We have followed Lydia Robinson from the start of her film photography journey, as she picked up her Olympus OM10 film camera (and sent it to us for a service!)

We sent Lydia the Contax G1 to try out on her trip to Montenegro, and also asked her a few questions about her photographic practice.

Max: When did you start film photography and what has your journey been like? 

Lydia: I started photography at the early stages of the pandemic. I found a point and shoot in my Mum's house when I moved back for a few months. I honestly never anticipated anything coming from it, except that I enjoyed the process and documenting what that time period felt like. 

Three years later and photography has become a huge passion of mine, one that I would love to do full time and be a main source of income. 

Max: Which cameras do you use everyday?

Lydia: My first SLR was an Olympus OM10 which I still now use as my main film camera. It has taken pretty much all of my film photos. It cost me £120 and has been my greatest investment. I had a Mamiya 645 for a while, however I sold this as I now have my eye on a Pentax 67 or Mamiya RB67! 

Max: What is your favourite film stock to use? 

Lydia: This may be an obvious choice, but it has to be Portra 400. It is so crisp, and the colours are beautiful. 

Max: Can you talk about a few of the images you took?

Lydia: I took these images while I was on holiday with my mum in Montenegro. Sometimes in life, we come across places that a camera can’t justify the beauty of, but the Contax G1 absolutely does not disappoint. 

I wanted the photos I took here to give a sense of Montenegro's incredible landscapes, and nature. The place is surrounded by mountains and trees, and the clearest water I have ever seen with bright blues and greens everywhere you look, so I was hopeful the photos articulated this. 

Max: What do you look for when composing your photographs?

Lydia: I seek to find a shot that looks like it could be a still from a film. Whether that be a location or a person, I love anything that feels like it has a story, or character. 

Max: What do you think your greatest asset is as a photographer?

Lydia: Being transparent, I do struggle with this sort of question as I have major imposter syndrome when it comes to my work! But one thing I pride myself in is how open I am with people. I find it easy to build connections. As a photographer, it's important that you’re willing to listen and learn about a person in order for them to feel comfortable in front of the camera. 

Max: What did you think of the Contax G1?

Lydia: It’s a perfect sized, lightweight, high quality, shiny little thing. I really enjoyed the ease of the Contax G1. The controls are simple to use and the precision of the lens is second to none. With a sharp focus and built in meter, this camera is perfect for everyday use. 

Max: I love the portrait work you do - how do you approach people for shoots?

Lydia: In terms of portrait work it does totally depends on the job. A current project I am working on is my ‘Queer History’ series, which is based around LGBTQ+ figures from history, shining a light on their existence and how they shaped the future for the queer community. It is essential for me the people involved in this are queer, so I made a TikTok in April and luckily was inundated with people who wanted to be a part of it. Whereas if it is a creative concept I am shooting, I might go to modelling agencies to find someone suitable for the idea.  

I do feel my photography has brought me closer to people from the LGBTQ+ community; I’ve had the pleasure of shooting with and also working alongside a team with queer creatives. There is something really special about being in a room with people you share similar lived experiences with, all hoping to achieve the same goal. No one does it like the gays! 

Max: What advice do you have for people starting film or using film cameras?

Lydia: Keep going! The likelihood of getting scans back where your photos might be under/overexposed can be high. I think it takes a lot of practice and I’m constantly still learning what works for me. 

Try out lots of different film stocks and experiment with them, sometimes the light leaks or extra grain make a photo 10x better. 

Max: What are you hoping to do with film photography in the future? How do you see your photographic practice evolving?

Gosh, so much! I have a lot of ideas and projects I’d love to get off the ground, many of Pinterest boards just waiting to be brought to life. I see myself creating more conceptual, fun, wacky shoots that embrace all identity and peoples individual quirks. I think as long as I’m staying true to myself with shooting the kind of work that speaks volumes to me, I will feel happy with my photography practice! 

Lydia, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us! And we are glad you enjoyed using the Contax G1.

Follow Lydia on Instagram @lydsthatpicstook