Burlesque: Starla Little and the Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens

California-based photographer Starla Little recently tested out our Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens while photographing a few different forms of the burlesque scene. With a beautiful eye for color and an empowering depiction of women and fashion, Starla beautifully captures burlesque performers from backstage to performance. Below, we chatted with her about her work and her experience using the Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens.

Hi Starla! Welcome to Lomography Magazine. Can you introduce yourself to the community?

Hey! I'm Starla, photographer, military wife, and stay-at-home mother newly living in San Diego, California.

From your portfolio, it seems as though you photograph a lot of different types of subjects. What is your favorite thing to photograph and why?

I have never been able to fully say what my favorite thing to photograph is. If you would have asked me three years ago, I would be sure it was fashion editorial and behind-the-scenes. I feel like now I shoot a lot of portraits but still a lot of behind-the-scenes. I guess if I could have my way, I'd love to be a tour photographer because it mixes my love for documentary, fashion, art, and music. Anything that can mix photojournalism and fine art.

How did you get into photographing burlesque?

A couple of years ago while I was living in Maryland, I went to this wacky venue for a variety show to benefit Planned Parenthood in Baltimore. I brought my camera with me, as one does. I snapped a few photos of the performers and they loved them. Whiskey Joy (burlesque performer) and Betty O'Hellno (drag queen) gave me basically an open invitation to any shows that they were producing. They let me backstage and were always so excited with what I turned over. I completely fell in love. It was the perfect mixture of fashion, theater, and music. When I moved to San Diego, I reached out to performers and was excited that Bless Your Heart Burlesque has given such a warm welcome to me.

How did the Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens change the way you photographed? What were your favorite things about working with it?

The Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens challenged me. It's good to be challenged. I was so used to relying on my auto-focus and this really made me think a little slower with zone focusing. I figured I would be obsessed with it for portraits but I actually love it so much for the performances and behind the scenes. It really added something extra... more personality to my images. I love the way it makes sequins and glitter look when shooting wide open.

What are some tips you could offer the community about photographing with the Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens ?

Play around! Don't force the images in your head to come to life, maybe let the lens lead the shoot. Play with the aperture plates. There is so much versatility available!

Follow along with Starla's photographic endeavors on Instagram and be sure to check out her full portfolio on her website.

written by sragomo on 2018-10-06 #gear #burlesque #daguerreotype #art-lens