Daydreaming in Film: an Interview with Kristian Jalonen

Painterly, picturesque and surreal -- common elements found in analogue photographer Kristian Jalonen and his developing oeuvre, are reminiscent of the vintage Pictorialism. Applying his own intuitive twist, he reinvents the aesthetic with livelier composition.

Read our exclusive interview with Kristian here at Lomography Magazine.

Hi Kristian! We're glad to have you here in Lomography! Firstly, let us learn more about you: what was your earliest memory of having held a camera? How did the experience feel like?

I was 16 years old when I first held a camera. It was during my first year of gymnasiet when I was studying photography. It was a great opportunity to learn the basics of photography; the camera, composition, processing and developing. However, I found the course a little boring and decided to drop out.

Years later, when I lived in New York, my roommate encouraged me to get a Holga because it would fit my Scandinavian hipster lifestyle. He showed me some examples of what a typical Holga photograph looked like and I became interested in the colourful, dreamy look! The following day I bought my first camera – Holga. It was love at first sight.

How did you learn the craft in analogue photography? Can you share us your favorite items/tools for your work?

Besides learning the basics in school, a close friend of mine also taught me some additional techniques. However, I mostly learned from trial and error, as well as researching online. My favourite tools are water, acrylics and paint brushes at present.

No wonder! Your photos have something unique in them, apart from being taken with film. They have surrealistic colors and forms, with light leaks and such, as if paintings. Aprt from the tools, may you share us what techniques you use in your photographic process?

I like to experiment with different chemicals and temperatures when developing. Also, cross processing is a technique I like a lot. I love when the colours come out really vibrant. Lately, I have started to hand-colour my photographs.

Many analogue photographers are experimental with film. How would you describe your style, collectively?

I do agree that my work evokes such a daydream-like aesthetic. I like the idea of them being like tiny universes. It is difficult for me to describe my style, because it is always changing. Sometimes I go with my gut feeling. Other times I want to try something completely new.

Which element should never be missed out when you're composing an image?

I'm always searching for light. If the light is acceptable, I then start to look for texture. However, some days I will simply look for what I consider a good photo.

There are many master photographers to take inspiration from, but from whom resonates with you the most?

From photographers like Gerhard Richter and Neil Krug and other contemporary artists.

To grow, every photographer must take a break and get some refresher from the photographic routine. What do you usually do during your downtime?

I love spending time with my wife and family. We both have a great interest in art, coffee and music. I'm also a big nature lover. Sometimes I hang out with my bushcraft friend Andreas in the woods, drinking coffee and pondering about life.

There is a resurgence in film photography nowadays. Do you think analogue will be around for good?

I surely hope so! It is unique and still has a lot to offer.

Lastly, what's next for you? Do you have an upcoming project or work-in-progress you'd like to share?

I would like to work with some exhibitions and explore some new interesting ways of working with acrylics. My photos are getting more mixed with paint, I plan to develop this further.

For more reading on Kristian Jalonen, head over to our feature article on the artist, or follow him him on Instagram, Facebook and CargoCollective for more of his works. Images used are with permission from Kristian Jalonen.

written by Ciel Hernandez on 2016-10-23 #people #photography #analogue-photography #holga-camera #film-photography #kristian-jalonen