The Ludlites
A spin-off of the British social movement, the Luddites protested the introduction of technological advances in weaving looms during the industrial revolution. Their objection was that the new automated looms, which could be operated by cheap, and relatively unskilled labor, destroyed their livelihood. This is a familiar scenario which is felt by many others besides the Luddites. It is also the plight of the Ludlites, a group of toy camera wielding Aussie's who deny the current digital technology and revel in the lo-fi quality of Diana and Holga camera's. These cameras have had a long standing cult following among avant-garde and non-avant-garde photographers since they were first introduced to the public. These cameras are made of plastic, made to be affordable, and produce uncertain outcomes. Embodying the very spirit of the starving artist, these camera's are without, thus the basis of their appeal. Against all odds, these cameras are mighty mouses of serendipitous exposure. The Ludlites point being that even all the expensive technology can't buy incredible one of a kind image that has the potential to make you cry. Maybe crying would be an overreaction, but the experience of using them to make images is an act which defies time like no other medium can, such is my belief anyway. To make an image from such basics, which is a unique moment in time, and to have only moderate control of the outcome is my image of beautiful creation. To love your child who is destined to become it's own individual and will inevitably speak for itself. That is why I will champion the cause of the Ludlites, not to knock the digital technology, which is incredible in it's own right, but where is the passion? For digital photography, I feel none.
Tim Gibbs
Heleana Genaus
Erin Curtis
Kyle Gerrity
Steven Godbee
filed under: photography
tags: Ludlites Diana Camera Holga Camera Luddites Alternative Photography
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