Svatopluk (aikosmile) and his Weapon of Choice: Lomo LC-A

Losing his first LC-A+ camera during a life-changing trip left a deep impression on Svatopluk and opened his eyes to the enduring quality of film photographs. In this interview, he lays down the advantage of shooting with the LC-A and how it helped him appreciate the beauty of the day-to-day grind.

Name: Svatopluk
LomoHome: @aikosmile
Location: Czech Republic/Saudi Arabia
Weapon of Choice: Lomo LC-A

Tell us more about yourself and what you do.

I was born in the heart of Europe, in Czech Republic. Now, I work at hospital in Saudi Arabia as a biomedical engineer.

Why is the LC-A your Weapon of Choice?

Is there any other option than LC-A if you would like to catch the real blue sky? It's very handy and sturdy. It produces amazing dark corners and beautiful vivid colors. You would not only see the photo but you'll also feel the atmosphere of the scene. LC-A is my only choice.

Any memorable experiences you've had while using the LC-A?

My most memorable experience is connected with my previous camera, a LOMO LC-A+ that I bought right before I did the 900 km Santiago de Compostela walking trip.

Before, I used a digital camera and made hundreds of pictures per day. Then, I told myself that this time I need to do it in different way. So I bought a new LC-A+ and twenty rolls of film before going to the trip. After 33 days of walking, we entered the city of Santiago and unfortunately somebody stole my camera. Luckily, I had all my undeveloped films on my rucksack. My trip was saved! Imagine if I had been taking pictures on a digital camera. Since then, I know that I am on right way with the LC-A and I can concentrate on appreciating the beauty of the trip and taking pictures of it at the same time.

Would you recommend the LC-A to other Lomographers?

Definitely! If you would like to slow down, escape the digital environment, and concentrate on the beauty around you, taking pictures with an analogue camera is the right answer. But make a rule for yourself during the trip: Use only one film per day.

When using the LC-A, what are you favorite subjects to photograph and why?

I like taking pictures of the life around me. I am in love with the pictures of real life, not those pictures from catalogs. Last time I sent my pictures from Saudi Arabia to my friends at home, one of them sent me message saying that it looks like a "messy" place. I replied, "Thank you very much! It means I had taken the reality very well."

I also like to shoot "The Lost Things" or objects that are already broken and unusable but still makes one feel its "soul" inside.

Any tips or tricks with using your Weapon of Choice?

Lomography's Golden Rule #4: Try the shooting from the hip.

What's your most favorite camera, film, or accessory? If you are proud of your Weapon of Choice, drop a line at eunice.abique@lomography.com and share your story with the rest of the Lomography Community!

2016-04-16 #lifestyle #weapon-of-choice