Newcomer of the Week: Grace Finnie (@gracefinnie)

As a child of nature, Grace Finnie (@gracefinnie) never heads out without a camera in tow. In this interview, our community newcomer from United Kingdom talks about her passion for the outdoors and photographing all its beauty on film.

Name: Grace Finnie
LomoHome: @gracefinnie
Location: United Kingdom

Please tell us something about yourself and what you do.

Since I was young I’ve always enjoyed being out, exploring what nature has to offer. Needless to say this love of the outdoors has weaved its way into my photography. Currently I’m a marine and natural history photography student, studying in Falmouth; so it seems I’m doing the perfect degree for me! I feel at home in the ocean so I’m very lucky to say I can incorporate my scuba diving passion into my studies. It’s fantastic living in Cornwall, among a crazy variety of vibrant creatives who constantly inspire me. The next beautiful cliff walk is always right on my doorstep, with ocean views or textured rockery. A perfect location for setting up a slackline or camping on the beach whenever you feel like it.

My style and creative processes are constantly changing and developing. I’ve noticed my interest in abstract art and nature has been translated into my photography as of late, with the rawness of analog providing a platform for my experimentation.

It’s pretty clear to me now that photography is something I love doing so will continue to delve into every exciting door it opens for me. I also believe it’s in my genes. My father is a cool dude. He travelled the world when he was younger and seeing his intriguing film slides and photo albums of different adventures from the past, tells me I’m destined for a great life.

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

I was originally looking for a platform to post some of my more experimental images online, a more productive space than Instagram. You had me at Lomo! I guess you could say. After reading the website’s introduction, I was instantly convinced by the whole ethos of the community. Seeing that the boundaries of film photography are being pushed in new and interesting directions was exciting and I love that I’m now a small part of that.

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

I try to take my camera everywhere I go, so that for me is probably the more obvious ‘rule’ I follow each day.

In this digital age, why still film?

It slows me down and I love that you don't see the results immediately, nor rely on digital technology to provide the images. As I am studying wildlife photography, using a digital camera is vital when shooting particular subjects, for speed and somewhat security. You can take a stream of photos so quickly, then seconds later look at those images…delete unwanted ones and carry on shooting for that ‘perfect’ shot. Yet I’ve found that it’s also nice to go out into the world around you and take photos without a screen in the way. Not only do I connect more with the process of creating a photograph, there is not a digital barrier between me and nature when shooting analog. Logically, in my degree as a wildlife photographer particularly, there is no reason to shoot film, but being able to create something raw from start to finish with my own hands appeals to me massively. Taking negatives out of a freshly rinsed hand tank, holding them up to the light and seeing my images for the first time always gives me such a buzz! It’s magical to me.

Your favorite analog camera as of the moment? Why?

I had a wonderful relationship with a Mamiya 7 recently, and created a lot of images I’m proud of; particularly when I took it on a trip to Iceland and came back with a fab bunch of exposed 120 film. What I love about film photography is the experimentation that can go hand in hand, so I don't tend to stay with one camera all the time…it’s great being able to try out different cameras at university. Having said this, I have two 35mm cameras that tend to come with me whenever I venture out; a Canon EOS 1000f and my inherited Olympus OM2-n. The Olympus is newly fixed and each time I pick up the camera, it’s like I can feel the history. It was my Nan’s weapon of choice, so I love imagining the adventures she’s taken it on each time I shoot with it.

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

The LC-A 120 Camera would be a wonderful best friend.

Any song, book, or movie you live by?

So many films inspire me creatively and emotionally…Wes Anderson’s The Darjeeling Limited has always been a favorite movie of mine; it’s obviously meticulously created and the colors are insanely beautiful, making me desperate to travel India whenever I watch it. I’m a massive fan of Beasts of the Southern Wild and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a corker of a film too, with great cinematography to match the stunning landscapes. My passion for photography probably stems from my love of cinema.

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

Sorry I’ve chosen two. Both from the fab @fragakis_p

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

There are so many talented photographers out there! Everyone brings something different to the community so I am constantly inspired.

What are you looking forward to in our Community?

The freedom to experiment with different styles.

Thank you @gracefinnie for sharing your thoughts with us! Welcome to the community and we're looking forward to seeing more of your work!

2017-08-20 #lomohome #newcomer #newcomer-of-the-week