Diana Mini - 2nd Batch of Film

I just picked up my 2nd batch of photos from my Diana Mini.  I chose Lomography's Color Negative 400 film this time around, and opted to go with the half frame shot.  All in all, out of over 70 photos, I have about a handful and a half of photos to work with.  I wish there were more, but I am happy with the ones I do have.

As I am learning to work with this camera, I think this quote from Scott Adams best sums up how I feel thus far:  "Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes.  Art is knowing which ones to keep."  I've got some keepers and even if they're not art to anyone else, at least they are art to me. ;)

From the Photo Shoot to the Photo Lab

This bull is my Diana Mini experience thus far, but I'm still smiling!

The first photo shoot went great.  Not really a planned photo shoot, but just a place I wanted to go back to because of all the photo opportunity.  I guilted my mom into joining me, but who would've thought we would've had so much fun being silly with a camera lens?

I forgot to advance my film a couple of times, fidgeted with the focus a little too often, and kept finding myself wanting to "check" my photo to make sure my shot came out now that my convenient little digital camera has programmed me to do so.  Those digital cameras sure spoil us.  I was afraid I was too close, too far away, not enough light...aaaahhhh!  The perfectionist in me was a little disappointed, but I had to roll with it.  I can't be uptight about taking photos.  What then is the point?

On way way to the photo lab, I was plain giddy.  I think I called a handful of people to tell them what I was doing in hopes they would share in my excitement.  Nostalgia set in.  I felt like I was fifteen again, disposable camera in hand with film loaded with pictures of my high school crush who was completely unaware of my sneaky photo-snapping talents.  I couldn't wait for the 1-hour processing time to pass.  Finally, photo folder in hand, I started thumbing through to see what I had captured.

The photos are a little grainy.  Some of the shots I was looking forward to didn't come out because there was not enough light.  Either that or I forgot to take off the lens...(I somewhat recall having forgotten to do that!  Thank goodness for Mom!)  But, I did get some great shots.  Some I don't even remember.  Now, what do I do with them?  Do Diana Mini photographers digitally enhance their images?  Is that cheating?  I still have a lot to learn!  I feel like I'm sitting in my first college poetry class, and even though I've written tons of poems up until now, I am now realizing I know a lot (and I mean A LOT) less than I think I did.  I need a teacher/coach/mentor!

Below are some shots I thought I would share.  I welcome any and all lomography tips and advice!

I have no idea how this happened, but I love it!

Mariachi Strings

Lifting La Virgen

First Load: Through This Lens is Wonderland

Finally, a morning to explore the putting together of my Diana Mini!

The first film loaded is AgfaPhoto Vista 100.  I'm working on memorizing Lomography's "10 Golden Rules" and think I'm probably going to struggle most with #6: "Don't think."  Ha!  I won't have a problem with the first rule though.

Now, what to shoot?  Wonderland awaits...

Poetry, Photography, and a Poem for Memorial Day

Today, I honor those who have sacrificed for my freedom and I thank those who continue to serve this amazing country.  A moving poem (with audio), "Facing It" by Yusef Komunyakaa: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/177382

I feel quite accomplished today.  I've cleaned the house, done a little light bulb replacing and grocery shopping, baked a cake, watched a movie, revised some poems, and worked on a submission packet to Yes, Poetry.  


Now, I'm off to figure out my new Diana Mini camera (one of the most unique and exciting gifts I've received) and embark on my photography/lomography hobby.  I'll keep you updated as I head out to capture the world in a lens. (And check out the cool little lady below!)