Expression and Beauty with Lydia Robinson and the Petzval 80.5 Art Lens

London-based photographer Lydia Robinson uses photography as a platform to champion LGBTQIA+ communities through her colorful and celebratory photographs. She recently won Emerging LGBTQ+ Photographer for GAY Times and her work has been featured in Hunter Mag, Gigwise and Luna Collective.

Lydia has recently been testing out some Lomography Color Negative 35 mm ISO 800 and also shot some LomoChrome Color '92 35 mm film in combination with the Petzval 80.5 Art Lens. Lydia took some time out to talk to us about her reasons for shooting with film and the inspiration behind these portraits.

Hi Lydia, please tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m a queer, London based Photographer who specializes in portraiture, music and lifestyle photography. I started shooting in the first lockdown of 2020, and prior to then I had no experience in Photography let alone Film Photography. Four years later and Photography has become a huge part of my life that I’m so grateful to have discovered and determined to keep learning about.

How would you describe your photography style?

My work is often changing and I wouldn't say I have a specific style as I’m constantly trying out new things. However, I would say my inspirations often stem from something I’ve seen whether that be a film, series, character or musicians etc.

I like to take photos as if they could be a still from a movie, or the viewer can identify that subject from something they may recognize. As a queer person, I also feel strongly about championing the LGBTQ+ community. It’s really important to me that I use my Photography as a tool to inform and communicate an authentic perspective about being queer and the beauty that comes with it.

How often do you shoot with film and what do you enjoy about it?

I try to shoot as much as I can, but life does sometimes prevent how regular that becomes. Photography isn’t my full-time job (yet!) but I frequently have ideas come to me and I immediately want to plan and put a shoot together. For me personally, digital photography will never compare to film. I think it is the uncertainty that drives me in a strange way. You never really know what you’re going to get when you shoot film, regardless of how experienced you can be as a photographer, film constantly keeps you guessing and I love that chase. There is also a lot to be said about film stocks providing you with an abundance of styles and outcomes which means the options are endless.

What did you decide to shoot with the Petzval 80 lens and our films, and how did you find the results?

I have recently become obsessed with Chappell Roan (along with the rest of the world). I love the way she has created this persona that is inspired by drag/burlesque and really feeds into an LGBTQ+ lifestyle. So I wanted to do a look inspired by her, but bring a bit of British iconography with it. I’m thrilled with the results from the Petzval 80, the spherical blur around the subject adds so much to the image as a whole opposed to just focusing on the subject. It’s so fun to work with a lens that warps and plays with the image knowing the surroundings will feel other-worldly.

Do you have any tips for portrait photographers who want to try out some new film or lenses?

Do your research, but don’t over research. I’ve spent hours googling and listening to others opinions of kit and lenses to then be put off something I felt would work for me. If you think your kit needs something different, look at sample images and also your portfolio to consider where that new lens or film could fill a gap, save your money and go for it. Then just practice, practice, practice.

For more information visit Lydia's Instagram page. Thanks also to model Poppy Thalia, stylist Parker Blake & make up artist Esra Kurtul.

2024-08-28 #news #portrait #queer #petzval-lens #art-lens #lgbtqia #petzval-80