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'Father Figure' by Ryan Poe is just one of the cool images that occur when a photographer/artist goes old-school techno.
'Siblings' by Ryan Poe |
BY BEN SELLERS
For photographers in the digital age, film is a bit like vinyl is for music buffs--there's an intangible quality that is more about the process than the product.
Maybe it's nostalgia--or maybe an indie, do-it-yourself spirit--whatever drives film lovers to their passion is in full effect in the cult of Lomography.
Essentially, Lomography--so named for the Soviet Lomo LC-A camera--is the art of photography using certain cheap, retro film-cameras. One such, the Holga, was first developed in Hong Kong in 1982.
The Holga, which typically uses 120 format film rolls but can be adapted for 35 mm film, has seen a minor resurgence in its popularity of late. A fan site on Facebook recently boasted more than 5,000 members.
Local artist Ryan Poe began his love affair with Holga after surfing the Internet. His exhibition of Holga photography, "Square," is currently on display at The Wounded Bookshop on Amelia Street.
Poe described the Holga's unique appeal in a statement: "It has only two aperture settings, the viewfinder is useless, focusing is guesswork, it is susceptible to light-leaks, the shutter speed is fixed, double-exposures are inevitable, the lens is plastic--it's basically the perfect camera."
True to Lomographic form, the "Square" exhibition seems to emphasize Poe's experience while taking and developing the pictures more than any particular compositional elements.
He introduces would-be Lomographers to techniques like cross-processing and double-exposures. Veteran photographers may recall a time when such things could ruin an entire batch of film--but here, they're celebrated.
All of the photos share an intimate feeling--whether it's a shot of a reflection in a puddle taken during an outing at Old Rag Mountain ("Father Figure"), or that of a brother and sister, in which light seems to diffuse into the shape of a heart ("Siblings").
Poe, 25, is best known for his video work. He's the creative director for the Rappahannock Independent Film Festival, which held its inaugural event last September. Working in the medium of still photography was a new experience for him.
"It's actually kind of nice to be able to slow it down," he said at an opening reception earlier this month.
"Square" runs through January, though some people are already picking up the photographs as Christmas gifts, Poe said.
Those with an interest in amateur photography may want to learn more about Lomography after seeing the show--and a Holga starter kit, which runs for about $80 with shipping at lomography.com, could make a great gift itself.
Ben Sellers: 540/374-5423
Email: bsellers@freelancestar.com
| What: "Square: A Show With Photos." Lomographic images by filmmaker Ryan Poe. Where: The Wounded Bookshop, 109 Amelia St. When: Through Jan. 31 Info: 540/373-1311 |
