There’s a great article on the BBC website today about Lomo photography and the part it has played in keeping film photography alive.

 My very first Lomo photo! Bournemouth Pier – Diana F+

It was certainly true for me – after years of shooting only on digital I became more and more curious about all these strange people who were taking amazing photos with film – whilst there were Photoshop tricks to make your images look more ‘filmy’, I figured it would be a lot more fun to actually buy a roll of film and give it a go for real – that was about five years ago and I’ve not looked back since.

 Another shot from my first roll of film and Lomo Diana F+ camera – I’m glad they came out well as I may not have carried on otherwise.

Being able to buy a brand-new film camera from the Lomo website (a Diana F+), one that had a user manual and lots of online support gave me a lot of confidence in my new venture. It meant that the first time I used it the results were dependable and looked pretty cool as well – very reassuring. I remember feeling very clumsy* man-handling the 120 film; everything looked so basic I didn’t think anything good could come of it – but happily everything worked a treat. (*Actually, loading film into a Diana always makes me feel that way)!

 Light leaks, vignetting, a cheap plastic lens – the Diana has it all.

 It’s great fun playing with multiple exposures.

From then on I got braver and began experimenting with junk shop finds – it’s pretty hard to kill off a film camera completely, you know! (I’ve even had great results from a Lubitel 2 that was found in a skip and is held together with gaffer tape).

So, yes – thank you Lomography, you got me started on a fabulous adventure. I now have drawers full of cameras to choose from any time I fancy taking a photo (although going away on holiday and having to choose which ones to leave behind is getting more and more like Sophie’s Choice every time).

You’ve no idea how much I want to get out there RIGHT THIS SECOND with my Diana and a roll of film!

Have you ever shot with a Lomo camera or thought you might like to try? What’s your story?

When people say to me they are thinking about trying film photography and aren’t sure about what camera to get or where to buy one I tell them this;

Mention to everyone you know that you wish you had a film camera – bang on about it quite a bit – and then sit back and wait for the deluge.

Taken using a LC-A and 35mm film

In the same way that everyone today seems to have at least one digital camera per household, so it was in the day with film cameras – they were coveted and saved-up for just as their digital cousins are today so they tend to get squirreled away in attics and under-stairs cupboards rather than being thrown out.

Taken using Lubitel 2 and 120 film

I would say at least half the vintage/film cameras I own are ones that have been gifted to me by people who think I am doing them the favour by taking them off their hands. They don’t feel ‘right’ throwing them away or donating them to an unknown, possibly cruel fate – but when they realise they’ll be sending them to a good home where they’ll be cherished and used; it suddenly becomes a very attractive proposition. Everybody wins!

Taken with Pentax K1000 and 35mm film

I was recently given a bag full of camera goodies by some friends at work who are (unsurprisingly) trying to clear as much room as possible in their home. It was so exciting rummaging through that big plastic bag – better than Christmas even. The highlights of this particular haul were definitely the Holga (I’ve always wanted a Holga) and a Polaroid (and Polaroid film – you know I love Polaroids)! Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Taken with Diana F+ and 120 film

So yes – my message to you if you’re thinking of taking up film photography is talk about it incessantly to everyone you know – and even to people you don’t know. The worst that can happen is you’ll be branded a geek and not invited to parties any more, but it’s got to be worth it on the off chance you might hit the camera jackpot!

I was rummaging through my camera drawer (I could really do with a camera room, but a drawer will do for now) and I (re)discovered my Diana Instant Back.

Being the impatient sort I loaded it with film right there and then and proceeded to skip to the back garden so I could photograph the first vaguely photogenic thing I could find. The twiggy branches of a tree are always a safe bet.

Taken with Diana + Instant Back + FujiFilm mini instant film