"Finding Home" in Medium Format with Sebastian Fernandez and Lomography Film

Jumping straight from digital to medium format film photography as of 2022, New York-based photographer Sebastian Fernandez knows exactly what he wants to get out of his visual experimentation — particularly in conversation with his love and knowledge for cinematography.

Being one of his go-to film stocks at the moment, Sebastian is here with us to share two of his recent conceptual shoots shot on LomoChrome Color '92 120 film.

Hi Sebastian, welcome to Lomography Magazine! Could you start off by telling us a bit about yourself and your work?

My name is Sebastian Fernandez. I'm a New York native that's been doing photography for four years now. I started during the covid lockdown because I was becoming very bored with spending all my time indoors. Initially I wanted to learn how to draw or paint but quickly realized that I had no talent for it.

I then decided to buy a Canon R and thus began my photography journey. My work is a representation of my emotions and how I feel.

How long have you been shooting film? Why shoot medium format as opposed to 35 mm?

I've been shooting film for about two years now, I originally started shooting with the Pentax 67 but have now moved over to the Mamiya RZ67. I chose medium format over 35 mm for the substantial increase in image quality. Another big reason is the aspect ratio of the negative. 6x7 fits perfectly for instagrams crop so I don't lose any of my image when it's uploaded.

How did you discover Lomography?

I discovered Lomography when I was looking for alternatives to Kodak and Fuji. I had heard a rumor that Lomo 800 complimented dark skin tones better than Kodak Portra or Gold 200 so I gave it a try and honestly the rumor turned out to be true!

How do you feel Lomography film stocks complement your creative visions?

I feel like Lomography film stocks have more personality compared to other notable alternatives. I've always wanted my work to stand out so Lomography film stocks help me achieve that!

Currently LomoChrome Color '92 has been helping my photos a great deal when it comes to creating that nostalgic and emotional feel that I usually want from my work. Hope to become a brand ambassador one day!

Can you walk us through how you conceptualize your shoots?

By far the most genuine way for me to conceptualize shoots is for me to focus on how I'm feeling at the time. For example, my latest shoot is about myself and how I miss someone I can't really see. So in my mind I likened it to the relationship between the Sun and Moon.

Do you have a favorite frame shot on Lomography film? Is there a story behind it?

My last shoot that Lomography featured with Katelyn Sparks was my first attempt at trying double exposures! I was fortunate that it turned out as beautiful as it did and look forward to trying that photography technique more.

If you could give your younger self one piece of advice for working with film, what would it be?

My one piece of advice I would give to myself two years ago would be to embrace the early mistakes that naturally come with shooting film. As a beginner it's very daunting to shoot an entire roll and have it come back blank or improperly exposed. Every mistake is a lesson and should serve to push you to learn from it!

What are your hopes for the future of analogue photography?

Truthfully, I will keep shooting film until I die. There's no digital sensor that compares to the innate beauty that's found in film. Hopefully I and other photographers who share my love for the medium continue to watch it not only survive but flourish.

Do you have any upcoming shoots or projects that you can share with our community?

I'm very close to finally shooting my PS2 horror game inspired shoot! That project will hopefully be shot sometime in November.

Anything else you'd like to share?

My dream is to be recognized as the one of the greatest photographers, I work very hard to achieve that goal. I hope that my drive and passion are felt in my work!

If you're interested in keeping up with Sebastian and his work, make sure to check out his Instagram and website.

written by eloffreno on 2024-11-13 #gear #people #medium-format #120 #studio #model #photoshoot #editorial