Dreamlike Parties and Drag Queens by Belle Chen and the Diana Mini

Taiwan-based Lomographer Belle loves drag culture, and capturing the wildness and fabulosity of drag queens on stage with our Diana Mini. This unique combination creates a charming chemical reaction which transports everyone to the dreamy atmospheric party.

Hello Belle, welcome to Lomography Magazine! Please tell us a bit about yourself.

Hello everyone, I am Belle, born in 1990 in Taipei. I am currently working in the field of online education.

How did you get into film photography?

I started to get into film photography in my secondary school. My first camera was Lomography's fisheye camera, and then I discovered the SuperSampler, Holga 135BC and Lomo'Instant cameras. The year before last, under the persuasion of my friend Feifan, I bought a Diana Mini and I am deeply addicted to Diana and film photography.

Why did you get the Diana Mini ?

Because the special edition Diana Mini Picnic is so cute so I bought it. In addition to the appearance that is particularly attractive to me, I think this size is very suitable for traveling and daily shooting. The Diana Mini can also shoot in half-frame mode, which is what I particularly like.

Has your experience using the Diana Mini been any different than with your other film cameras?

I shoot casually with the Diana Mini and there are usually unexpected outcomes!

Can you use three words to describe the Diana Mini?

Light, casual, creative!

Why did you choose drag culture as the subject of this photo shoot?

I often hang out at bars or ballrooms. When I am watching drag queen's performances, I find that the performers' gestures and smiles are very attractive, so I wanted to capture their stunning appearance with the Diana Mini. Also, I hope that more people can feel the charm of drag culture through my photos.

How would you describe your photography style?

I hope to present a very psychedelic style in my photos. I like to use red or orange flash filters to create a funky atmosphere, and I also like to create surreal scenes by using multiple exposures.

In the digital era, why do you choose to shoot film?

The texture of the film cannot be fully imitated by digital shooting. The process that goes through shooting and scanning is so irreplaceable, and it makes me want to keep shooting film.

Do you have any tips to share with those using the Diana Mini for the first time?

Hang out with your cameras all the time! Make good use of double exposure techniques! And just look forward to the surprises brought by the Diana Mini .

Do you have a personal favorite photo that you could share with us?

My favorite photo is the photo of my friend feifain. It's just like waving a fairy wand by using light painting and multiple exposure techniques.

If you're interested in keeping up with Belle, don't forget to check out her LomoHome !

written by daioiyiu on 2023-04-11 #gear #people #nightlife #taiwan #half-frame #drag #diana-mini #diana-family