Iran on Lomography Color Negative 800 Through the Eyes of New Film Photographer Saman Ghorbanzadeh

The Lomography community has, for a long time, been a fertile ground for discovering and showcasing the beauty of film photography from around the world. Looking through the different tags, we can see mesmerizing pictures from places we can only dream of traveling to.

One newer face in the community is Saman Ghorbanzadeh, aka @big_lebowski. Hailing from Iran, he showcases his side of the world through 35 mm and medium format using different film stocks, from long-forgotten expired rolls to our own Lomography Color Negative 800. Through his photos, we see an authentic look at different sides of Iran, captured in his own style of slice-of-life photography. With that let's get to know more about this new and exciting Lomographer!

Greetings Saman! Can you introduce yourself and tell us how you started getting into analogue photography?

I'm Saman Ghorbanzadeh, 32, from Tehran, Iran. My journey into analogue photography began in 2022 when I got my first film camera, a Canonet QL17. What started as a simple curiosity quickly grew into a passion. Analogue photography became my escape, offering me the chance to reflect more deeply on my work and the art of capturing moments. This passion has not only driven me to explore new techniques and deepen my understanding of photography but also motivated me to expand my gear collection—each new piece adding another layer to my creative process.

What kind of gear do you mostly use when you shoot?

Lately, I’ve been shooting mostly with the Yashica Mat-124G, a medium-format camera that’s affordable and versatile. It’s been a game-changer for me, especially when shooting portraits and street scenes. With only 12 shots per roll, it forces me to slow down and be more intentional, which has made me appreciate the sharpness, details, and depth it delivers. The Yashica’s clarity is amazing, but the limited frames can sometimes feel restrictive, especially when you want to capture spontaneous moments. I still carry my 135 format cameras, like the Canonet QL17, and Olympus om2000 for more flexible, quick shooting. The Canonet is compact and perfect for when I need to be fast and mobile.

As for film, I love experimenting. Kodak Gold is my go-to for everyday adventures, while Ektar 100 gives me those vibrant tones I love for portraits. When shooting at night, I rely on Lomography Color Negative 800, which has consistently met my expectations for low-light conditions.

How would you describe your style of photography?

It’s hard to define my style since I’m still exploring and trying out different genres in photography. Right now, I’m really drawn to capturing everyday life and street scenes, but I feel like I’m on a journey to find my true voice. I often think of Henri Cartier-Bresson’s quote: "Your first 10,000 photos are your worst." This keeps me motivated to shoot more and embrace the learning process. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from analogue photography is the value of patience and self-reflection along the way.

I noticed you really like using Lomography Color Negative 800! What do you like most about the film stock?

Lomography Color Negative 800 has truly amazed me! I love the rich color tones it produces; they're vibrant and dynamic. It’s incredibly versatile and has proven to be reliable in both day and night settings. Whether I'm shooting in bright sunlight or low light, I can always count on it to deliver great results.

I tried Lomography CN 800 with my Yashica Mat-124G, shooting handheld at 1/30th of a second during the night, and the results were amazing! The grain is mild, and the contrast is wonderful, making it perfect for capturing vibrant scenes in various lighting conditions.

What is it like shooting film in Iran? Is there a big analogue community there?

Shooting in Iran has its unique challenges, from sanctions affecting film availability to government restrictions on photography. While street photography, especially in Tehran can take a bit of more courage, compared to other countries, people are becoming increasingly open to having their photos taken in public. Over the past five years, the analogue scene has changed a lot, with a rising interest in film and cameras as more folks rediscover their old gear. New film labs have popped up, and despite the hurdles, we have some great photo walks that bring the Iranian analogue community together. Online platforms like Instagram are also helping to revive interest in analogue photography, and it’s exciting to see new film cameras hitting the market!

What are some places you like shooting in your area?

Downtown Tehran has its own unique character, with stunning 70s architecture and old buildings that add charm to the landscape. The vibrant community brings together a diverse mix of people and styles, creating a dynamic atmosphere that’s perfect for photography. This combination of visual variety and lively surroundings makes it an ideal spot for capturing captivating moments.

What’s a day in the life like for you?

Having a 9-to-5 office job in Tehran can feel a bit burdensome, especially with the hectic traffic and daily work stress. That’s why I dedicate my free time and weekends to photography; it’s my escape from the daily grind. The routine tasks and the sense of losing daylight and freedom make me cherish my time off even more, driving me to capture as many moments as possible.

Among your pictures I was really drawn to the portraits of the skaters. How did this shoot come about?

I was out to finish a roll of Pan 400 on my Yashica when I found myself in the park during golden hour. As I was walking, I spotted a group of young skaters. My Yashica Mat always seems to open conversations, and one of the skaters asked me to take his portrait. After finishing my roll, I quickly switched to Lomo 800, and in my rush to load the film, I ended up with some accidental flares that added a cool, fiery vibe to the shots!

Among all the pictures you’ve taken so far, do you have a favorite?

My favorite shot is a candid image of an Afghan refugee vendor woman sleeping in the shadows. The contrast between her state and the vibrant advertising banner of a historical house in Kashan creates a powerful juxtaposition. This moment encapsulates the blend of vulnerability and resilience, making it an incredible candid photo that resonates with me deeply.

Is there anything you want to share with the rest of the Lomography Community?

It's all about getting out there and capturing as many photos as we can. There are days when the motivation feels absent, but I always remind myself of Martin Parr's quote: "You need obsession, dedication, and balls. Get out there while you still can." This mantra pushes me to embrace the process and continue exploring, no matter the challenges.

We thank Saman for his wonderful work! Be sure to keep up with him on his LomoHome and Instagram.

written by rocket_fries0036 on 2024-11-20 #culture #people #places #medium-format #35mm #street-photography #120-mm #iran #lomography-color-negative-800 #cn800 #slice-of-life #apac