Lomography 101: Don’t Think, Just Shoot!

Lomography was started by a group of students from Vienna who stumbled upon the LOMO LC-A camera (which was a popular Russian film camera in the 80s). They started taking photos without looking at the viewfinder – they literally shot from a hip angle. This practice or technique resulted in beautiful images admired by other people who then also wanted their hands on a LOMO LC-A (only available to the Russian market and some Communist countries).

While they were scoured the earth (well, Russia) for more of these cameras, they were able to build a community called the Lomographic Society International (LSI). They started an exhibition of “Lomographs” and then eventually, they were able to acquire ownership of the then-discontinued LOMO LC-A. From that point on, they were able to launch and design their own film cameras and become their own brand.

Source: https://www.lomography.com/about/history

How to Lomo: The 10 Golden Rules

The founders published the manifesto of Lomography in 1992. I don’t think these we meant to be guidelines or rules but I’d say these “rules” are more of a definition of the Lomography lifestyle or culture.

1. Take your camera everywhere you go
2. Use it any time – day or night
3. Lomography is not an interference in your life, but part of it
4. Try the shot from the hip
5. Approach the objects of your Lomographic desire as close as possible
6. Don’t think
7. Be fast
8. You don’t have to know beforehand what you captured on film
9. …Afterwards either
10. Don’t worry about any rules

Again, these aren’t rules – that’s why #10 says “don’t worry about any rules”. They are just branded as such but this is their manifesto – which is a published declaration of intentions or motives.

The Difference Between [Film] Photography and Lomography

• Lomography is a form of analog photography but photography is not lomography.
• Photography, in general, is formal and composed while Lomography is spontaneous and unpredictable.
• Photography oftentimes generate high-quality photos while Lomography prides itself in its low-fidelity output through grains, light leaks, and vignettes (basically an analog version of an Instagram filter).
• That being said, mistakes and imperfections are embraced in Lomography.

Why Try Lomography?

Lomography peaked around 2009–2011 around the time that it was adapted by the “hipster” subculture. After a few years, interest with Lomography had gone low. Maybe it declined because the phone cameras were getting better and vintage-looking mirrorless cameras rose to fame. Despite that, Lomography is still out there innovating in the film camera space and still has a supportive and creative online community.

Why still bother, right? Well, if you’re interested in getting into the film photography hobby, Lomography cameras are a great start. They’re easy to use and get starter Lomo cameras for less than $100. Also, you don’t need some special skillset to take cool and creative photographs (lomographs, if you will) – don’t think, just shoot.