Kurtis Ehnle: Turning Mexico Into a Dreamland on LomoChrome Turquoise

Mexico is already a vibrant place, but what happens when you capture it on LomoChrome Turquoise? Photographer Kurtis Ehnle travelled from the Pacific Northwest to Cancún, equipped with our classic Turquoise film in both 120 and 35 mm formats. His results were so otherworldly, we invited him to chat a little bit more about them.

Let's get into it!

Hi Kurt, welcome to Lomography Magazine! Can you please start off by telling us a bit about yourself and your work?

I’m Kurt! Born and raised in Kentucky but now based in the Pacific Northwest. While photography is a big component of what I professionally do (see: big shoe and textile
companies based in Oregon), keeping my personal work as far away from that as possible is my goal. Cooking and photography are some of the few things left in my life where I feel completely unmotivated by money or careers while exploring them. This is a way for me to be mindfully joyous.

How did you get started with analogue photography?

Growing up in music scenes, I worked in print shops. I’d have my hands on anything from show fliers to album art to photography. When you are spending your work day being a part of that creative process, it leads you to appreciate the really subtle details. Being the go-to source for these things would frequently result in bartering and under-the-table deals. At some point I traded a stack of LP covers for a dusty Canon AE-1. I still use it! Did you know the shutter sound of the Canon AE-1 is the same sound iPhone uses? I love that.

What drew you to take LomoChrome Turquoise with you to Mexico?

So often when I shoot film, I’m super particular about lighting, conditions, and being very deliberate with each shot. Especially when traveling, I’m frequently relying on digital because I don’t know when I’ll be there again. I want to make sure each shot is “perfect.” I made a choice to be spontaneous with my shots for once and see what happens. There were a lot of duds, but the images that stuck out are really special to me.

I chose this particular film after having a lot of fun with LomoChrome Purple in the past and thought I’d give it a test both in 35 mm and 120 formats. Loved it! LomoChrome Turquoise really made the abundant blues pop with a vivid orange, which I loved.

Was this your first time shooting with LomoChrome Turquoise? What are your impressions of the film?

It was! As mentioned above, the blues popped with the best tangerine hue. I wanted a more “abstract” film for this trip. Since I was going into the experience with the intention of capturing my trip almost exclusively on this film, it retrospectively gave it its own dreamy and unique look. This film will be how I remember this time years from now. Dreamy and serene. Fantastic.

How would you say experimental film stocks like this compliment your style of shooting?

In my current line of work, I do a lot of things like product photography and social media stuff for businesses. It can be a little dry at times. Since we are currently in a world obsessed with turning every passion into profit, I make a very conscientious effort in keeping photography a realm of pure enjoyment — something joyful with no real intention or goal. I think these kinds of stocks and their occasional unpredictability really lend themselves well to that mindset. I like to create things that are a documentation of meaningful moments in my life while still being something striking to the passive observer.

Do you have a favorite shot from this series?

This one for sure! The LomoChrome Turquoise 120 was in the most humble all-plastic Holga, held together by electrical tape. Complete chaos when shooting. But I love it since it’s great for portraits and I can take it anywhere without worrying about it since it’s so cheap. I think this shot really highlights what one can expect with LomoChrome Turquoise. I think it’s a stunning shot of somebody I love.

If you could take LomoChrome Turquoise anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I found that elements like water really respond in fun ways! I think it’d be a lot of fun to shoot in a larger aquarium with brilliantly colored creatures. Like one of those tunnels you walk through surrounded by water would look wild! I also found that it was fun to play with brightly colored buildings and architecture. Any colorful city would be a fun place to burn through a roll.

Do you have any upcoming projects that you'd like to share with our community?

Reluctant to call them “projects”, but very excited for some upcoming trips and documenting them. Summers in the Pacific Northwest are sublime and really inspire me to shoot more. Lots of upcoming adventures.

Thanks for sharing, Kurt! If you'd like to stay in touch, you can find him on Instagram.

written by alexa_alexiades on 2024-04-08 #people #places #travel #mexico #medium-format #120 #35-mm #lomochrome-turquoise