An Instant Portrait Session With Chris Bartolucci and the Lomograflok 4x5 Instant Back

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Recognizable by the sound of her voice, The Analog Talk Podcast co-host Chris Bartolucci has been a photographer for 16 years now. But seven years ago, she made the switch back to film, and since then she's been collecting film cameras that you can check out on her Youtube Channel. We asked Chris to test out the LomoGraflok 4x5 Instant Back and her portraits are beautifully composed shots, both sharp and soft at the same time. We asked Chris what she thought of the LomoGraflok Back, and we're as delighted with her enthusiasm as she is with the LomoGraflok Back!

© Chris Bartolucci

Hello Chris, it's great to have you here at Lomography. First off, can you tell us for how long you have been shooting large format?

When I went to photography school we covered a lot of different aspects of photography. We spent a lot of time in the darkroom and we did a little bit of large format photography, some 4x5 but I haven't specifically been back in that world since then. I ended up borrowing a camera from a friend of mine who was also experimenting at that time, so I'm not officially a large format photographer, but this product is very fun and it's my get-way back into it!

What's the best thing about large-format photography?

The quality of the output for sure. I'm working with a friend of mine who's almost exclusively large format so I've been engrossed in his work: 4x5, 8x10, etc. The quality of a large format that you get is really not a joke, and it makes me want to look outside of my point and shoot world.

© Chris Bartolucci

Have you ever experience shooting large format with instant film?

No not at all! It was a lot of shoot it, bring it back, get it developed. It was a wild experience having the result seconds later with the LomoGraflok Back.

How was your first impression of it?

I think it's super easy to use, once you get acquainted with it; set it up, compose your shot, press the button. Once you get the hang of it it's a breeze!

© Chris Bartolucci

How do you usually like Instax film?

Instax is my party film. I always bring it to weddings, and parties, and when I hang out with friends, just because it's easy-to-use, and it develops really quickly. If you're just capturing the moment, memories, it's always a go-to, Instax. But it's also really cool to see Instax utilized in a different way, professionally or for portraits.

© Chris Bartolucci

Could you see yourself using this back for your own work?

It makes me want to go back into large format. it's the perfect product to get back to it, And there's the instant gratification which is always a plus as opposed to getting our shots developed in an hour. If you can get it in a few seconds right away plus with the quality of 4x5 it's a game-changer.

© Alan Escalante

Do you feel like other photographers are shooting large format or picking it up again?

Because of where I work, at Negative Supply, we're zoning-in on those people specifically right now and I'm seeing it more. I think a lot of companies like Lomography and Intrepid are making it more affordable, so there's more of an interest in large-format. I definitely, always thought in my head that it was too big or too much, but having this experience with this opportunity to share the products, made me realize it shouldn't be so intimidating. But the quality of 4x5 or 8x10 is worth having the big camera around, so I'm sure the LomoGraflok Back will entice people!


To follow more of Chris's work, head over to her Instagram or subscribe to her Youtube Chanel.

written by tamarasaade on 2020-12-01 #gear #news #people #lomograflok #lomograflok-instant-back #chris-bartolucci

Mentioned Product

LomoGraflok 4×5 Instant Back

The only readymade solution for shooting Instax Wide film with all Graflok-equipped 4×5 cameras. Easily experiment with your large-format camera thanks to the most cost-effective method, in a matter of seconds.

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One Comment

  1. steamtug1959
    steamtug1959 ·

    www.lomography.com/photos/24667772
    we are currently building a 4x5 with 3d printed plastic parts. the files required for printing are provided by Edgar Kech in open source.
    bellows and focusing screen are also in preparation. I want the Kanera ready before I order, but Lomograflok 4x5 Instant Back is very interesting.
    see ya soon, ralph

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