Ariella Imena's Portraits on LomoChrome Purple 2021 Pétillant Film

We recently sent LomoAmiga Ariella Imena a roll of our newly reformulated LomoChrome Purple 2021 Pétillant film to test out. Let's take a look at the photos she took and hear about her first impressions of the 120 film stock.

Hello, could you tell us about yourself and your work?

Hi! My name is Ariella Imena. I am an Afro Puerto-Rican film photographer, photo journalist and vintage stylist based in New York City and New Jersey. My work focuses on highlighting the overlooked stories of minority women surrounding themes of motherhood, womanhood, faith and inner healing. I am currently working on a project called Lioness, documenting the stories of women who are survivors of domestic violence alongside launching a non-profit organization that provides quality clothing and styling to women in shelters for job interviews, professional attire, and to feel confident.

Could you share your experience using the LomoChrome Purple 2021 Pétillant Film? How does it compare to shooting other regular Color Negative films?

LomoChrome Purple was a rewarding and dynamic film to shoot! I have enjoyed experimenting with it mainly when shooting in nature and outdoor landscapes but have also explored shooting in the studio with portraits. I am someone who enjoys funky, vibrant and adventurous tones of color in film to enhance a certain story or style and LomoChrome Purple gives that multidimension and intensity. LomoChrome Purple compared to other Color Negatives is unique in what it brings forth out of every shot. It makes shooting more exciting and I can always anticipate being stunned and surprised when I see my roll.

Did you experiment with the extended ISO range of this film?

I shot the ISO at 400 both times but appreciate the ability to control and experiment with other ISO. It makes the film more expansive in its creativity.

How did you come up with your subjects and setting with the color shift of the film in mind?

The first time shooting, I was pulled in with LomoChrome's color but wanted to wait on shooting with it for that reason. When I got the chance to do a shoot in a rural part of New Jersey with the woods and nature surrounding, I decided it was the perfect time to experiment with the roll. With the main colors being green surrounding us, I wanted to see how the color shift of purple would change the feel of the photograph in that setting. I wanted it to feel futuristic, imaginative and really make people look at it and wonder where we were. The transition of green to purple expanded my vision and really made the photo what it was.

How would you describe the process of shooting portrait work with a color shifting film like LomoChrome purple?

The process made me more intentional with my shots and my subject. I didn’t want to let it limit my shoot by playing it safe and simplifying my concept but I also kept it in mind when photographing. My second time shooting Lomo Purple, I had styled the model in a vintage silk beaded dress. The dress shimmers and boldly stands out with the drips of holographic beading. I wanted to capture her in movement and focus on the dress for that reason. I wanted to see how that would carry over on a purple shift.

If you could sum up your Purple experience in three words, what would they be?

Visionary, Vivacious and Expansive.

How do you like this formula compared to the previous LomoChrome Purple film?

I have shot with two different formulas and think each one had its advantages and beauty. I enjoyed how the most recent one seemed to have a deeper tone of purple that crossed over in portraits very alluringly.

If you were to shoot another roll of LomoChrome Purple 2021 Pétillant, would you do anything different?

I would shoot the ISO at a different speed and possibly even push the film. I would love to experiment each time shooting with different settings.

Any advice you’d like to share with future LomoChrome Purple users?

Don’t limit but explore your shooting with this film. Be as venturous as you’d like.

If you want to see more of Ariella's work make sure to check out her Instagram and website.

written by eloffreno on 2023-04-07 #gear #first-impression #new-formula #lomochrome-purple-2021-petillant