Say Love: Artist Inma Hortas Customizes the Lomo'Instant Automat to Celebrate Love

This month at Lomography, we’re celebrating creativity, diversity, and love with a very special collaboration. Galician illustrator Inma Hortas has customized the Lomo'Instant Automat Bora Bora with her artwork, transforming it into a vivid manifesto of color, joy, and respect. The result? A unique piece that breathes pride, freedom, and love in every stroke. We spoke with her about her creative process, the values behind her work — and how this customized camera could soon be yours.

Hi Inma, welcome to the Lomography Online Magazine! Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi there! A big hello to all the lovely people reading this. I'm Inma Hortas, a full-time freelance illustrator. I work in my own style, bringing to life projects where the human dimension stands out in the brief — our joys and celebrations, but also phobias and injustices… love, dreams, everyday matters, and trending topics, always from the perspective of body positivity and support for minorities (women, the LGBTQIA2S+ community, BIPOC, etc.).

How did your illustration journey begin?

The pandemic gave me the time and space I needed to change careers – from corporate graphic design and branding to personal illustration work. It was an emotional shock, but it also opened up a world of creative energy and possibilities. Now I approach each project with my own value system, both ethically and aesthetically, and my clients share the same principles. We make a great team. I’m lucky that my portfolio does the filtering for me, attracting the right kind of work. I truly feel privileged to do what I do and work with the right people.

You’ve customized this gorgeous Lomo'Instant Automat Bora Bora. What inspired the design?

I titled this customization “Say Love,” a play on the classic “Say Cheese” phrase we say when taking a picture. This time, love takes center stage – it's expressed in every snapshot and is the very reason behind every Pride celebration around the world. It’s about celebrating the love of all human beings on this planet – freely, peacefully, joyfully, and with deep respect. Let’s not forget that reaching this point hasn’t been easy, and in many countries, loving someone is still a crime. In my view, there’s no better time of year to simply celebrate being alive, loving one another, and being a source of hope for those who aren’t as fortunate.

How did you approach the technical side of the customization? Did you use special materials or techniques for the camera’s surface?

The first step was getting the actual camera to understand its dimensions. Then came the sketching, color selection, and materials. Choosing the right primer for the camera's surface was essential. The entire design was painted using metallic acrylic paints and inks, acrylic markers, and gouache – all sealed with a matte spray varnish.

Your illustration style mixes bold colors, irony, and powerful visual references. How did that translate onto the camera body?

The base of the design is a vibrant lemon yellow. From there, everything unfolds: two characters hug the lens on the front, “Say Love” is written on the back with hands forming a heart symbol. Birds and colorful dots add a festive vibe. The Pride flag colors are represented, and metallic inks highlight the key structural features of the camera.

Where did you take your instant photos?

I took some photos in my studio and in a nearby park. I love shooting with natural light – ideally on a sunny day in the shade.

Representation, self-love, respect, and joy are clear themes in your work. How do you capture those emotions in your illustrations and visual language?

I often illustrate human characters, body movement, facial expressions – the composition itself and my use of vibrant, high-contrast color are my main tools. I also value humor, when the piece allows for it, and I draw a lot from personal experiences that others can relate to… it’s all about creating deeper, more personal connections with those who appreciate my work.

What creative projects are you working on now, and which are you most excited about?

I’m working on my first illustrated children’s book, which I’m incredibly excited about, while also carving out time for a long-term personal project on lettering and 2D animation. I also have a few short editorial projects that pop up unexpectedly.

Enter the giveaway and win this one-of-a-kind camera! Want to take home this custom Lomo'Instant Automat Bora Bora designed by Inma Hortas? We’ve got good news — it’s up for grabs! Head over to @lomographyspain on Instagram to find out how to enter. Don’t miss your chance to own a one-of-a-kind, functional art piece — made with love!

Follow Inma and explore her creative world on Instagram inlohographics and on her website.

written by ludovicazen on 2025-06-18 #gear #people #diy #giveaway Share Article