Around the World in Analogue: Fiji

Located some 1,300 miles north of New Zealand, Fiji is composed of more than 300 islands with a population of over 900,000. One of its two main islands, Viti Levu, is home to the country's capital and also houses majority of the population. Meanwhile, its second biggest island, Vanua Levu, is known for its diving spots, biodiversity-rich forests and mountains, and captivating coastlines.

In his previous feature, film photographer Stephen Hutchison showed us Guatemala's environment and ancient ruins in purple. Today, we see glimpses of Fiji's tropical forests primarily taken again with LomoChrome Purple film, as well as Washi S Sound Recording Film and Ilford Delta 3200. Stephen visited the Pacific country, specifically the island of Vanua Levu, for his honeymoon.

Let's hear about it from him!

Name: Stephen Hutchison
LomoHome: @stephenhutchison
Social Media: stephenhutchison
Cameras: Leica M6, Nikonos V, Widelux & Contax G1
Film: LomoChrome Purple 35 mm, Washi ISO 50 Sound Recording Film & Ilford Delta 3200
Location: Fiji

This was our first time visiting Fiji, a truly beautiful place to visit for any reason, but it was especially beautiful for our honeymoon. We visited Fiji this past month, and flew in a small plane to the island of Vanua Levu.

Fortunately, my wife is supportive of my obsession for photography and didn’t even ask questions when she noticed that I only packed five vintage film cameras, thirty rolls of film and not much else.

My favorite moments involved walking in the forest, trekking through creeks and searching for pockets of light as they pierced through the canopy of trees above, and created playfully presented shadows on the forest floor.

I packed some of my favorite cameras and looked for moments to load unique types of film including LomoChrome Purple, Film Washi S ISO 50 Sound Recording Film, Ilford HP5 400, and Ilford Delta 3200. I also enjoyed shooting underwater while floating in lagoons with my Nikonos V, and shooting panoramic photos in the forest with my Widelux.

I tried to remain focused on leveraging the unique storytelling capabilities of the various cameras I brought with me, but it was very difficult to refrain from taking so many sunset photographs. Looking back, I would have been happy with just one or two sunset photographs, instead of the several dozen I ended up with.

I started photographing with LomoChrome films back when they were first released. I was introduced to them after struggling to find consistent and fresh stock of AeroChrome infrared film which I have used in Nicaragua, Mexico and Hawaii.

I have always studied photography, but I have maintained a strong interest and identity as a painter and sculptor. Using color altering films has been a great way for me to enjoy the balance between the anticipation and surprise of film photography while providing the opportunity to approach color and light in ways that remind me of the process of painting and sculpture.

Additionally, I enjoy the sensation of discovery and the concept of preservation. Last year, I photographed Mayan ruins in Guatemala with LomoChrome Purple film and appreciated that I may have been the first to photograph artifacts that were thousands of years old, preserved for the first time in velvety purple film.

I have always packed LomoChrome Purple film on our trips, most recently in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Mexico City, Mexico.

It’s been a year since my last feature with Lomography, and in that time, I have been focused on producing a new photo book featuring only LomoChrome Purple film. I am also working on new print collections and preparing for a potential exhibition opportunity.

Many thanks to Stephen for sharing his photos and travel stories with us! To keep in touch, visit his LomoHome (@stephenhutchison), Instagram and website.

Want to take us Around the World in Analogue? Drop a line to aj.bajo@lomography.com with the subject Around the World in Analogue and share your unforgettable travels with the rest of the community! Read the guidelines here.

written by sylvann on 2023-02-03 #culture #people #places #around-the-world #fiji #lomochrome-purple #around-the-world-in-analogue #stephen-hutchison #vanua-levu