at and love to do, and go all the way with that (while learning the basics of lighting in various situations). In my experience, having too varied of a portfolio has never paid off. Editors want to know what they will get when they hire you.

Your advice to future DianaF+ shooters.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! As I mentioned above, the camera almost looks like a toy, and people are less intimated by it, more curious about it — So get out there and approach!

Tanya’s Diana F+ Gallery

Tanya’s Instant Gallery

written by alexandrak on 2009-09-28 #people #lomo-amigos #photographer #diana-f #tanya-braganti #lomoamigo

3 Comments

  1. stouf
    stouf ·

    Yeah ! Beautiful galleries !

  2. novakmisi
    novakmisi ·

    Sorry, I don't know who is Tanya but the photos are very good-cool bravo !

  3. ouroborosx
    ouroborosx ·

    lomo amigos are not all well known... that's the best part about amigos... they're people you can get to know! they're your new amigos! ;)

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