An exhibition of so-called 'lo-fi' images by a group of photographers who use plastic cameras reflects upon their childhood experiences.
The Ludlites, a collective of Sydney based ‘lo-fi’ photographers, say they have taken over the playground! A group of so-called ‘lo-fi’ shooters who use ‘toy’ cameras (various plastic and low-tech cameras) to shoot their images, the Ludlites group is launching its exhibition ‘Ludlites Love Playtime – Photos inspired by the games we play’.
On show from October 31 through to November 30, the free exhibition has an array of images related to childhood experiences, all shot with very basically constructed cameras. Armed with their plastic lens ‘lo-fi’ cameras – sometimes referred to as ‘toy’ cameras – and rolls of film, they have created ‘Ludlites Love Playtime’, an exhibition inspired by the games people play as children, as adults and even with their dogs.
The Ludlites include photographers Patrick Boland, Lucas Brown, Heleana Genaus, Tim Gibbs, Steven Godbee, Tim Hixson, Hykie Kwong, Peter Lang, Anika Luzemann, Wayne Maranda, Anthony McGovern, Vanessa Power, Craig Proudford and Yvette Worboys. Special guest photographers in the show are TV and radio presenter Osher Gunsberg and Foto Riesel’s John Wallace.
With film and plastic cameras undergoing a resurgence, the Ludlites team also plan to offer a series of workshops to showcase the lo-fi approach. The free sessions, open to the public, will be held at Foto Riesel’s Photographers’ Gallery every Saturday from 11am to noon throughout the exhibition. Each week, different members of the Ludlites group will share insights into the techniques required to produce the most creative results from lo-fi photography. The talks will explain the process behind the creation of their images.
“The whole philosophy behind lo-fi photography is the element of surprise which each image brings,’ says Ludlites’ member Peter Lang. “It’s about embracing the original functions of photography – creativity, fun, art and the love of the image. The exhibition focuses on the theme of fun and playtime, which ties in nicely with the whole concept of lo-fi photography. There has been such a huge resurgence in traditional forms of photography,” says Lang. “Lovers of photography are keen to bring back the fun and surprising side of image creation and not necessarily be pinned to a desk working on image manipulation through post-production.”
The exhibition is on at Foto Riesel Photographer’s Gallery, 364a Kent Street, Sydney. Opening hours are from Monday to Friday, 10am-6pm, Thursday 10am-7pm, and Saturday 10am-5pm.
'Big Breakfast Adventure' by Peter Lang.
'I’ve Got a Stick' by Steven Godbee.
'Enhancers' by Heleana Genaus.