Instant Film Lover Bob Greco Tries Lomography Films

With a quick scan through his Instagram page, you can see NYC-based Bob Greco is an instant film lover and communicator. Every frame is shot meaningfully and holds a story to him, whether it's the conversation he had with the subject or the pure blissful connections he felt at those moments.

He recently ventured out of the instant realm, and shot a spectrum of Lomography films, from the simple and delicate Lady Grey B&W 400 and Color Negative 800 to the eccentric and contorting LomoChrome Purple and LomoChrome Metropolis. Photographing live shows, portraits, land, and cityscapes, Bob showcases his eclectic talents, and we're here for it all! He speaks a bit with us about his creative journey below.

Photos by Bob Greco

Welcome to Lomography Bob! Can you please introduce yourself to the community?

Hey there all! I’m just an instant film-obsessed, experiment-driven, fun-loving goofball that also just happens to shoot a bunch of film as his main expressive format for the last two years.

How is life as a photographer these days?

I’ve been blessed to be in an amazing community of NYC photographers! The amount that we learn, create, and grow with one another is exponential. I’m constantly on the hunt to learn new things and teach them to others as well! Although as a film photographer, it feels as if major film companies like Kodak and Fujifilm are trying to kill film photography, but then it brings light to the amazing things Lomography has done throughout the years to keep it alive and kicking!

Your main film photography medium is instant film. What drew you to this?

Instant film is what I started with in August of 2019. A camera hasn’t left my hand since! The first time I brought my Polaroid Impulse camera around with me I had noticed something special by the end of the night. Being able to connect with anyone and share a tangible moment, in today’s digital world and to be able to pass those memories off to them was such a cathartic experience.

Photos by Bob Greco

What are the most recent inspirations you look on to when creating?

I'm always searching for new inspiration! I’m a believer in there being no more original ideas left, however, every idea is an original idea because it comes from an artist's unique perspective. I love seeing what others are capable of creating, and seeing how I can put my own personal spin on it! It's kinda like a game of creative telephone. I’m naturally drawn to bold and bright colors, line work in compositions, and manipulations done inside or outside the camera itself!

Onto the photos, do you often shoot live music photography? How do you like it?

As often as I possibly can! Even if I don’t have a press pass for a show I will feel naked if I don’t have a camera ( or three) by my side. Live music has always been one of my passions, and to be able to translate that into my photographs seems surreal. There is such an energy to each and every live show, and every show is different! I love being able to capture some high-energy moments and have them translate into feeling like you're at the show next to me!

Photos by Bob Greco

You also shot some beautiful portraits. How do you go about capturing the model the way you do? Do you like to plan or shoot spontaneously?

It's always a mix! I love to talk about concepts/outfits/locations with other artists and models beforehand, so we can both get an idea of what we are expecting for the shoot, and to get them excited and comfortable! However, I really do love being spontaneous and letting the pictures take themselves while immersed in the zone! I feel when there are no exact expectations, the creativity always flows organically, and I’m always happy with the results.

Photos by Bob Greco

These were all taken on a variety of Lomography films. What did you make of the results? Any favorites?

Lomography has been my saving grace in these trying times for film photographers. Experimental photography excites me so LomoChrome Purple always keeps me on my toes, trying different ways to manipulate the results! Super excited for LomoChrome Turquoise! The Color Negative 800 film has also been my go-to high-speed film, it's been fun to see how far I can push its limits! I would really love to dive deeper into the lower ISO black and white films as well now that I have a steady tripod.

Anything we can expect next from Bob Greco?

Expect nothing! Just know that I am working hard in my photography journey, and it has been such a blessing to learn, create, and grow with so many incredible people that I've met! I wish I could tell you what’s in store, but you'll just have to follow along on my journey and see what sorts of hi-jinks and adventures I get myself into!

Photos by Bob Greco

Finally, imagine you can never use film again- just one frame left to shoot. What are you capturing?

I’m glad you asked this! I haven’t had the chance to meet Louis Mendez yet, but he has been such an inspiration and a staple to the instant film community, street photographers, and NYC. Legend has it that he only lets you get one shot at taking his picture when you meet him, so I know I would have to make my last photo worth it. I am also working on a series started by a photographer friend Tom Robb titled Lens and Lead, and It is my intention for Louis to be the last entry for my photo book.


Thanks so much for speaking with us Bob! Find more of his work on Instagram and website.

written by kaylalew on 2022-01-30 #gear #people #polaroid #color-negative-800 #lomochrome-purple #lomo-instant-wide #lomochrome-metropolis #bob-greco #photodom

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