- Jul 23, 2016
YES. YES, people I’ve finally got these babies processed and ready for the world to see (and scrutinized lol). I wanna share my first experience with Diana here and basically, with film. Although I would always look at Lomography as more experimental than the legit analog ones. Anyway, I’m sharing this because a) I just really want to share how I started with all this. How I experimented, and how I learned from many, many mistakes. And b) I don’t know, maybe somewhere out there, there’s a person who’s also starting out with this whole thing, and maybe this post will hopefully help encourage them to not be afraid with experimenting, making mistakes, and ultimately sharing their works to the world. Because they’re not alone with this level one thing–everyone started from the bottom, one way or another. It’s on how we grow that we need to focus on.
So anyway, here goes nothing.
I’m not gonna lie, I already made the stupidest mistake in the first step, which is puting on yo film. Never forget that films (especially those with higher ISO’s) are like….sponges. And light is the water. Films are able to capture images by the light it absorbs. SO make sure when you load that baby, you better be in a dark room, or at least a relatively dark room.
I think these were the ones that were captured while I was loading it because I’m a stupid ass bitch lol. It took me a minute before I even remembered the rule of thumb. I was excited, guys. TOO excited. 😒
Here are the first two photos I’ve ever taken with it! :
It’s my sister, actually! We went to Town that day and her outfit was on point too so it was a perfect timing of things. Here are some other "first shots" I was able to take! :
Other thoughts I can put in here is that, try not to keep a film in for too long unless you’re aiming for that expired film look. I read that if you want to keep your stack of films real fresh for a long time, keep it in the fridge. Another tricky thing that you’ll find yourself practicing with is the focus. Diana Mini has 4 ranges/options you can choose from: 0.6m, 1-2m, 2-4m, and 4m-infinity. Most people just opt for the 4m-infinity because its just the most convenient setting. Although, if you’re a perfectionist, I bet you’d be playing around with the focal lengths here and there. I’ve struggled with this too as you can see:
But you’ll get used to it once you get the hang of it! Tips for these is I think, to keep the body metric system thing in your head (like how 1-2m can be approximately one arm length away).
Double exposure = fun, interesting photos you’d never actually think you’d take. Probably one of the main things people look forward to/are drawn to about lomography and analog.
Funny thing about is that sometimes you commit it unintentionally. How? Oh, well, not making sure you winded your film completely (so make sure you do! There are guides regarding the winding that sometimes it get stuck/hard to wind, but there are ways to handle this to successfully wind your film) :
Over all, all these mistakes became a big role in this experience as a teacher to me on how this analog world works. Personally, I know this is kind of cliche, but just don’t be afraid to make mistakes. I know films are actually hard to come by these days and are actually pretty pricey (especially here in the Philippines, I think), but I think the beauty of this is learning to trust your gut (but with the right guide of the right logic of course) and just take the risk. Most especially if you’re just starting out. It’s all about experimenting–“I wonder what that does”, “I wonder what will happen if…”, “Did I actually get my shot?”
Personally, I loved how it kept me on my toes and how it was just a continuously curious, fun ride.
PS. I don’t know how yet, but make sure you keep track of how many shots you’ve taken. I think there were shots from my film that weren’t able to make it thru and get processed. I don’t know how that works yet, but I swear I have some missing shots here and there….hmmmm… Do any of you guys know anything about this or maybe have an advice for me regarding all this lomo stuff? Feel free to comment! 🙂
- Feb 20, 2016
LET THE RAIN
Sara Bareilles
I wish I were pretty / I wish I were brave / If I owned this city / Then I’d make it behave. / And if I were fearless / Then I’d speak my truth / And the world would hear this / That’s what I wish I’d do, yeah.
If my hands could hold them you’d see / I’d take all these secrets in me / And I’d move and mold them to be / Something I’d set free.
I want to darken in the skies / Open the floodgates up / I want to change my mind / I want to be enough / I want the water in my eyes / I want to cry until the end of time
I want to let the rain come down / Make a brand new ground / Let the rain come down Let the rain come down / Make a brand new ground / Let the rain come down…
…tonight.
I hold on to worry so tight / It’s safe in here right next to my heart / Who now shouts at the top of her voice:
“Let me go! Let me out! This was not my choice!”
And I always felt it before / That the world was filled with much more / Than the drowning soul I’ve learned to be / I just need the rain to remind me.
I want to darken in the skies / Open the floodgates up / I want to change my mind / I want to be enough / I want the water in my eyes / I want to cry until the end of time
I want to let the rain come down / Make a brand new ground / Let the rain come down Let the rain come down / Make a brand new ground / Let the rain come down… (4x)
…tonight.
The song I’d be playing all year round—actually, all through out the time I’m still in this state.
Thanks to Jurassic Pot for this kickass-awesome succulent pot!! Ugh!
For the past few months (and after numerous late night Pinterest browsing), I’ve decided to block off the idea of having a black thumb and forcibly (if I have to word it out that way) drag out the green one instead.
I started off with reading all about plants, familiarizing myself with their different classifications. Though I wouldn’t say I can now answer and ace an exam about it, but I guess I could say that I’ve gotten a wider scope of understanding than before.
I decided: what better way to start off my operation-green-thumb than taking care of succulents. At first, I tried taking care of the few succulents planted in our garden. I was actually happy in finding out that we had a ZZ Plant, and thought that that would be a perfect “level one“. Though it’s a plant that’s actually very challenging to kill (which would kinda make my level 1 a level 0), I made sure to find a way to follow it’s corresponding care needs and instructions.
Pretty soon I decided to move up a step and take care of a succulent of my own. This idea popped into my head after spending a whole night of trying to think what to get for my birthday and practically crying over the fact that a dog won’t be an option as of the moment (or anytime soon, for that matter).
And so here I am taking care of a Styracosaurus. lol.
I found out about Jurassic Pot last summer and had always been waiting for a chance to buy from them since then. That opportunity had obviously (and finally) presented itself and next thing I knew I was on my way to pick up my new baby.
I’m really hoping I grow out my green thumb with this plan. After succulents, I’m planning to go for plants and flowers that would require more attention. But for now, this oughtta do the trick! (hopefully)
What about you guys? Are you also working up for a green thumb as well, or are you one of the lucky earth bender ones? (lol–I hope you get my Avatar reference) Either way, I’d love to hear some tips, advice, and thoughts from you guys!