Meet our LomoGuru: João Bravo Pires (@bravopires)

Good things happen when you least expect it. That's the story behind the creation of João Bravo Pires' (@bravopires) LomoHome. He never intended to make one or even aware that you could have your own analogue-only space in the virtual world. Eventually, he became so enamored by the psychedelic images and wild colors that he cannot turn back. 10 years had passed since and he's still here—serving as an inspiration for everyone with his boundless imagination and passion for experimentation.

Name: João Bravo Pires
LomoHome: @bravopires
Location: Portugal
Number of years as a Lomographer: About 10 years
Number of years in the Community: About 10 years

Tell us about yourself and what you do.

I´m working for a water company. Nothing special. I have enough freedom, also pleasure, doing it. I would like to have every second of my life not be put to waste. But for sure I'm not perfect. For the rest, which is essential, I have been always been a literature lover. I write, whenever it is possible, and try to form my sensations and thoughts using my native language (trying to create beauty and unconscious of the results).

Tell us something about your LomoHome’s name. Why did you decide to have that username? Or if that’s your actual name, what would be a different LomoHome name you’d like to have?

My username is by pure chance. When I found this site, being amazed and puzzled by the psychedelic images (I remember the image of a desert, full of Lomo spirit instead of sand), soon I decided to buy an LC-A. When I received the message, confirming my purchase, I was surprised by a link which was the connected to my LomoHome. "What!?" I thought the previous formalities were only related with the purchase. Never thought it was possible to have a LomoHome so soon and easily. No problem. Let it be.

Share with us your most memorable experience in the Lomographic Community.

The first time I saw this site, about ten years ago, I was perplex with the images (How is this possible?). And when I was Home of the Day for the first time for it was totally unexpected (I was used to thought that I would be Home of the Day within one or two years). Having the photo of the day is most agreeable.

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

Last October, in Lisbon, I met @saidseni, @zulupt, @little_porcelain and three other persons without LomoHome. We were together for about six hours or so, not time enough to be close friends, clearly. Besides, we live far from each other. The conversation ran easily and we had agreeable hours LomoWalking and having lunch together.

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

I would like. We all know, being realistic, that nobody knows the future. The memories of my LomoWalks are so pleasant and vivid that I would like to be able to do them again, for sure.

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

My most used lomo camera is the LC-A, but I love the Horizon Perfekt and the Lubitel 166+.

To define the LC-A, I just found the word: easy (going with it and being creative). I can't remember any memorable experience because I have memorable experiences every time I use a camera. I can assure you that it seems a contradiction but it is not.

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

I do not have a favorite. It is not my best for I do not have the best, just images. I choose this one for it was, that day, a magical twilight, one of those that are rare.

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

There is no explanation possible. I have neither sentences nor words, just vision and a maze-like mind. My keyboard is blocked.

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

Forget all the rules after knowing all the rules.

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

Concerning a song, I have no idea. That's a difficult question. I can't find the answer. The movie I love the most is Andrei Rubliov by Andrei Tarkovsky. I have a fascination for those images and the saga of the boy leading the creation of the gigantic bell, having the secret of the matter without having it. But I can't see its relation with my Lomo life. Though, who knows?

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

Be as close as possible, even when you are far away. (Even when you are far away you must have the shot as if you were closer.)

2018-03-22 #lomohome #lomohomes #lomoguru #lomoguru-of-the-week #meet-our-lomoguru