Daydreaming with Hwajoo: Portraits on the Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens

In this interview we get to know Seoul-based portrait photographer Hwajoo, whose mystical portraits of women remind us that daydreams, too, can be captured on camera. She shares her experience shooting with the Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens this winter and how she used the various bokeh plates to explore her creative ideas. Check out her stunning photographs and read her story below.

Welcome to Lomography! Please introduce yourself to the community.

Hello, I'm Hwajoo, a Seoul-based portrait photographer. I specialize in portraits with a characteristic dream-like, soft ambience.

When did you start taking photos?

I still vividly remember purchasing my very first camera in winter of 2020. At the time, I decided to start purely out of curiosity, but over time, I've really grown to love portrait-taking and it's remained my passion ever since.

What do you believe to be most important when shooting portraits?

Definitely light. I usually shoot outdoor portrait photography, and I find that experimenting with natural light allows me to convey different feelings and atmospheres, giving me a lot of artistic freedom in that sense. I enjoy exploring all the different ways in which natural light works in my day-to-day life, so I think this is why my photos are heavily influenced by the theme of light.

What camera did you use for these photos?

My trustworthy companion, the Nikon D7200. I really liked how the Nikon's distinctive soft colors worked well with the Daguerreotype Achromat Art Lens to paint an overall dreamy, mystical appearance.

What was your focus while shooting the portraits?

I wanted to showcase all of the lens' different charms, so I tried to make every shot different from the last. In the end, I ended up shooting at four different locations: the Han river, a skating rink, around a neighbourhood, and at an indoor studio.

How would you describe your experience with the Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens ?

Firstly, I think it's a very high quality lens. The intricate and compact design left such a lasting first impression as I unboxed it and attached it to my camera.

The Daguerreotype Achromat Art Lens is like no other. When I look across the viewfinder, it's like I'm being transported into a fairytale, into another realm entirely. With the lens, I don't even have to vigorously edit my photos for that hazy, otherworldly effect.

I also found it very usable. I could change the base plate around depending on the circumstances to create different interesting results. This is why I love analogue.

Were there any features of the Daguerreotype that stood out to you?

Again, I'd have to say the different base plates. I enjoyed selecting different plates according to the concept of the shoot, and the various bokehs to achieve interesting results. I also noticed the halation effect it gave off to create glare.

Could you tell us a bit about your favourite portrait from the shoot?

The soft light, the emotion, the somewhat grainy texture in this shot, all of this creates a truly unique feeling. It's my favorite portrait from this winter season.

How would you describe the Daguerreotype Achromat Art Lens in three words?

Dreamy, unique, analogue.

Any tips for shooting portraits?

Obviously the skill aspect of it can't be ignored, but there is also is social aspect to this. I like to break the ice with the model before the shoot. Sometimes I do this by meeting in advance and having a quick chit-chat session before the shoot. Playing some background music during the shoot works too!

Do you have any projects or exhibitions coming up that you want to tell us about?

Currently, I'm working on a personal project where I interview, take portraits, and write about people and gain insight into their personal lives. It's something I'd always been meaning to start, but the Daguerreotype Achromat Art Lens has helped me put it into motion. It'll be an ongoing project, so please stay tuned!

A huge thanks to Hwajoo for sharing her stunning photos taken on the Daguerreotype Achromat Art Lens! Follow her on instagram or on her blog to check out more of her works.

written by hey_springtime on 2023-08-19 #gear #people #travel #korea #lens #portraits #daguerreotype #achromat #lomography-art-lens