Newcomer of the Week: Kayla James

"With film you get one chance, one shot," says Kayla James, who goes by the moniker @kbillions, on why she remains passionate about analogue photography. Following this mantra, she always make sure to bring her a film camera to capture every moment — whether she's out partying or not. In this interview, she talks about the best camera to shoot on night outs and shares some of her favorite film photographs.

Please tell us something about yourself and what you do.

Born and raised, unfortunately in hot, sweaty Florida. I’ve been creating things ever since I learned how to operate a computer. I started with making visual videos and slowly found a true passion for photography – not just any photography, but film photography.

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

I’ve always used Lomography film. One day, I decided to check out the website which led me to the Lomography Community!

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

Each and every single one of them. The two rules I live by the most are: bringing your camera everywhere and being fast. I don’t care where I am going, I’m bringing a film camera with me. It’s funny because I have a specific camera for different occasions. I have a particular camera that I call “my drunk cam” (Minolta Freedom Zoom) which I only use if I’m out drinking since its fast, simple, and allows me to get the shot…even if intoxicated. Being fast is super important to me too. I am all about having my photography captured in the moment right then and there, which means you have to be ready at any given moment.

In this digital age, why still film?

It is not the same. It doesn't create the same emotional effect as film. What do you do when you take a digital photo? You look at it, and you find something wrong with it. Eventually leading you to take the same fucking photo over 100x times. With film you get one chance, one shot. You don’t have to worry about giving yourself a hard time looking at the same photo wondering which one is better.

Your favorite analog camera as of the moment? Why?

My Minolta X-7A, it was the first film camera that I could call my own. It’s simple, super affordable and most importantly not too bulky or heavy.

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

I would love a LomoKino, as mentioned before I like creating videos and the LomoKino uses 35 mm film to produce short movies. Can’t get any better than that.

Any song, book, or movie you live by?

I can’t name a song, book, or movie that I live by, but I can recite a quote that I tend to say at least five times a week: “The only time progress comes before struggle is in the dictionary.” Remember that. Write it down, you’ll remember it faster.

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

Honestly, I look up to everyone shooting film on Lomography. Everyone has a different style from the next person which results in them being able to bring a different piece of pie to the table that tastes nothing like the one before. This allows me to learn and prosper from everyone, not just one person in particular.

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

Duran Levinson. Why? I like weird shit. And this shit is weird.

What are you looking forward to in our Community?

I’m looking forward to seeing the new creations of the community that are uploaded every day because film is not dead.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! Welcome to the Lomography Community, Kayla!

2018-09-07 #lomohome #lomohomes #newcomer #newcomer-of-the-week