"The Domestic Camera" at KBr Barcelona Through the Eyes of Tamara Lopez Seoane

A few months ago, we organized an Open Call around an exhibition at the Spanish KBr Barcelona Photo Center, part of FundaciónMAPFRE Cultura. Drawing inspiration from the KBr photo exhibition The domestic camera on amateur photographic culture in Catalonia between 1880 and 1936, we invited the photographers to rediscover the more amateur side of analogue photography and to document the most special moments of their daily life.

Each of the five photographers selected developed their own special project on films and cameras provided by Lomography. Today we dive into the "domestic project" by Tamara Lopez Seoane, shot on Potsdam Kino B&W 35 mm.

Hi Tamara, welcome to our magazine! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?

My name is Tamara, I'm from Sopelana, a small town in the north of the Basque Country. 15 years ago I moved to Barcelona, where I live with my partner Xabi and our dog Sora. I'm a freelance photographer and I create digital content for different brands and communication agencies.

How did you start your journey in the world of photography? When did film photography start to be part of it?

I graduated in Sociology because I was interested in understanding social realities and human behavior. During my studies, I started using the digital camera as a tool for observation and expression.

Eventually, photography became my profession, and I adopted a more commercial look. It was then that I decided to explore analogue photography to rediscover a more artistic, personal and sincere vision. The process of not relying on a digital file and taking the time to see the results allowed me to reconnect with photography and enjoy the creative process again.

Was this your first time participating in this kind of Open Call? Why did you apply?

A few years ago I participated in many Open Calls, but always with digital photography. I decided to participate in this call because I wanted to show my more personal work after a long time. I was very happy to be selected.

Can you tell us about the idea behind your project?

My project focuses on sincere photographs without great aesthetic pretensions. I wanted to capture my day-to-day life and the small details that often go unnoticed: family, friends, places, pets and myself. My goal is to show the things that really matter and that sometimes we don't stop to observe and appreciate.

In which way were you inspired by the exhibition La Cámara Doméstica at KBr?

I loved the exhibition "The Domestic Camera" at KBr. I love vintage photography, and this show, so personal and intimate, reminded me of the family albums we all have at home. The combination of photography and memories inspired me to focus my project on my daily routine, capturing what is simple and close in your life.

Which film did you use? Are you happy with the results?

I used Potsdam Kino B&W ISO 100 film. It was my first time working with black and white film, and I had doubts about the result. It was an adventure for me, and I was pleasantly surprised by the result. The grain and detail of the film provided the nostalgic touch I was looking for in this project.

Do you have any interesting projects or collaborations planned?

My plans are to continue photographing my day-to-day life with calm and without specific goals. I want my next project to emerge from the photographs I take, observing and allowing the project to evolve naturally, flowing as life does.

Check out KBr current exhibitions and don't forget to follow Tamara on Instagram!

written by ludovicazen on 2024-09-11 #gear #culture #people #collaboration #spain #potsdam #la-sardina #open-call #kbr-barcelona