Nikolaus Kim: The Return of Large Format Instant Portraits with the LomoGraflok 4x5 Instant Back

The LomoGraflok 4x5 Instant Back is the first-ever 4x5 Instant Back to be specifically designed for the Fujifilm Instax Wide Film, allowing us to experience the powerful capabilities of large format cameras. Here we've teamed up with South Korean fashion photographer Nikolaus (a.k.a. 'Niko') to learn about how he uses the LomoGraflok 4x5 Instant Back to shoot stunning film portraits on large format cameras. Read the interview below to learn all about his photography journey and his on-going projects.

Hi Niko! Could you briefly introduce yourself to the Lomography Community?

I'm Niko, a fashion photographer based in South Korea. In the past, I've collaborated with fashion brands and magazines in Paris and Berlin, and after returning to South Korea, I've mostly been working in the K-pop entertainment scene. Recently, I've opened my own studio, where I get to work with all sorts of people.

When did you start your photography journey, and what made you fall in love with it?

During my middle school days, the world around me was always bustling with energy. Kids would sprint to get ahead of each other in the lunch line, fight over trivial matters, and then somehow come together to laugh uncontrollably about silly things. I wanted to capture these moments somehow, but since I was never exceptionally good at drawing, I naturally turned towards photography - and that's how I started my photography journey in middle school. It was just a hobby for a while, but then I became interested in the fashion industry and ended up pursuing fashion photography as a full-time career.

Are there any rules you live by when it comes to shooting?

Trust. If there's established trust between the model and I prior to shooting, the results always turn out phenomenal, regardless of location, light conditions and even outfit.

What appeals to you most about large format cameras?

I remember hearing someone say that once you go wide, you can never go back. Curious, I ended up picking up my very own large format camera. Once I scanned and printed my first batch of photos, I instantly knew this was for me. The large frame allowed every single detail to show up, even when I cropped the images significantly. I really enjoy shooting with the large format camera for its incredible resolution.

What camera have you used the LomoGraflok Instant Back with?

The Tachihara 4x5 Field camera. I was worried that their sizes wouldn't be compatible, but much to my relief, they fit perfectly.

What do you like most about LomoGraflok 4x5 Instant Back" ?

It's a product that revived a very integral part of the instant film culture, and for that I'm grateful. With Type 100 film being discontinued everywhere, shooting instant on the large frame camera had become virtually impossible, until the LomoGraflok 4x5 brought it back to life. On top of that, all it requires is just some readily available Instax film.

Could you share a little about your on-going project with the LomoGraflok?

My goal is to take portraits of some 100, 200, maybe 300 people and open my own exhibition. It was a project I'd thought of abandoning when type 100 film was discontinued, but thanks to Lomo, I can now pick up where I left off.

Do you have any memorable experiences from working on your project?

I uploaded a video of myself using the LomoGraflok on Youtube, and someone had left a comment asking for its details, to which I replied. Recently, that same person commented that they'd purchased the LomoGraflok, and were very happy with it. I am very glad to have been of assistance in someone else's photography journey.

Do you have a favorite photo you've ever taken?

I really like how this black and white portrait turned out. It was my first time testing out the LomoGraflok, and the model later told me that she had used this photo for her employee ID card. It filled me with so much joy, knowing that the model too liked how the photo turned out. I'm sure all other photographers would be able to relate.

Any tips for new users of the LomoGraflok?

Objectively, the LomoGraflok is one well-made product. Once you get a feel for it, you'll see that it operates on a simple mechanism. However, there is one thing that requires close attention, which is the dark slide. Before and after shooting, thoroughly check if the dark slide is inserted or removed correctly. If you shoot without removing it first, the film won't properly, and if you disassemble the Graflok from the camera without inserting the dark slide first, the film will burn. So please take note of this.

Do you have any exciting plans for the future?

Now that I've opened my studio, I plan on shooting more portraits using the LomoGraflok. With the finished collection, I really want to showcase them worldwide. Stay tuned for any exhibition updates! Thanks.
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Thank you to Niko for sharing his photos and insights with us. Follow him on Instagram and check out his youtube for some behind-the-scenes content!

written by hey_springtime on 2023-08-14 #gear #people #videos #instant #large-format #4x5 #lomograflok #instax #nikokim