10 Golden Rules of Lomography ~ Enhance Photography Skill

Lomography is a strong creative and experimental global society that plays with analogue photography. It specializes in casual, snapshot photography and employs such techniques as bluring and over-amplified colors. Lomography has devised a set of 10 golden rules to better instruct its followers in the Lomography philosophy. Understanding these golden rules is essential in capturing what Lomography believes to be the most outstanding photographs.

In the early 1990s, two Austrian students discovered a Russian camera known as the Lomo Kompakt Automat. This begun their quest to find a new style of experimental, unorthodox photography. The message and style quickly spread, as people around the planet begged for Lomo LC-As. A worldwide distribution contract was soon in the works for the little camera. The 10 golden rules were developed along with guiding principals, exhibitions, events and world congresses. New products, films and accessories became rapidly available.

In order to achieve and understand Lomography philosophy, it is advised that the following rules be memorized and recited by heart. These steps will bring you closer to the ideology they wish to propose. Expert Lomography photographers suggest you "throw all your inhibitions about photography to the wind."

1. Take your camera everywhere you go.

You can never plan when a picture perfect opportunity will arise. The best photos come from spontaneous, impulsive, and unpredictable events, so you can never be too prepared.

2. Use it any time -- day and night.

You do not perceive life solely during the day, you are perceiving it at all times of the day, therefore your photographs should reflect that.

3. Lomography is not an interference in your life, but part of it.

Your camera is a part of you. Anything you do, your camera will do. It is no mere hobby, it is an extension of you.

4. Try the shot from the hip.

Don't be confined to the normal viewpoint of the photographer. Shoot from many different angles; you'd be surprised what you are missing.

5. Approach the objects of your Lomographic desire as close as possible.

Your passion and love for a topic or item will shine through your photography. If something feels right, take a picture of it.

6. Don't think.

Your first impressions are often the most beautiful. Over-thinking can bring in boring abstract elements you didn't mean to create.

7. Be fast.

It's important to be as quick as the world around us. Don't hesitate, just shoot.

8. You don't have to know beforehand what you captured on film.

Different and unexpected situations are a Lomographer's best friend. Don't worry about what you are capturing, thrive in the unpredictability.

9. You don't have to know afterwards either.

Don't try to analyze your photographs with a generic perspective. You are trying something new; look at them differently, and understand them differently.

10. Don't worry about any rules.

Listen to yourself, and follow whatever rules you find to be true. Follow your ultimate dreams and desires.

And so you have it. These rules summarize the Lomography philosophy, and once mastered, allows you to join in the movement.

Lomography is devoted to becoming an international socio-cultural movement, using photography as an outlet of creativity. Adherents wish to capture the world, all the while experimenting with creative visual expression. The focus is to capture the unique, while furthering interest in analogue photography.