Make This a Double: An International Surprise Film Swap!

At a time when the world is still staying in, social distancing and slowly reopening, the chance to take on creative projects may seem low. A lomographer reached out to us to invite you to an exciting, surprise film swap from across the globe!

Hello, amazing Lomo community.

I am Anca (Lomo alter ego @ofchanceandchoice), a freelance translator and hobby collector from Bucharest, Romania. Analog photography accompanied me growing up, when I was the official unofficial photographer of high school road trips and classroom shenanigans. After learning the inside workings of a darkroom and investing in a complete setup I sadly went digital. For too long.

If the 2020 lockdown ever had a silver lining, it was that it brought me back to film photography. I started reluctantly, with one analog self-portrait a day. I remembered what I loved about film. The hushing of my mind, the grounding, the surprise. Since then, I tried countless film stocks, I bought more than a dozen cameras and I experimented with double exposures, film soup, and home processing.

And now I am insatiable. This is where an invitation comes in. I haven’t tried a film swap yet and, being inspired by the work of so many great photographers in the Lomo community, I had this idea - let’s do an international film swap! And a surprise one, at that :-)

The Mechanics

This is how it works. Please take note of the dates!

A questionnaire. If you are so inclined and excited to take part in an international surprise film swap (actually, two film swaps), head over here and fill in the questionnaire. (by May 7, 2021)

Film swap pairs. I will put all the participants in a hat and make random pairs. Each person will be part of two swaps - sending a roll of film to a photographer and receiving a roll of film from another (surprise) photographer. (by May 9, 2021)

Shoot and send. If possible, select a film stock that would make your partner happy. Shoot and send it (tracked if at all available and affordable). To keep the surprise, try not to reach out to your partner. (by May 31, 2021)

Receive, shoot, and process. Shoot the roll you receive, have it developed and scanned. (by July 15, 2021)

Enjoy and repeat. Scans will be uploaded on a special Lomohome and Instagram account (MakeThisaDouble). And maybe we’ll do this again.

For a smooth and fun film swap for everybody, please sign up only if you are willing to cover the costs (one roll of 135 film and postage, development and scanning of another 135 roll) and if you are available for the tentative timeline (May-July 2021). If postal services everywhere cooperate during these weird times, I am sure we will have a blast.

I am giddy with excitement to connect with you all and to enjoy your vision, your creativity, and your doubles. Join me, will you?

If you have any questions and concerns, you can reach me at my Lomohome and at anca.pandrea@gmail.com.

2021-04-22 #film-swap