Jung Minsik Creates Poetic Images with Lomography 120 Film

Originally from South Korea, Jung Minsik is now settled in Taipei where he works as a photographer, journalist, and poet. He recently used our Lomography ISO 400 120 color negative film and Berlin Kino B&W ISO 400 120 film to capture the humanistic street scenes of Dadaocheng, along with some unique portraits. Let's delve deeper into the photographer's work!

Hello Minsik, it's great to meet you. Could you introduce yourself to our readers?

Greetings, fellow Lomographers. I’m Minsik, a South Korean photographer and writer. Through photography and writing, I explore the essence of existence, seeking to understand humanity and myself better. When I wander the streets with my camera in hand, I await those moments that can blend visual artistry with poetic narratives.

What brought you to Taiwan? Were you also a photographer in Korea previously?

I am being asked this question a lot, but still have no concrete answer to it. I happened to be in Taiwan and now I call Taiwan home. Before I came to Taiwan, I was just starting out as a photographer back in Korea. Taiwan with its vibrant culture made me feel at home in a way that I never expected. It’s not just a new place to explore, it’s a journey I am still discovering every day as a photographer.

Is this your first time using Lomography ISO 400 120 and Berlin Kino B&W ISO 400 120 ? How do you feel about these films?

Trying out Lomography film for the first time was a mix of excitement and nerves. I didn’t know how it would turn out, especially with long exposure shots. Yet the resulting images turned out great, which made me happy. As for Berlin Kino, a small problem with my camera ended up leaving fingerprints and marks. But surprisingly, it added a genuine touch to the final images making them more special.

Could you tell us about the theme of this shoot?

The time with Lomography 400 was all about capturing the lively spirit of the neighbourhood near Dadaocheng, where street karaoke and temple dance floors light up the nights. Inspired by the colours and its uniqueness that probably can’t be seen elsewhere, I wanted to capture the essence of motion through motion blurred subjects.

With Berlin Kino, I contrasted the images of night life with quieter moments during the day. But I still tried to portray images that are captured in motion.

What is your favorite photo from this shoot? And what's the story behind it?

My favourite photo is of Robot Teeth, whom I encountered while out shooting on the street. A stranger approached me, showing a random picture of taxidermy and asking if I knew which cafe it was taken at. Oddly enough, it was at a cafe owned by a friend of mine. As it turned out, the stranger was a musician from Australia. I took him to the cafe, where I took some shots of him. I had brought along a flashlight to experiment with contrasty black and white images in daylight. Unfortunately, the film got stuck after a couple of shots, preventing me from finishing the roll. However, this experience reminded me that in analogue photography you can’t always control everything and that’s part of its beauty.

Do you usually use digital or film photography?

For my commercial work, I normally use digital cameras unless a client specifically requests film. However, for personal projects, I prefer shooting on film. I love the heavy mechanism of medium format analogue cameras and the feeling of crafting something while working with film, making me value each individual image.

Why do you like shooting 120 format film in particular?

I’m a big fan of Mamiya cameras and have owned many of them over the years. While I do take 135 film with me on trips due to its lighter weight, my favourite is the Mamiya RB 67, which uses 120 film. Viewing the world through its waist-level viewfinder feels like looking through an instant filter, making everything appear magical. The level of detail I can achieve with 120 film is remarkable, and once you hear the sound of the shutter, it’s hard to go back. Above all things, I find the 6x7 aspect ratio works best for my taste.

You have previously collaborated with Taiwanese media TNL Internationl. What are the differences in telling stories by text and imagery for you?

Since I both write and photograph, I don’t see much difference in communication between text and imagery. They work together to support and enhance each other, particularly in my work as a photojournalist. Sometimes, photos capture things that words can’t quite express, and the same the other way around. Interviewing subjects is crucial for both writing and photography, helping me understand their stories and decide how best to convey them.

You also write poetry. Can you talk about whether you hope your photography carries a poetic essence?

Unlike my photojournalism, my landscape and street photography often carry a poetic essence. These images are quiet, and I leave space for viewers to interpret the images in their own way. I enjoy pairing my photos with poetry inspired by my surroundings at the time of shooting, hoping to create a narrative that connects with viewers.

Finally, could you share your goals for the future? Or anything else you'd like to share!

In Taiwan, I aim to find a sustainable approach to photography that matches my values and allows me to make a meaningful impact. I’m passionate about addressing social issues and injustices, which are sometimes common in both South Korea and Taiwan. I hope to create pieces that highlight these issues and maybe even hold a solo exhibition someday.

Thank you, Lomography, for this opportunity!

Thank you, Minsik, for sharing these stunning photos with us! To see more of Jung Minsik's work, don't forget to follow him on Instagram.

written by truelin on 2024-05-23 #people #places #medium-format #street-photography #120-film #lomography-color-negative-400 #berlin-kino-400 Share Article