Don’t think, just shoot” is the motto of Lomography, the international photography movement dedicated to experimental and creative analogue photography, and Hind Mezaina is one of its practitioners.
Armed with old-school cameras, Mezaina, the Dubai ambassador of the Lomographic Society, has set herself on a mission to document the world we live in and build a platform for people with an interest in Lomography to come together and share their knowledge and passion.
Excerpts from an interview:
Is it the simplicity and liberty of Lomography that fascinates you?
Yes. I never took photography seriously until I stumbled upon Lomography. After signing up with Lomography Society, I bought an LC-A and it was love at first click.
I cherish capturing moments and things that people would normally ignore or not notice. The “don’t think, just shoot” philosophy is what got me into this and I don’t plan to change this.
What techniques have you learnt that have been sidelined in this age of digital photography?
Cross processing, roll swap and multiple exposure. In cross processing we shoot a roll using slide film and ask the developer to process it as if it were a colour negative.
In multiple exposure, we superimpose one image on top of another that we have already shot. In roll swap one film is used twice, by two different photographers. It builds up a great collaboration, especially if it is with a photographer from another city.
The results are abstract, multi-layered and unpredictable. Two different moments, two thoughts, two visions captured as one image. I did a multiple exposed roll swapping with Lomographer Bruna from Brazil. It was the most rewarding collaboration.
What are the tools of your trade? What advantages does one tool have over the other?
LC-A, Holga, Diana+ and Diana F+, are all good. Although a simple camera, one can apply various techniques, such as multiple exposure or panoramic shoots, with Holga.
One can even modify and mount 35mm film in it by making some minor adjustments. The effects are unpredictable and can vary from light leaks to vignettes.
Diana’s results are blurry and dreamy photos of ordinary and extraordinary moments. The new versions of Diana+ and Diana F+ have new features such as pinhole photography and endless panorama.
Tell us something about your recent project on a Dubai/Berlin art exchange programme.
The theme for the Dubai/Berlin art exchange programme was: “The here and there, the us and them”. I immediately knew I would go for multiple-exposure.
I decided to shoot images of Dubai representing my life and surroundings, that is “the here”. Then shoot on the same rolls what will represent “the there”, which is Berlin. I had recently read that Berlin is the “the new New York, the better Beijing, the lovelier London — all in one”.
I wanted to show what Berlin can mean to an outsider in terms of ideas and abstract visions. Dubai being a developing city, I always wonder what it will be like in another 10 or 15 years. This is where “the us and them” comes into play.
How will Dubai stand among established cities, “the them”, in the future? This led to [an image where] a lit building looks bright and blingy but represents the long working hours and [Dubai’s] mission to be a world-class city.
The layer on it represents music — which is what I have always associated Berlin with.
Which software do you use in your digital workflow?
Spending time behind a computer screen and digitally manipulating a photo is the last thing I want to do. I would rather spend time taking pictures and capture real moments.
Do you get surprising results when you develop the rolls?
Part of the joy of Lomography is not knowing the results in advance. So, yes, I enjoy the anticipation of collecting my photos from the laboratory.
The Lomo camera is more for capturing everyday moments. If I want crystal clarity and high definition, I go to the movies.
As an ambassador for Lomography, what are your long-term initiatives for its revival?
I have promoted Lomography through two exhibitions at The Jam Jar, run several workshops and contributed to local publications such as the Soura magazine.
I will continue to organise at least one exhibitions every year and run more workshops and get-togethers where people can meet Lomographers and share ideas and photos.
What changes have you seen in Lomography over the past few years, especially in the UAE?
Lomography continues to be popular worldwide. Everything is about speed these day. For someone who wants to slow down, Lomography has come up as the best alternative. In Dubai, too, more and more people know about it.
Every once in a while I notice someone carrying a Lomo camera and it brings a smile to my face. But limited availability of film in Dubai is a challenge.
Laboratories are going digital. My fear is that I will not have a laboratory in Dubai to cross process my rolls.
Where do you see yourself going with Lomography?
Being from Dubai and having lived here all my life, I have seen the city go through a lot of changes.
This fast-evolving city is losing some of its old charms and I want to capture these moments before they disappear. I want to get more Polaroid film.
I know they are on the verge of extinction. I would like to try filmmaking. I just don’t have the courage.
Lomographic images by Hind Mezaina are on display in an Emirati group show, Suhoor, at Art Connection, Bastakiya House 69, Dubai, until October 6.
Layla Haroon is a freelance writer based in Abu Dhabi.
