MIDTOWN — Despite the advance of the digital world, good old film is not dead.
Lomography, a store, magazine and "community" dedicated to the beauty of film photography, is teaching Manhattanites the wonders of the pre-digital world by offering regular workshops and social mixers at its gallery and retail stores in the West Village and Gramercy.
The workshops are based around the Lomography camera, a Russian camera first designed in the Soviet era, which has made a comeback in recent years as photographers seek out its imperfect and unique qualities.
“I think that everyday there are these huge excess amounts of technology that is readily available to people,” said Jessie Askinazi, a spokeswoman for Lomography U.S.A. “A lot of it is based on instant gratification, so I think this type of photography is popular because it gives you something to look forward to.”
The saturated and grainy photos produced by the analog camera have a cult following that led Lomography to gather a community of users in its stores at 41 W. 8th St. and 106 E. 23rd St. Mixers are held every Monday night along with regular workshops that draw new converts.
Workshops generally cost $10 or $7 for participants. They not only includes a lecture, but students can also borrow a Lomograph with a film roll and practice their new skills on the street.
Some workshops even incorporate a day trip. In an upcoming workshop on Aug. 17, Lomography will be taking students to the Bronx Zoo.
Duane Hosein, a 35-year-old illustrator from New Rochelle, shoots with a Lomograph as a hobby and attends social events at the retail store and gallery.
“It’s kind of like Russian roulette photography,” he said. “You don’t know what is going to come out of it. “
Hosein said along with the artistic surprises that are revealed when the film is developed, he is also drawn to the dream-like aesthetics of the pictures.
“It is having a daydream and you can only remember flashes of the dream” he said.
“I have used a lot of cameras and I have got the brightest colors out of using the Lomo.”
For a detailed list of Lomography’s upcoming events at New York City stores visit its website.
