Newcomer of the Week: Morgan Buchanan (@gordonfalconer)

"When taking photos I just wander around and wait for something interesting... The senses and the mind are the first camera, then I take the shot of that impression with my 35mm," Australia-based fiction writer and tai chi teacher Morgan Buchanan shares on how Lomography's "Don't Think, Just Shoot" attitude fits into the way he takes photographs. He aims to bring this carefree mindset not only to his photography but also to his writings and tai chi practice.

Name: Morgan Buchanan
LomoHome: @gordonfalconer
Location: Melbourne, Australia

Please tell us something about yourself and what you do.

I'm a fiction author and teacher of tai chi and Taoist philosophy. I'm also a hobbyist photographer with a collection of 35mm film cameras.

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

I have an interest in film photography and Lomography seemed to be the best fit to share my photos. The community focus was on actual photography and film whereas other sites seemed to provide a way to dump photos to the cloud or had a digital focus.

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

All of these are good rules for making photography fun and interesting. “Don’t think” is at the top of the list for me. This is something I strive to do with my writing and tai chi practice as well. When taking photos I just wander around and wait for something interesting, whether it be a figure or static geometry to imprint itself on me. The senses and the mind are the first cameras, then I take the shot of that impression with my 35mm.

In this digital age, why still film?

Because it works. I grew up with film and have confidence in it as a user. I love the analog experience. There’s something real about shooting with film, the way form and light are stamped onto microscopic crystals on a gelatin emulsion. When I shoot digital there’s an unrealistic quality to the final image, like it hasn’t really been born into the real world. Analogue is tangible.

Your favorite analog camera as of the moment? Why?

I like the Leica Minilux. I have a few film SLRs and other compact 35mm cameras but the Leica gives me an incredible lens with a compact form and a very fast and quiet shutter. If I’m taking photos of fast-moving subjects, like my kids or people in the street, it helps to have something small and fast that can get the image I’m after. Having said that I’m also thinking of buying a Nikon F3 for fun!

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

First, I’d like to congratulate Lomography for reviving so many great retro cameras. Next, the thing that’s recently caught my eye is the Jupiter 3+ Art Lens. The sample photos look fantastic and I love that it’s made in the same Zenit factory in Russia as the original classic lens. And to answer the question - the LC-A looks like a lot of fun!

Any song, book, or movie you live by?

Haruki Murakami’s Wind Up Bird Chronicle. The way Murakami’s protagonist sees the world is very close to my perception and something that informs my photos and writing.

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

The chiaroscuro. The juxtaposition of light and dark is great.

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

@Taku. His photos are interesting and I have an interest in Japanese culture.

What are you looking forward to in our Community?

Sharing my film photos with other photography enthusiasts from around the world and enjoying the images captured by others.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, @gordonfalconer! Welcome to the community and we're looking forward to seeing your future work!

2016-08-28 #lomohome #newcomer #newcomer-of-the-week