LomoAmigo Reuben Wu Shoots with the Lomo LC-A+ RL

Reuben Wu fascinates, both with his splendid photographs and the music he churns out for electronic band Ladytron, or when he’s doing a solo gig as a DJ. He’s also one heck of a nice guy, who, despite being ultra-talented, has been gracious enough to grant another interview and share more of his amazing photos,which were taken with the Lomo LC-A+ with Russian lens.

Surprisingly, taking photos isn’t Wu’s main passion. For him, it’s just a way to capture his experiences for posterity’s sake, and to share snippets of his trips with others. He takes tons of photos especially when he’s traveling, but steers clear of too many tourists.

“I’m most happy when I’m traveling through an incredible location by myself. Photography (or documenting) is secondary, and even that I need to make more interesting by using old film cameras.”

“I don’t particularly enjoy photographing popular destinations, unless I go when no one is there – I find the experience of these places is dulled when I’m surrounded by crowds, and I’d prefer to have the whole place to myself.” It doesn’t mean that he’s a snob, however, and proves this point by saying, “I still like people – I just enjoy my own company and the notion that I’m discovering something for the first time.”

Wu is noticeably active on his Instagram account, which poses the question of whether he now prefers digital over analogue photography. With today’s technology and the demand for easily accessible output, it’s so easy to be carried away by the digital grind. Wu, on the other hand, stays true to his roots. While admitting that he shoots on both sensor and film, Wu is quick to emphasize his preference for the latter.

“As an ex-industrial designer, I find modern DSLRs to be so ‘well designed’ they seem soulless. I think it’s because I started practicing shooting and developing film and Polaroid, all of which required time and effort to produce a decent image.”

To create those stunning and surreal dreamscape images, Wu frequently uses black and white infrared film loaded into a Holga with a R72 filter and remote release attachments. Most exposures are about 1-8 seconds. He expounds further on the beauty of the analogue process.

“It’s never been about just pressing the shutter release, it’s everything from accessing your location, setting up the film and camera, working out exposure and focus, waiting for the right moment, and then working on the image to a standard which you’re happy with. If things are too easy, like with many modern cameras, then I’ve lost interest. In the end though, it’s all about the picture and how it relates to your experience.”

With the Lomo LC-A+ Russian Lens, Wu yielded a different set of images. He took photos with the camera placed at the bottom of an airport walkway, among other places, which produced a few symmetrical out-of-focus elements and made him one satisfied snapper.

“I love the LC-A. It’s such a great travel camera to have with you. I like how it will keep its shutter open until it decides it has had enough light (great for night exposures), and how its shape and form allow you to use it in unique ways.”

He talks about how easy it is to use the LC-A+, and what makes it special. “It’s so lo-fi and basic, you don’t think twice about putting it in risky situations and as a result you get a different kind of picture than you would with a bigger camera. It also has a unique way of framing its shots, and has a lovely sharpness in the centre and a dreamy softness at the edges.”

Wu recommends shooting centered subjects and using simple compositions with the LC-A, wherein striking formal arrangements where detail or tonal subtleties aren’t entirely important. He advises against using the camera in situations where there is flat lighting, such as a snowy overcast day, as it can lead to a false light meter reading and result in overexposure. “I like to shoot into the light, or capture stark architectural geometries.”

Aside from creating music and taking photos, Wu also dabbles in making music videos. Doing so is a logical progression for him as an artist, as far as music and photography are concerned. “I find it really rewarding cutting visuals to music, or scoring music to visuals because I’m in a position where I have an understanding of both.”

“Getting more involved in commercial photography and video is also a new challenge, and it’s important for me to find that balance between the mood and feel of my personal work, and the intended impact on the desired audience.” He recently finished one for a band called Xu Xu Fang, which was shot in the desert.

Wu, like mostly anyone else, appreciates an honest to goodness compliment. “It’s when people tell me they are invigorated and excited by my work. I like compliments – they encourage me hugely, and when I see something that I love, I make sure I tell them too.”

Learn more about Reuben Wu and his work on his website. Follow him on Instagram and Facebook.

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2014-10-18 #people #videos #interview #lomoamigo #lomo-lc-a-rl #reuben-wu