LomoGuru of the Week: Grad

He was there when Lomography meant taking film photographs in all its simplicity. No double exposures, no splitzers, no Tipsters. Hey, that sure was back then!

Everything was simple but did not exactly mean boring. For of course, Lomography meant fun captured using a film camera and a great roll of emulsion! From there he has developed his skills in taking film photographs and has also developed a great relationship in our Community. And six years after, it’s just time we make him our LomoGuru.

So let’s skip all the fancy introductions for I’m pretty sure you are familiar of this guy. Say hello to this week’s LomoGuru, grad!

Name: Wladislaw Grad
Lomography Username: grad
Location: Saint-Petersburg, Russia
Number of years as a Lomographer: 7
Number of years in the Community: 6

Tell us something about your LomoHome’s name. Why that username?

Grad is my artistic alias, I have it for years, since like ’98. Then I carried away graffiti and it is the name I write on walls. Though the name is simple and laconic, it wasn’t occupied when I registrated first on Lomography.

Share to us your most memorable experience in the Lomographic Community.

To be a part of the Lomography International Society is great but take part and win the Competitions on site is really even cooler. It’s very exciting to write articles for Magazine because you’re sharing not just your photos but also surround them with some story which can include interesting info about the amazing place you’ve visited or some stuff like tips or tricks which can be useful for others. Friendly comments and likes can make you absolutely high! To become the Lomohome of the Day’s author is true fame and enjoyment. I was lucky to have the opportunity to participate the LC-A+ Race and it was an interesting experience of communication with Lomographers from different countries — with whom you’re in the same boat.

Have you actually met people in the Community that you now consider as close friends? If yes, name at least one of them.

I have a lot of friends from Russia but I should specially mention gleby, life_on_mars, japsix, masha_njam, aton, konbiw, folkypaul and lomovan. They’re really great fellows and we see each other from time to time. Also, I was lucky to meet Lomographers from other countries like lawypop and breakphreak. Hey guys, huge hello from snow covered Russia! Soon I’ll take off to Thailand for my vacation and arrange some meetings with local Lomography crew. Can’t wait to visit this awesome country, take some thousands of photos, and meet the people!

Do you think you’ll still be taking Lomographs in the next 5 years? Why?

Lomography has been an important part of my life for many years already and only the absolute worldwide absence of films can stop me from shooting. But I think that even then I’d come up with some idea!

What is your favorite Lomo camera and why? Do you have any memorable experiences while using this camera?

The Lomo LC-A+ has always been and will forever be the most favourite and adorable camera. Unfortunately, I haven’t kept my very first soviet Lomo LC-A but we’ve took a lot of good shots together. Surely I came across some breakages of my old soviet LC-A and some films from my journeys were spoiled but all the same. Pictures I saw through its viewfinder still remains in my memory.

Please share your most favourite Lomographic photo that you took and explain why.

This is one of my favourite Lomographs. I suppose it shows the aesthetics of Lomography. It is taken “from the hip” and from an unusual angle. Perspective, offbeat composition, and in x-pro – everything that I just love.

Please share a Lomograph you wish you took and explain why.

I like minimalistic simple shots in example this one by goldie. It has totally nothing extra in the frame. I also enjoy watching photos from the period when Lomography has just started. When X-pro, doubles, and other tricks didn’t exist yet. Then people were shooting with their LOMO LC-A cameras and used “simple” colour negatives. But you can see some photos look really avant-garde.

What’s the best Lomographic or photography advice you think you have given?

There are 10 Golden Rules that we know inside out and they’re absolutely useful for everyone who deals with Lomography. But you can’t take really great pictures only by blindly following them. The rules are the basics that can sometimes help you avoid boring and banal photos and create shots with amazing spirits and energy. The camera you’ve picked is not so important, the more important thing is that you feel Lomography and see it all around.

If there’s one song or movie that best describes your Lomo life, what is that and why?

Hmm… I haven’t ever thought about such parallels. For sure there are songs and movies that could be suitable for it. I can definitely say that music inspires and get reflected in the Lomographer’s nature and photographs.

Is there any advice you can give to new analogue shooters?

More practice, guys! Shoot more often! The number of successful shots depends on it. Do not skimp by buying bad film for the result won’t be worth your efforts likely. By all means, you should check and get to know the camera closer before loading the first film in it. Experiment, use tricks which there are an ocean of, try unusual angles and compositions. Take cool shots and have fun!

Do you think you’re qualified as a LomoGuru? Got something to share in our Community? Then drop me a line at mayee.gonzales@lomography.com and you might become the next LomoGuru!

geschrieben von mayeemayee am 2013-04-28 in #lifestyle #grad #community #lomoguru