Meet Our LomoGuru: Shawn Lin

Through her masterful use of color-shifting films and painterly bokeh, Taiwan-based lomographer Shawn Lin continuously amazes with her cinematic, dainty portraits. As an experimenter at heart, she's always ready to try out new techniques and fully embraces the surprises that come with shooting on film. In this interview, our newest LomoGuru talks about her favorite camera, unforgettable experiences in the Lomography Community and what makes analogue photography worth pursuing.

Name: Shawn Lin
LomoHome: @shawnlin
Location: Taiwan
Number of years as a Lomographer: 4 years
Number of years in the Community: 4 years

Tell us about yourself and what you do.

I am a video editor and get familiar with using a camera through my work. At university, I majored in art. I am looking for new ways to create art after graduation. I'm glad I found film photography which accompanied me through the low ebb of my life.

Share with us your most memorable experience in the Lomographic Community.

It’s very exciting moment to have been chosen as the LomoHome of the Day. And it felt like I hit the jackpot when my first experiment and tutorial article was translated into German.

Have you actually met people in the Community that you now consider as close friends? If yes, name at least one of them.

Yes, my lomo friend @C04U8. We often go out to shoot and exchange of experiences. Both of us like wide-angle cameras, like Horizon and Sprocket Rocket, very much.

Do you think you’ll still be taking Lomographs in the next 5 years? Why?

Absolutely! Lomography is already a part of my blood. Film is an integral part of my life. I have a lot of crazy inspirations and ideas, which I can't wait to try.

What is your favorite Lomo camera and why? Do you have any memorable experiences using this camera?

Horizon Perfekt is my favourite Lomography camera. Its aspect ratio come in the same sense as a motion picture, which holds the endless horizon. Although digital camera can shoot wide view, it can't replace the Horizon's unique wide angle and beauty. For me, it is very exciting to use to do double exposure. Every time I develop my films I get a surprise. These unpredictable images are beyond my imagination.

Please share with us your favorite Lomographic shot and explain why you love that particular image.

This is my first time use the LomoChrome Purple with the New Petzval 85. I used double exposure and was I’m amazed by the bokeh produced by the night light. This bold attempt really inspired me! When I shoot portraits with the Leica M3, I need to estimate the focus. There are a lot of out-of-focus photos, but in the end there were others that went beyond my expectations, which made me very excited.

Who are your favorite lomographers?

@atria007 - Her style is what I want to try. A casual, instantaneous condensation of beauty.
@nia_ffm - I also like fantasy. It is my pursuit of goal to let have my productions be full of fantasy.

What’s the best Lomographic or photography advice you think you have given?

Do bold experiments and take a shot.

Is there any advice you can give to new analogue shooters?

Try different film combinations and double exposure!
Enjoy the surprises you get every time after you develop the films.
Do not be afraid of failure!
Keep casual and free!
It is important to keep the heart happy when you press the shutter!

2017-12-10 #lomohomes #meet-our-lomoguru