Meet our LomoGuru: Julia Holcomb (waggrad00)

Four years ago, on Valentine’s Day, Julia Holcomb’s love for film photography blossomed. It all happened during a Lomography workshop where she met a passionate community of analogue shooters that inspired her to pick up a camera again.

Name: Julia R. Holcomb
LomoHome: waggrad00
Location: Chicago, IL
Number of years as a Lomographer: 4 years
Number of years in the Community: 4 years

Tell us about yourself and what you do.

I grew up moving from New York to California and back. I am true hybrid of both places. I’ve been a therapist for 10 years and I love it, but I appreciate my job more now that I have photography back in my life. It’s my creative outlet.

Tell us something about your LomoHome name. Why did you decide to have that username?

Actually, I picked the name by accident. It was from an e-mail address that I’ve had since I graduated from college in 2000. I put my e-mail address in to sign up for the site and it defaulted as my LomoHome name. It works for me though.

Share with us your most memorable experience in the Lomographic Community.

My first workshop at the Chicago Embassy Store was probably the most memorable. I didn’t know there was a community of artists and creatives who lived in the city. I was going through a really hard time emotionally and I hadn’t shot a photograph in over eight years. That workshop on Valentine’s Day 2012 marked the beginning of my creativity coming to life and blooming of friendships that I now cherish.

Have you met people in the Community whom you now consider as close friends?

Yes, I got into the community after going regularly to the Lomo Embassy Store in Chicago. I spent a ton of time with @rwins, @stevenboo and @piperrobbins. My first film swap ever was with @koduckgirl and I’ve done photowalks with @kibs in Chicago and @grazie in Chicago and California.

Do you think you’ll still be taking Lomographs in the next five years? Why?

I hope so. I can’t see myself not loving analogue photography in five years. I believe so much of my analogue inspiration and love come from the community.

What is your favorite Lomo camera and why? Do you have any memorable experiences using this camera?

I have to say the Lubitel 166+ is my favorite. (The LC-Wide comes second.) I never shot with a twin lens camera before having the chance to shoot with it during a Lubitel workshop in Chicago a few years ago. When I got the roll back, I was in love with every shot, even the totally imperfect ones. The problem was that I had to come up with $400 to buy it after I got the pictures back. I couldn’t live without it. It’s the best photo investment I’ve ever made.

Please share with us your favorite Lomographic shot and explain why you love that particular image.

May I give two?

This one was shot with my LC-Wide and it marries two of my favorite analogue genres. Portraiture plus double exposures is analogue magic in my book.

The sentiment of the day made this photo special for me. I’m so glad I crossed paths with this man and his awesome dimples.

What’s a Lomograph you wish you had taken.

I love the black and white hues, the contrast, and how it was taken. It’s a perfect photo as far as my eyes and heart are concerned! I also happen to be a big fan of the artist and have fawned all over this photo directly to her.

What’s the best photography advice you think you have given?

Don’t think, just shoot. Shouldn’t we do that more in life? Some of my favorite pictures were shot on the spot after an inspiration hit me.

If there’s one song or movie that best describes your Lomo life, which one is it and why?

Oh, this is so hard. But I have to say that as an artist the film “Finding Vivian Maier” encapsulates all that I love about analogue photography. Vivian was eccentric and gifted and the art she created is mind-blowing. I hope I can shoot one picture in my lifetime that will make someone feel like their heart is going to explode, the way Vivian’s work did with mine.

Is there any advice you can give to new analogue shooters?

Have fun! See if you can find people to connect and share your love for the art with. Experiment with all kinds of film. You’ll filter out what you don’t like and fall in love with what you do.

2016-03-19 #lifestyle #lomoguru #lomoguru-of-the-week #meet-our-lomoguru