Newcomer of the Week: Mercedes Carballo (@mercarballo)

One look at the LomoHome of Community newcomer, Mercedes Carballo (@mercarballo), will instantly tell what she loves the most: summer and swimming. Sand between her toes, salt water on her hair, and analogue cameras always in tow, she takes viewers to a paradise where the sun always shines. Get to know her in this brief interview.

Name: Mercedes Carballo
LomoHome: @mercarballo
Location: Barcelona, Spain

Please tell us something about yourself and what you do.

I am a photographer from Buenos Aires, Argentina, living in Barcelona for more than two years now. I love summer, swimming, and watermelon! I also collect vinyl records.

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

When I was living in Argentina, I used to go to the Lomography Embassy Store to get my film developed and scanned. Here in Barcelona I often go to the store because I find that people who work there are so strongly passionate and committed about their work as I am. One day, I was going though the online shop when I came through the magazine and the community and found that all these people share the same feeling so I decided to join immediately. The passion and inspiration what I like the most about this community.

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

Definitely the first one (Take your camera everywhere you go). I have a bunch of analogue cameras I’ve been collecting for some time now, and I always carry one with me. Every day, any time, any where. Even if I don’t use it eventually, even if I am “not in the mood”. I just feel incomplete if I leave my house without one in my bag.

In this digital age, why still film?

Well, I started taking pictures when I got my first camera as present for my 15th birthday. It was a new Canon film camera. Then of course, I started shooting digitally but never felt completely comfortable with it. Now, I only use it for work. But my favorite photos have always been shot with analogue cameras. The whole process of thinking an image, shooting a roll of film, the surprise when you develop…nothing compares to that!

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

My first lomo camera was a Diana F+ and now I use a Lomo LC-A +. I would love to own a medium format camera and the Belair X 6-12 looks pretty amazing!

Any song, book, or movie you live by?

Well, I have quite a list for that! It really depends on my mood, the day I have, where I am and with whom. I collect vinyl records so I prefer listening to an entire album than shuffle songs. But if I had to choose only one, today I would say “Ce màtin-là” from AIR.

A book? The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera or any book by Herman Hesse (Demian and Sidharta are my favorite). I also love biographies and Robert Cappa's Slightly Out of Focus is quite good!

There are some excellent movies I can think of right now, but Trainspotting, is still one of my favorites.

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

I really like @duffman's photos. His portraits are truly inspiring

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

I don’t look up for anyone in particular really, I think there are a lot of great photographers in the community.

What are you looking forward to in our Community?

I think what I like the most about it, is that we are all here for the same reason: to share our passion about analogue photography, no matter where you are or what camera you shoot with. I love the sensation when you come across a photo that moves you. It makes me wanna say “Thank you so much for sharing this”! I also found here a place to continually discover new things about photography and that’s exciting too.

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

2017-09-10 #lomohome #newcomer #newcomer-of-the-week