Meet our LomoGuru: Ishita Sitwala (@ishifishy)

It’s no secret that over the years Lomography has fostered strong bonds among its members. This is a place where lasting friendships are forged and love stories blossomed. Such is the case for India-based lomographer Ishita Sitwala, most commonly known by her playful moniker @ishifishy, who found not only close confidants but a lifetime partner in the community. In this interview, she tells about her humble beginnings, her love for film photography, and more.

Name: Ishita Sitwala
LomoHome: @ishifishy
Location: Ahmedabad, India.
Number of years as a Lomographer: 4 years
Number of years in the Community: 4 years

Tell us about yourself and what you do.

I am educated as an architect but I’m still finding my footing in the field of architectural and interior designing and photography. Currently, I’m helping my husband on his photography and graphic design institute. I am that kind of person who takes on a few different professions at the same time, works hard, then travels hard. Apart from travelling, I enjoy reading and I absolutely love buildings!

Tell us something about your LomoHome’s name. Why did you decide to have that username? Is there a different LomoHome name that you’d like to have?

“Ishifishy” was a nickname given by a former school friend because she thought there was something mysterious about me. Since then, this name stuck with me on my social media sites, like in Lomography. My brand name is “The Fishy Project.” Now, people know me only by this name.

Share your most memorable experience in the Lomographic Community.

In 2013, when my photo won the Capture the Moment 18.18.18. competition. I was so surprised and over the moon that I went around showing it to everyone, even to people here who have no clue as to what Lomography is. This was when I started making more friends on Lomography and becoming more involved. This recognition encouraged me a lot.

Have you actually met people in the Community that you now consider as close friends? If yes, name at least one of them.

I met my husband (@ravi.mistry) on Lomography! He read my comment on a lab service and contacted me for some advice on using expired Fuji Sensia film. After a month, we met up to shoot Gandhi Ashram on film. One thing led to another and now we have been married for one and a half year. Yes, I met my life partner on Lomography!

Do you think you’ll still be taking Lomographs in the next 5 years? Why?

Yes, definitely. As long as films are still available and my lab continues to develop them, I will shoot on film. In 2012, I discovered Lomography at a crucial point in my life when I felt aimless. It gave me something to do and some experiments to carry out. Something to look forward to every week. Something to share with interesting strangers on this online community. It changed me. I would never want to give it up.

What is your favorite Lomo camera and why? Do you have any memorable experiences using this camera?

I love the Lubitel because it was the first gift I received from my husband. But my most go to camera is the LC-A+, especially when paired with the Splitzer. I love the look I get from people when am shooting with the Lubitel, as if am carrying an alien baby. [Laughs]

Please share with us your favorite Lomographic shot and explain why you love that particular image.

This one is very special to me because it is my first perfect double exposure photography. This marks where my Lomo adventures began. It has memories of my days in Ithaca, New York, and Chicago combined. This was the first time I fell in love with this pinkish slide film effect and discovered my favorite Lomo subject: white clouds.

Please share a Lomograph you wish you had taken and explain why.

This particular shot by @blueskyandhardrock using my favorite LomoChrome Purple film has always intrigued me. I am very bad at photographing people and photos like this really inspire me. Her composition, the leading lines of the track, the dancing girl and her leaning back pose, the beautiful look on her face, the striking red dress: it’s just perfect for me!

What’s the best Lomographic or photography advice you think you have given?

I avoid taking photographs of people. In fact, I don’t even photograph people on digital. But when it comes to Lomography, they are apparently the best subjects. So my best advice to Lomographers like me is: take snapshots of people. Shoot close-ups. Shoot silly poses. Photograph strangers on the street. Photograph your friend in the fields. Photograph kids playing. Anything. They really make the photo come alive and the magic of film works best on them.

If there’s one song or movie that best describes your Lomo life, which one is it and why?

I would say the movie “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” in some way. My Lomo life is my secret world from the people around me. It’s a world of adventure and taking risks. It’s about living in the moment. And of course, the film was about the end of printing photographs and shooting film. So, I can sort of relate.

Is there any advice you can give to new analogue shooters?

Never worry about the end results! There are no rules in Lomography. Hence, everything and anything is interesting. Just keep shooting fearlessly!

2016-06-18 #lomoguru #lomoguru-of-the-week #meet-our-lomoguru