Newcomer of the Week: haydenwilliams

Originally from USA, biochemistry student Hayden Williams traveled halfway across the world to continue his studies in Hong Kong. Going to the Far East opened an opportunity for him to explore what he truly love the most: photography. His adventures in his current home, no matter how spontaneous, are captured in well-executed double exposure photographs. Meet our newcomer of the week, haydenwilliams.

Name: Hayden Williams
LomoHome: haydenwilliams
Location: Maryland, USA (Currently Hong Kong)

Please tell us something about yourself and what you do.

I'm a 20-year-old university student studying biochemistry. I'm from USA but I'm currently studying abroad in Hong Kong. My "education" abroad isn't very academic. It's mostly filled with adventure and exploration where I pursue what I truly love most, which is photography.

How did you find the Community and who/what convinced you to join?

I've known about Lomography for a while, but I just recently discovered the community. I went to the Film Photography Day party at the Lomography Gallery Store in Hong Kong and I had an absolute blast. I met a lot of cool lomographers there, specifically raywychin and nickt. I decided to make a LomoHome to keep in touch with them and get more involved in this awesome community!

As you have read the 10 Golden Rules of Lomography, what rule do you apply in your everyday life?

Definitely the big Rule No. 1: Take your camera everywhere you go. There really is beauty everywhere. My life in Hong Kong is quite spontaneous and I often have no idea where I'm going to end up in. My camera and I just go along for the ride and try to capture the beauty we see.

In this digital age, why still film?

So many reasons but I guess the most important one would be the look. Film has a sexiness that digital will never be able to touch. I got into film because I wanted to do double exposures, but I stayed with it because it's such a more rewarding experience. I just got back a roll of film a while ago and I literally jumped and squealed with joy when I saw those bodacious pictures for the first time. When does that happen with digital? I also love the crazy effects you can get with film. Between cross processing and all the wild color films are out there, the possibilities are endless.

Your favorite analog camera as of the moment? Why?

Definitely my trusty Canon AE-1. My only other cameras are a Holga and a few disposables, so there's not much of a choice to make. The Canon AE-1 was my first film camera and sent me down into the most wonderful adventure in photography.

What is the Lomography camera you’d want to have someday?

Oh definitely the Lomo LC-A. I've been dreaming about it for a while now. I just love the shots taken with it, plus it's pretty adorable. I'm also into underwater photography, so its Krab case makes it more appealing.

Any song or movie you live by?

I listen to ridiculous amounts of music, but a band that has a special place in my heart is The Radio Dept. My favorite song is "Where Damage Isn't Already Done." I only play this song when I'm truly happy. Every time I hear it, all those carefree memories rush back into my head. Plus, it's "dancy" as hell. I usually dance really hard to it, even in public.

Share your current favorite lomograph, could be yours or a friend’s. Why?

It was one of the first shots I took with this roll, so for a long time, I fantasized about how it was going to look. It actually took me around a month to finish this roll because I was waiting for my trip to this place called Grass Island to end. So after around a month of waiting, the results completely exceeded my expectations. The colors, the composition - everything about this photo made me incredibly excited when I saw it for the first time.

Any community member you look up to? If so, why him or her?

For sure, I admire anyone who takes good multiple exposures. Hodachrome consistently impresses me. I love looking at his work. And also catfordst for her great, dreamy style.

What are you looking forward to in the community?

Meeting new lomographers and seeing the crazy images that they can create. Lomography is home to some of the most creative photographers in the world. Not to mention everyone in the community is super cool and hip.

Thank you Hayden for sharing your thoughts with us! Welcome to the community and we're all looking forward to seeing more of your photographs!

written by Eunice Abique on 2015-05-24 #lifestyle #newcomer #newcomer-of-the-week