Aminoz Experiments with the Lomo LC-A 120 and LomoChrome Films

Amino Birahmatillah (Aminoz) is a professional photographer based in Yogyakarta. We recently sent him our classic Lomo LC-A 120 along with several rolls of our mighty medium format LomoChrome films. On his tight schedule he managed to shoot all the films that we sent and the results are amazing. Check out all his photos below!

Hi, Aminoz! It’s great to have you here at Lomography! Please tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi, Lomography! Thank you for having me here. I’m Amino (Aminoz) Birahmatillah, a founder of 038 Group as a collective of photographers and filmmakers based in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. My work revolves around capturing stories through the lens of art and culture, blending fine art photography, filmmaking, and creative direction. I hold a degree in Art of Photography from the Indonesian Institute of Arts Yogyakarta, and over the years, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with incredible brands and artists globally.

I’ve worked as a brand consultant and associate creative director with brands like Vherkudara Eyewear, where I helped shape their visual identity and storytelling. My role often involves merging artistic vision to create compelling narratives. Beyond that, I’ve also collaborated with international artists, such as Minami Katabayashi from Japan, and exhibited my work in places like Australia, Japan, and across Indonesia.

Some of my recent projects include co-creating the art film Mantra Serapah with the Mantra Serapah Collective and Garis Ombak with Iwan Yusuf, both of which explore the intersection of art and cultural storytelling. My interests lie in pushing creative boundaries, whether through fine art, photography, film, or branding, and I’m always excited to explore new ways to connect with people through visual narratives.

How do you describe your photography? Do you have any film photographers that you look up to?

My photography is a blend of storytelling and artistry, often rooted in capturing the essence of human emotions, cultural narratives, and the interplay of light and shadow. While I’m versatile in my approach, I do have a deep appreciation for portraits, as they allow me to connect with individuals and convey their unique stories through a single frame. My work often explores themes of identity, culture, and the human experience, whether it’s through personal projects or collaborations with brands and artists.

As for inspiration, I greatly admire the work of Tim Walker, whose dreamlike and fantastical imagery pushes the boundaries of creativity; Nobuyoshi Araki, whose raw and intimate portraits challenge conventional perspectives; Alec Soth, whose poetic and deeply human documentary-style photography resonates with my own approach to storytelling; and Gregory Crewdson, whose meticulously staged, cinematic scenes evoke a sense of surrealism and emotional depth. These photographers have influenced my vision and encouraged me to experiment with different styles and techniques, especially in film photography, where the texture and unpredictability of film add a unique depth to the narrative.

How do you typically spend your week?

These days, life as Aminoz is a mix of creativity and balance. My weeks are spent working on client projects, from photography and filmmaking to branding consultancy, ensuring each piece reflects both the client’s vision and my artistic touch. When I’m not creating, I enjoy watching movies and series, reading books, and finding inspiration in stories and visuals. It’s a simple but fulfilling rhythm that keeps me grounded and excited about my work.

What is it like to be a photographer in Yogyakarta?

Being a photographer in Yogyakarta is pretty amazing. The city is full of life, art, and culture, so there’s always something interesting to shoot—whether it’s the vibrant streets, traditional ceremonies, or just the everyday beauty of the place. The creative community here is super welcoming, and it’s easy to connect with other artists and collaborate on cool projects. Plus, the laid-back vibe of the city gives me space to relax and find inspiration when I need it. It’s like living in a place where every corner has a story to tell, and I get to capture it all. Yogyakarta is definitely a special spot for any photographer!

How did you like shooting with the Lomo LC-A 120 ? What do you like most about it?

Shooting with the Lomo LC-A 120 is such a fun experience! I love how it’s a point-and-shoot camera—it’s so easy to use, and I can just grab it and start shooting without overthinking. The best part is the unexpected results you get from the lens. Sometimes the colors come out super vibrant, or the edges have this cool vignette effect that adds a dreamy, nostalgic vibe to the photos. It’s like every shot is a little surprise, and that unpredictability makes the process exciting. Plus, the medium format gives the images this rich, detailed quality that feels really special. It’s the kind of camera that keeps me playful and curious, and I love how it encourages me to just go with the flow and see what happens. Definitely a favorite for casual, creative shooting!

Can you tell us about what you decided to shoot and what you think of the results?

When I decided to shoot with the Lomo LC-A 120, I wanted to explore a mix of subjects—landscapes, architectural details, and portraits of my friend—all set in Yogyakarta. For the landscapes, I focused on the city’s natural beauty, capturing the lush greenery and the way sunlight danced across open spaces. The medium format really brought out the depth and richness of these scenes, making them feel expansive and immersive.

For architecture, I turned my lens to the Gelanggang Inovasi Kreatif building at UGM, which is this fascinating blend of traditional and modern design. The LC-A 120’s ability to handle dynamic range was perfect for capturing the contrast between the building’s sleek, contemporary lines and the intricate, cultural-inspired details. The play of light and shadow on its surfaces added a dramatic.

Finally, shooting portraits of my friend was where the camera truly shined. The depth of field created this lovely separation, making my friends stand out against softly blurred backgrounds. The slight unpredictability of the lens added a unique character to each shot.

Do you have a favorite photo you took with this camera?

My favorite photo with the Lomo LC-A 120 is one where the landscape turned this cool, unexpected purple, but my friend’s skin tone stayed natural. I love it because it feels like a mix of reality and something dreamy—like the camera added its own little twist to the scene. The sharpness and wide focal length made everything look super crisp and gave it this unique depth, almost like an infrared effect. It’s one of those shots where the camera’s quirks just worked perfectly, and it turned out way cooler than I expected. It’s a great reminder of why I love shooting with film—you never quite know what you’re going to get, and sometimes it’s magic!

Tell us about your experience with the LomoChrome Purple 120 ISO 100–400 film ?

I decided to shoot portraits with landscapes using the LomoChrome Purple 120 film. The idea was to blend the natural beauty of the surroundings with the human element, creating a unique contrast between the surreal color shifts of the film and the realism of the portraits. The LomoChrome Purple’s ability to transform greens into purples and magentas gave the landscape this dreamy, otherworldly vibe, while the skin tones remained surprisingly natural. This combination made the portraits stand out in a really striking way, almost like the subject was part of a fantastical world. The wide focal length and sharpness of the lens added depth and clarity, making the whole scene feel immersive and vibrant. It was a fun experiment, and the results were even cooler than I imagined!

What do you like most about the LomoChrome Metropolis 120 ISO 100–400 film ?

What I love most about the LomoChrome Metropolis 120 is how raw and moody it makes everything look, especially on a cloudy day shooting architecture. The colors come out muted and desaturated, with this gritty, almost industrial feel that really suits urban scenes. It’s not flashy or over the top – it just captures the textures and details of buildings in a way that feels real and timeless. On cloudy days, the film adds this cool, contrast vibe that makes the photos look like they’re from another era. It’s straightforward, no-frills, and perfect for when you want your shots to feel honest and unpolished.

And how about the LomoChrome Color '92 120 ISO 400 film ? How do you like it?

I think the LomoChrome Color ’92 120 ISO 400 film is such a cool throwback to the ’90s vibe. It’s got this nostalgic, warm tone that instantly gives photos a retro feel, like they were taken from an old family album. I love how it handles colors—everything feels soft and slightly faded, but still rich and full of character. It’s great for capturing everyday moments with a timeless quality, and the ISO 400 makes it versatile enough for different lighting conditions. It’s not overly dramatic or flashy, just simple and honest, which I really appreciate. Shooting with it feels like revisiting the past while creating something new, and I’m all for that!

Finally, what did you think of the LomoChrome Turquoise 120 ISO 100–400 ?

It was my first time using LomoChrome Turquoise. It’s totally flipped the colors in the most unexpected way. The sky turned this crazy orange hue, and skin tones came out greenish, which was both weird and cool at the same time. It’s not your everyday look, but that’s what made it so fun. The film has this raw, experimental vibe that makes you feel like you’re creating something totally unique.

What do you think is the perfect situation for shooting with this camera?

The Lomo LC-A 120 is perfect for situations where you want to keep things spontaneous and fun. It’s great for street photography—just grab it, point, and shoot to capture candid moments without overthinking. It also shines in travel settings, where its compact size makes it easy to carry around, and the medium format adds a rich, detailed quality to landscapes and cityscapes. For portraits, it’s fantastic in natural light, creating a soft, dreamy background blur that makes the subject pop. And if you’re into experimental shots, the camera’s unpredictable lens effects and color shifts make it perfect for creative, off-the-cuff projects. Basically, it’s ideal for any time you want to embrace the unexpected and let the camera do its thing!

What is one thing you have been dying to explore further (anything from a place to a particular subject)? What is your dream project?

One thing I’ve been dying to explore further is cinematic portraiture, inspired by the work of photographers like Tim Walker, Nobuyoshi Araki, Alec Soth, and Gregory Crewdson. I’d love to create a series of portraits that blend storytelling with surreal, dreamlike elements—almost like stills from a film. Imagine combining the whimsical, fantastical vibes of Tim Walker, the raw intimacy of Araki, the poetic realism of Soth, and the staged, cinematic depth of Crewdson.

My dream project would be to shoot a visual narrative series set in Yogyakarta, capturing the city’s unique blend of tradition and modernity through portraits and landscapes. I’d use film to bring out the textures, colors, and emotions, creating a body of work that feels both personal and universal. It’s about pushing boundaries, experimenting with light and composition, and telling stories that resonate deeply. That’s the kind of project I’d love to dive into next!

Are there any exciting projects you are working on currently, and do you have any projects you are looking forward to?

Right now, I’m juggling a mix of branding, photography, and filmmaking projects for various clients, which keeps me busy but inspired. It’s a lot of creative problem-solving and storytelling, helping brands bring their vision to life through visuals. At the same time, I’m quietly developing some exciting collective projects with my team 038 that I’m really looking forward to. we’ve been experimenting with Afghan camera techniques, and diving into the world of large format photography.

On the horizon, I’m excited to dive deeper into collaborative projects that blend photography, filmmaking, and storytelling. I’ve been brainstorming some new ideas for art films and documentary-style projects that explore cultural narratives and personal stories, especially here in Yogyakarta. I’m also looking forward to experimenting more with film photography, pushing the boundaries of what I can create with cameras like the Lomo LC-A 120 and unique films like LomoChrome Purple and many more.

Any message to other Lomographers out there?

To all Lomographers – keep shooting, experimenting, and having fun! Embrace the surprises of film and let your creativity flow. Whether it’s capturing vibrant streets or quiet moments, every shot tells a story. Keep the analogue spirit alive and inspire each other. Happy shooting!

Thank you to Aminoz for sharing his experience! To learn more about Aminoz's work, you can visit his Instagram and check out our range of LomoChrome film in the online shop!

written by adi_totp on 2025-04-12 #gear #people #places #medium-format #120-film #lomochrome-purple #lomo-lc-a-120 #lomochrome-turquoise #lomochrome-metropolis #apac #lomochrome-color-92 Share Article