Cup of Tea Tuesday-Don't Think, Just Shoot

*Disclaimer-Please don't stop thinking, and please don't start shooting anything that is not a camera*

They don't seen to have a good Samaritan act in Scotland

In a day where digital cameras have been reduced to pennies and everyone seems to have one right down to your grandgparents, this exhibition is a celebration of lo-fi photography by local Edinburgh artists and lovers of analogue cameras alike.

With its unique outcomes for photos, including light leaks, lo-fi graininess, unpredictable blurs, moody vignettes and magical blend of saturation and contrast, Lomograohy is easy to love, for the professional and the novice alike. Originally produced in Russia, circa 1982, and rediscovered by Austrian students in the 90's, Lomography is a throwback to the days of film cameras and processing with a shout out to do-it-yourself-ers, grass roots photographers and collectors of super trendy toy cameras. Now a world-wide revolution, the lomo camera has etched a place in our hearts as well as hipter history, due much in fact to the popularity of its highly addictive online store and cult-like following.

Hidden in the stacks of the Art department of the Central library is an ode to the original Soviet-made camera that started the Lomography revolution. I had to hunt for this exhibit, which I must admit was half the fun. I first made what I imagine is a common mistake, and went to the library confusingly/conveniently located across the street. Next it was a series of winding staircases and side doors to the Fine Art area of the library. Then with hushed voices, we awkwardly wove in amongst a full library of students, trying to appreciate the art while not disturbing the researchers. Absolutely worth the effort! What a wonderful find this activity was, and it lent itself perfectly to my own effort to capture Edinburgh in all its lo-fi glory, not to mention it was free!

Inspired by the exhibition, these are my lomo-ish contributions taken digitally on my trusty cellphone while using the brilliant Vignette app to allow me to pose as an analogue user. Lo-fi meets high-tech? Probably a bit sacrilegious I imagine for Analogue aficionados, but a fine result, and a testament to the fact that Lomography has become a cultural institution.

These rules define Lomography's philosophy and approach towards photography. Recite them, or break all the rules – whichever way, be ready to throw all your inhibitions about photography to the wind!

1. Take your camera everywhere you go
2. Use it any time – day and night
3. Lomography is not an interference in your life, but part of it
4. Try the shot from the hip
5. Approach the objects of your Lomographic desire as close as possible
6. Don't think (William Firebrace)
7. Be fast
8. You don't have to know beforehand what you captured on film
9. Afterwards either
10. Don't worry about any rules

If you like photography, Edinburgh, supporting local artists, Lomography, free things or all of the above, this exhibit is a sound investment for your afternoon art fix.

For more Photos of Edinburgh NOT by me for a change, try these links:

Lomocations

The pictures that come up when you type 'Edinburgh' into the Lomography website search bar

The Lomo Magazine update about the Edinburgh Exhibit

Or if you want to join the Edinburgh Lo-fi Photography group who are the fine folks who put on this show

One might say Edinburgh is my muse lately, lets see what happens when I apply the 'Lomo-Rules to live by'

Cup of Tea Tuesdays-Wednesday Edition

This artist is just my cup of tea!

I feel a kindred spirit with Nigel Peake, an Irish Architect who "grew up in the middle of nowhere" and is currently based in Edinburgh at the School of Architecture here.

His newest book In the Wilds 'chose me'.

I had gone down to a favourite shop of mine at 39 Candlemaker Row, Analogue Books, which has recently moved from its home of ten years on historic Victoria street. It is neraly impossible to walk out of Analogue empty handed as it is the kind of store it seems they have stocked just for you. I remember feeling so low this winter that I shook the shop girl (the owner one in the same) had insisting the store was a sanctuary that transported me back to Main st. where I had felt most at home.

Upon flipping to a random page, I was already certain this book would be coming home with me-I needn't see more. It is a rare and special happening when a book speaks so strongly to your senses and sensibilities such as this one did to me that day. Nature in a form I had never seem it take. I connected with the clean white pages, and linear nature scenes. Over 100 pages of hand drawn interpretations of rural life in pencil, ink and shades of pastel watercolour.

Peake created this collection by memory; his muse was three months in the Irish countryside the winter of 2009.

Everything in his book seems so familial to me-the fields, the pine cones, the cross-sections of timber, the rustic structures, the jumble he titles 'The corner of the yard'. This book is everything I miss about the way of life of my youth. It makes me want to call my Dad in Canada, it makes me want to meet this Nigel Peake person.

His other subjects/books have included Sheds, Maps and Strom-inspired by a week in a cabin in Norway.

One can purchase his lovely little book on his website www.nigelpeake.com or check out his blog, which happens to be a little less wordy than mine!

I leave with this,

"I cannot identify the name of every bird song, type of tree, or field condition,

but I do have an appreciation and the inherent joy

of the things around me." Nigel Peake

edinburgh x erin

Take heed