Lomography

Extreme colours produced by Lomo cameras

I've had some pretty bad luck with cameras this past week, (broke 2...wow.)

So I've decided to take this unfortunate opportunity to actually learn more about photography, different cameras, processes and techniques.

I've been told to have a look at 'Lomography'-it's a style of photography that is achieved from certain German cameras.

..And that's all I know so far.

I'll keep you updated, 

but in the mean time-what do YOU know about Lomo cameras?

UPDATED!!

So I've discovered that Lomography started in the early 1990's in Vienna, Austria.

Someone stumbled apon the random, unorthodox snapshots you achieve whilst using a small RUSSIAN (not German) Camera- Lomo LC-A.

From this discovery- a socio-cultural movement has been born.

The original Lomo camera: Russian prdouced Lomo LC-A

"Lomography is happening in the here and now, in the minds and shutters of lomographersaround the planet and in the analogue that, if anything, we are only starting to explore." (Unknown Author, What the hell is Lomography?, http://www.lomography.com/about, Retrieved 25 June 2010)

Lomographische AG originally ( state-run optics manufacturer of St. Petersberg, Russia) created the 35mm Lomo LC-A Compact Automat- which is the first Lomo camera produced, and started off the phenomenon of Lomographys market and sales.

The Austrian founders stated they were "charmed by the unique, colourful,and sometimes blurry" photos the Lomo LC-A produced.

After international fame through exhibitions and a demand for these cameras, Lomo PLC became the sold distributor of all Lomo LC-A cameras.

Lomography produces spontaneous photos by creating over-saturated colours, off-kilter exposure, blurring-which all cause "happy accidents".

A interesting photograph taken on an original Lomo Camera- Lomo LC-A

Photographers using Lomo cameras are encouraged to take the photographing light-heartedly, be spontaneous and not so anal with the photos, take candid, random photos.

10 golden ruled has been created to ensure the photographer produces the best, spontaneous shot.

10 Golden Rules:

1. Take your camera everywhere you go.

2. Use it any time-day and night.

3. Lomography is not an interference in your life, but part of it.

4. Try to shoot from the hip.

1. 5. Approach the objects of your lomographic desire as close as possible
   
2. 6. "Don’t think" -William Firebrace
   
3. 7. Be fast.
   
4. 8. You don’t have to know beforehand what you captured on film.
   
5. 9. Afterwards either.
   
6. 10. Don’t worry about any rules!

Since the original production of the Lomo LC-A, there have been many variations produced to create different effects, like the Fisheye, Diana+, Lubitel 166+, Diana Mini, Colorsplash, Supersampler,Holga and the Oktomat.

The Oktomat produces a series of 8 photos. It has 8 lens'

In 2005 the production of original Lomo LC-A's, was discontinued.

In Fall 2006, they were replaced by the Lomo LC-A+ which was made in China, not Russia.

The classic, attractive shape of the 'Diana' Lomo camera

The signature 'Fisheye' Lomo camera, puts everything in a warped and interesting perspective

References:

Various authors, (last modified 12 June 2010), Lomography, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lomography, Retrieved 4 July 2010

Author Unknown, (Date published unknown), What the hell is Lomography?, 

http://www.lomography.com/about, Retrieved 25 June 2010