First Impressions of the Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens: Morgane Stampfer

Working for Lomography has sealed Morgane Stampfer’s love of photography. And this PR manager practices what she preaches. In her spare time, she uses Lomography cameras to take portraits and snapshots around Paris.

She was also one of the first people to test Lomography’s superb new lens, the Daguerreotype Achromat.

What do you do for Lomography?

I work for the France office and assume the job of PR and Online Marketing Manager.

What has your work in Lomography taught you about photography?

There is no limit and boundaries in photography. You can always do what you want. And my work teaches me to not be afraid of making mistakes because I can find some beauty in these mistakes. Photography is a matter of people and feeling. So don’t be too academic because you’ll miss what’s true, strong and beautiful in photography.

This lens has a fascinating history, so let’s play the association game. What came to mind when you first saw the Daguerreotype Art Lens? What is special about its build?

When I first saw the Daguerreotype Art Lens, I thought: I really like the matte finish of the lens and can’t wait to test it! The weight of the lens gives you the feeling of having a piece of history in your hands. One special thing? The focusing ring. Really different way to use the lens, especially when you’re used to working with the focusing knob of the Petzval. But the ring makes the lens easier to use.

What did you take pictures of? What camera did you use?

I used the lens with the Sony A7 camera of the office. I also took portraits of my brother Dimitri and Aurore from the French Lomo team. I did some shots of items and street of Paris.

Did the Daguerreotype Art Lens impart a special look to your photos? Tell us about your first photo session.

First I was a bit puzzled when I saw my first shots on the screen of the digital camera. I thought, “Oh my god, this is quite weird.” I started to think that I had to use the lens with the wider aperture plate or without any plate at all. This is the power of the lens, a very interesting blur you need to get accustomed to. I mean, I’m a kind of “sharpness freak” and this might be the first time in my life that I enjoy the soft focus so much and feel, “Okay, this truly doesn’t need to be too sharp to tell a story.” When I came back home from my first shoot and put the shots in my computer, the romance started. I was really enthusiastic about the series and so was my brother who is now accustomed to Lomography lenses. As a model, he told me it’s a very different way to be shot and the results are really nice and different from common shoots.

The lens is a continuation of Lomography’s experimental tradition. What special effects have you done using the lens?

I like its creative effects and the way the lens puts you in new photographic situations. You have to think more about the way you’re shooting. Indeed, I had the feeling that I was shooting for the first time ever and that I had to learn how to shoot and compose the images. It’s a very nice way to get out of your comfort zone. So if you have the feeling you’ve seen everything, please try the lens because it’s a kind of reborn. And no need for Photoshop to feel a change of scene, just take the lens in your hands and then start a new adventure, a new story.

In terms of your own photography needs, what is the best feature of the Daguerreotype Art Lens?

The bokeh and the blur it gives.

How does Daguerreotype Art Lens differ from other Lomography Art Lenses?

It’s another piece of history we have in hand. It’s another way to do photography. The effects you can get with the lens are really amazing and unique. It’s a new journey in the fascinating world of photography and Lomography!

Why use a special lens at all?

When you just want to do something different from common series. A kind of journey in the past.

Let’s get technical. What tip would you give to a first-time user?

Don’t be afraid of using the lens without an aperture plate. And my best advice: take your time and enjoy the moment. It’s a very nice trip in the past and you’ll be challenged for sure.

2016-04-26 #gear #ข่าวสาร #daguerreotype #kickstarter #achromat #artlens #lomographyartlenses #daguerreotype-achromat-art-lens