June-Warangkana Sangsawang’s Journey with the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass

Meet June-Warangkana Sangsawan, a Thai film photography enthusiast who brings a fresh perspective to every shot. With the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass in hand, June captured the essence of everyday life, from serene salt fields to bustling cityscapes.

Her passion for travel and instant film blends beautifully, turning each photo into a tangible memory. In this interview, June shares her insights, stories, and the simple joys of shooting with instant cameras. Let's dive in and discover the charm of seeing the world through June’s lens!

Hello, June! Welcome back to our magazine. What have you been up to lately?

Hello! I’ve been doing well and traveling regularly, capturing photos on film whenever I get the chance. I use instant cameras and 135 film. Soon, I’ll be heading to Lijiang and Shangri-La, so stay tuned for more beautiful shots. You can follow along on my Instagram.

What were your initial thoughts on the Lomo'Instant Wide Glass? And how does it differ from other instant cameras you've used?

Personally, I think there are some differences. The Lomo’Instant Wide Glass produces much sharper photos, and the color tones in some lighting conditions can be a bit yellower compared to the previous model, though less so than the Lomo'Instant Automat Glass. Overall, I prefer the color tones of the Lomo'Instant Wide Glass.

Tell us about what you photographed with this camera?

The first location is salt field in Ban Laem, Phetchaburi, specifically along the Klong Khlon area. Every year, from late April to early May, local residents harvest salt for their salt barns. This time of year provides an interesting look at local life and features a striking pink salt field visible from the main road. The scenery is unique and beautiful, especially in the afternoon and evening when the atmosphere is very pleasant.

The salt crystals in the water are very beautiful, but they are far away, and the camera doesn’t have zoom capability. The next locations are Pak Klong Talad and Tha Tien which are popular spots for photography.

Another location is the Bangkok Butterfly Garden at the Railway Park. Photographing butterflies with an instant camera is quite a challenge, but it’s also a lot of fun.

I personally really like the mood and tone of this photo:

Lastly, there’s Khlong Lat Pho, where I captured some cool line patterns under the bridge.

Did you make use of the close focusing distance 0.3 m? What did you think of this feature?

I tried shooting leaves at that close range, and the results were quite sharp, which I’m happy with. Normally, I use the 0.3-meter range on my Lomo'Instant Automat Glass camera for selfies with my dog, so I think the 0.3 meters on the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass could also be fun for selfies with friends.

You often take photos with instant cameras. What do you think is the charm of this format?

Instant format is something you can physically hold, which I find very appealing. Since I already enjoy collecting postcards, instant photos feel like postcards I’ve taken myself. I also like bringing an instant camera to weddings or special events to capture and give the photos as gifts. Sometimes, I take instant photos during my travels and give them to people on the spot, as it might be the only chance we have to meet. It’s a way to share memories. For example, I gave this photo to the owner of a guesthouse in southern Laos:

You mostly shoot documentary and landscape photography. Where do you find inspiration?

When I was younger, my family subscribed to the Tourism Authority of Thailand magazines, and as I got older, I added National Geographic to the list. I’ve been consuming this kind of media—both books and documentaries—since I was a child, so I have many photos stuck in my mind. When I started taking photos myself, I’d look through these books and, when I found a photo I really liked, I’d use a ruler to draw a rough 9-grid on it to analyze how the photographer composed the image. I still enjoy learning and analyzing photos this way, though now I naturally think in terms of the 9-grid.

For example, I often use a distance measurement technique to estimate distances when shooting—I use my fingers and arms to gauge distances, which helps reduce focus issues. I measure and compare distances on my body according to the camera’s settings—like 0.3, 0.6, and 1.5 meters.

When preparing for a photography trip, do you have any tips? Are there any items that photographers should bring along?

I focus on timing. To get the photo I want, I make sure to visit at the right time of day. I always research the location beforehand. For example, when visiting an island, I check the tide schedule and choose to go when the tide is at its highest during the day or afternoon for the best sea colors. Similarly, fields of flowers or rice paddies have specific times to visit. It’s important to plan ahead.

[For example], the sea color on my [previous] trip to Koh Kood was truly beautiful. For another trip to a cosmos flower field, based on my own observations, the peak period was from November 12th to 16th.

One item I recommend is zip-lock bags or Super Lock Box (like the one below.) I use them to keep exposed instant photos safe. I once had a case where water from an unscrewed bottle leaked onto my instant photo in my bag, which slightly damaged the photos. It was frustrating, so I’ve since been more careful. If I know I’ll be taking a lot of photos on a trip, I store the film in a Super Lock box. It protects against moisture and keeps the film in good shape.

Lastly, do you have any additional tips for those who want to use the Lomo’Instant Wide Glass for travel or landscape shots?

Take time to really get to know your camera. Unlike digital cameras, instant cameras have limited settings and don’t allow for post-editing, so each shot is all about the photographer’s experience.

The better you know your camera, the closer the photos will match your vision. Also, be sure to research the weather conditions and assess the situation well. On the day of the shoot, it’s all about seeing how much nature cooperates with you.

Thank you to June for sharing her insights and passion for instant photography. Follow her on Instagram to see more of her amazing work and adventures.

The Lomo’Instant Wide Glass is available on our shop now!

written by aomschll on 2024-11-14 #gear #people #places #travel #landscape #thailand #lomoamigo #first-impressions #lomo-instant-wide-glass