BYTE MARKS
Take Lomo into digital camera era
By Burt Lum
Before today, I had never heard of a Lomo, and wouldn't know if one came up and bit me from behind.
It turns out Lomo has something to do with cameras — which means never hearing about it is even more surprising, since I've enjoyed photography from the days of my first Instamatic.
It only goes to show much deeper photography has gone than I could fathom. And with digital photography, infinitely more pervasive.
As the story goes, the Russian Arms and Optical Factory got their hands on a Japanese mini camera (circa late 1982) and reverse-engineered it. The story is detailed at www.lomography.com.
The site reveals how the Soviet industrial establishment felt that every comrade should have one. Hence, the Lomo Kompakt Automat went into full-scale production. Cameras were distributed to the populace, who went forth to document their lives. Lomography was born.
In 1992, to spread the message worldwide, the Lomographic Society was formed in Vienna. Millions of amateur photographers were using the little cameras to capture their corners of the world. Embassies were started in key cities in Europe to "organize and activate" the masses.
The Web site tells the story in a friendly sort of propagandizing mode, singing the praises of the Lomo camera. I love the 10 Golden Rules, which basically boil down to "Shoot until your heart's content with the overriding rule, being there are no rules."
The site creates a marvelous story and ambience. I found myself wondering whether it were someone's bizarre Euro-industrial fantasy, but in reality the site is dedicated to everyday shooters. It offers free membership and space to create your own online photo albums. Imagine your very own photo blog. People are shooting their cities, parks, building, other people, pets, etc., and posting the results.
The site rejoices in life, and spans all walks of life. You don't have to use a Lomo Kompakt to play. With the widespread adoption of digital cameras, the ability to shoot, download and link is at everyone's fingertips.
Any digital camera will do.
Burt Lum is one click away at www.brouhaha.net.
