The Camera Asked First: Luis Garcia and the Lomomatic 110

When Luis Garcia picked up the Lomomatic 110, we knew we were about to see something special—but what we didn’t expect was how deeply personal the results would feel. This project isn’t just about a camera or a roll of film. It’s about motion, conversation, intuition. Luis let the camera lead, and in doing so, opened space for real, off-the-cuff moments with people in his life—some close, some passing through. What emerged is a quiet, thoughtful portrait of connection. Through short questions and honest answers, Luis invites us into these small exchanges that somehow say so much. We’re honored to share his words, images, and the stories that surfaced along the way.

The following words and interviews are written by Luis Garcia

Shooting with the Lomo 110 felt like stepping into a time machine. This plastic camera didn’t just change the look of my images—it changed the way I moved, saw, and connected. It felt like the camera had a mind of its own, guiding me to moments I might have overlooked. Every film camera gives you a certain energy, but this felt completely different. It was almost like the Lomo 110 was in control, deciding what I should photograph—and that freedom was something I had never felt before.

As I spent more time with the camera, I started asking people questions. Sometimes deep, sometimes random. I wasn’t looking for anything specific—I just wanted to hear them speak in their own voice. These conversations were often short, sometimes unexpected, but always real. A lot of them are friends, some I met in passing, but each one gave me something. A piece of themselves. A line I kept thinking about days later.

I photographed people who inspire me, friends who are part of my life, and strangers who crossed my path. Through these little interviews, I learned new sides of people I thought I already knew. It made me feel even closer to them—like a thread tying all these snapshots together, not just in pictures but in life.

Name: Isabel

What do you value most in a friendship?

I have a little extra love for people who aim to live a large life—those who move with curiosity and challenge expectations.

What makes life meaningful?

The simple things—discovering a building on a walk, hearing a story from your grandpa, hitting a clean tennis shot, eating a warm dumpling, meeting someone you connect with instantly.

If you could have any watch, or are you eyeing your next one?

I’m content.

Name: Cat

Till when will you ride your bike?

Till I can’t pedal anymore.

What’s next after your photobook Girlworld?

Working on my still life book—coming out soon.

Three things that matter most to you?

My family, my camera, and my birth Rosie.

Name: Izael

What’s the first thing you drink when you wake up?

Water.

Do you pick your outfit the night before or the same day?

Sometimes the same day, sometimes days ahead.

Where is home?

Home is wherever I can find criolla food—rice, beans, and chuleta.

Name: Rosalinda

What time do you wake up?

9 am.

First thing you drink?

Coffee.

Do you plan your outfits?

Never—I pick at the moment.

Name:Camilo

Favorite meal?

My mom’s pastel de choclo.

How many times have you been in love?

Four times.

What do you want to be doing in your 70s?

Being around loved ones, cooking, and making pictures.

Name: Esben

What’s a goal that keeps you motivated?

I’ve been trying to shape something that feels meaningful—not just in what it is, but in how it brings people together across cultures, cities, places, and shared moments. The idea of creating something that lives on keeps me going, especially when the days get complicated.

If you had to choose three things that matter most to you, what would they be?

Family—both the one I come from and the one I hope to grow into. Honesty in relationships—the kind where you can show up as you are. And curiosity—staying curious has saved me many times, especially when things felt stuck or unclear.

What’s something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t yet?

Read War and Peace.

Name: Steve

Favorite city?

Istanbul.

Coffee or tea?

Coffee.

Favorite fabric?

Silk.

Name: Pierce

What is your childhood favorite meal?

My favorite childhood meal is a grilled cheese with pickles on the side. It’s the first thing I ever learned how to make and it was something I craved year round. It’s nostalgic and something I still crave constantly.

What's your favorite dessert?

Any form of ice cream but more specifically mint chocolate chip. I always have a second stomach for ice cream no matter how full I am.

Whats the ingredient/ condiment you can’t live without?

Mustard has become one of my favorite things in the universe. Nothing compares to its flavor and its versatility. An amazing emulsifier, condiment, and sauce or dressing base. It’s simply perfect.

Name: Lars

Favorite fashion brand?

Nudie Jeans.

One of your favorite cities?

Stockholm, Sweden.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A painter or graphic designer.

What do you think about Bitcoin?

Not much in the know—I prefer cash.

Name: Jose

If not NYC, where?

Chicago.

Favorite color?

Blue.

If you’re with an artificial woman from the future, would that be considered cheating?

I’d love a copy of my current girlfriend.

Name: Charly

What’s your favorite fruit?

Pineapple.

Audiobooks or page books?

Page books—4,3,2,1 by Paul Auster.

What’s your favorite fabric?

Denim.

Name: Favianna

When and where do you find your passion for photography.

I try to keep the passion alive everyday, some days are better than others, as of where, I draw passion from everyday life, humans being humans, architecture, and anything my friends do, I always get inspired by them.

What projects or goals you have in mind that you will love to achieve.

I have an ongoing project on my local bar Fanelli, currently planning to put a zine together which I’m hopeful to put out in the upcoming months. I would love to also explore doing some editorial work.

What other path in life you think you can enjoy and be content with it.

Anything art/crafts related, I used to be a Tailor and I had a really good time.

What’s the dream, or are you feel you living your dream.

Dreams evolve and transform, I’m not really sure what “the dream” fully entails for me, but what I know is that I live in a city I really enjoy and makes me happy, I live with my best friend of 15 years, I’m surrounded by very talented, passionate and genuine people that I get to call my friends, my job is tied to my passion and craft, and those are very dreamy things for me.

Thanks to Luis Garcia for documenting for Lomography Magazine, check him out on Instagram.

written by chloefuller on 2025-06-24 #people #street-portraits #lomomatic Share Article