Community Spotlight: @deedee_photog and @mak-t-photo

Being one of the largest analogue photography communities on the web, we are proud of the creativity and diversity of our members. For this month's Community Spotlight, we are pleased to introduce to you Lomographers @deedee_photog and @mak-t-photo and their unique way of seeing the world.

Name: Dee Dee Yelverton
Location: Taylor, Texas, USA.
LomoHome: @deedee_photog

Hi, DeeDee! What do you do and what got you started with photography?

Hi, I work in website communications. It’s about half creative and half technical, which I like. It also means I am on the computer a lot.

I got started in photography at a young age. My dad and one of his friends were wedding photographers as a second job and I was introduced to it then. I’ve had some kind of camera with me for as long as I can remember. I also studied print, broadcast and photojournalism for a while in college. All of this was when there was only film.

How did you discover Lomography and what made you join our analogue Community? Who are your favorite photographers here?

When digital came along, I set my film camera aside for a while. Then one day a friend asked me if I’d ever used a Holga. I didn’t know what that was but I set off to find out. After that, I discovered the Lomography Fisheye One and Lomography Action Sampler. I thought these cameras were so much fun. I found the Lomography community way back in 2009 and created my Lomo home then. It was a great way to connect with other Lomographers who enjoyed the fun, spontaneous and perfectly imperfect world of Lomography. I think I got sidetracked with digital again for a while but rediscovered film and the wonderful Lomography community recently.

There are so many great creatives here and I feel like I’m too new (or new again) that I haven’t even started to discover a fraction of the photographers here, or see all of the beautiful images. I think I have too many favorites to name! J I have been admiring the work of Paper_Negs, Yu-Mi, and Yohane recently. Of course, anyone who features pets and animals is also a favorite. I also enjoy the artistic and abstract. And, I enjoy seeing landscapes, city scenes, and everyday life from all over the world. It’s my virtual travel escape.

What is your favorite subject to photograph? What do you usually look for in a scene before you hit the shutter?

My favorite subjects to photograph are animals, especially pets, but really all animals – cats, dogs, deer, cows, birds, squirrels, etc. - pretty much the animal kingdom. J I also enjoy photographing nature because I enjoy being outside when I am not working. It’s very relaxing. I’m also a fan of classic and old cars and interesting buildings.
For many years I’ve photographed dogs and cats at various animal rescue organizations and shelters in my spare time. It has been a passion of mine to combine my love for animals and photography and find a way to show the world the personalities of those animals to help them find good homes.I’m also a fan of classic and old cars, signs and interesting buildings. Good or interesting lighting is important to me. After that, I sometimes look for interesting colors or shapes, or if I am photographing animals (or people), I look for a spontaneous expression, or an action that will show a bit of that person or animal’s personality. Really, just anything that catches my eye at the time.

What does film represent to you?

For me, film is freeing; it permits me to not try to be perfect. It is also immersive in that I feel that it draws you in almost as if you are part of the moment. I enjoy the organic and three-dimensional feeling of it too. And, it may sound cliché but I’ve always felt like it is a little bit like time-travel because you get to capture and preserve a feeling and a moment forever and revisit it any time you want to.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I get inspiration from everything around me. I try to notice and find the wonderful or interesting or magical in the smallest things (as well as the big things) in my everyday life. I’ve found that it’s those ordinary things that you can so easily miss or take for granted that you cherish the most when time passes and they’re gone. I am also inspired by looking at other photos either in books or online. The Lomography community is a great source of inspiration!

What's coming up for you in the future?

I’ve been thinking about putting a small zine or book together for myself as a way to see a cohesive collection of some of my images from over the years. I need to finish deciding on a subject, although I have a couple of ideas in mind, and then will need to curate the images. I plan to start small and just see how it goes. And of course, continue taking pictures!

Name: Mak T.
Location: Kanagawa, Japan.
LomoHome: @mak-t-photo

Hi, Mak! What do you do and what got you started with photography?

I'm a photographer in Japan, and I work in a photo shop. The reason that I started photography was the influence of my grandfather had. I live in Kanagawa, Japan, where Enoshima and Kamakura are located.

How did you discover Lomography and what made you join our analogue Community? Who are your favorite photographers here?

Because My friend ”@ZEKIPHONE” and my respected ”@HODACHROME” were doing it so that made me join for it.

Of course, those two are my favorite photographers.

What is your favorite subject to photograph? What do you usually look for in a scene before you hit the shutter?

I like taking landscapes and snapshots. I often shoot unconsciously, but the moment that I thought it was good, I release the shutter.

What does film represent to you?

Frequently used films are Lomography and Kodak color negative films. I like digital photography, but I prefer analog photography. I feel that the originality of analog photography is good. My favorite films are "Color Negative 100" and "Metropolis". Color Negative 100 should give a bright and clear color,and Metropolis seems to come out with nostalgic colors. It's fun to have colors that you can't usually see.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

I get inspiration when I see amazing landscapes or find something interesting. What I find interesting changes from time to time.

What's coming up for you in the future?

I want to take a lot of pictures, not just analogue and digital, and I want a lot of people to see my pictures.

Stay tuned for our monthly Community Spotlight to discover the work of some of the most talented Lomographers!

written by eparrino on 2021-11-15 in