Attention analog types: the Lomography Store on Jinxian Lu -- aka the road of fengshui excellence -- has recently expanded in a big way. They've grown 5 storeys up, adding a whole range of diversions and accessories to Lomography proper. Gone are the days of a quick perusal at those neat cameras with their equally neat special effects, the freshly opened Lomography Gallery Store will now allow you to immerse yourself fully in the world domination of Lomo.

Let's start from the basics -- what the DAODI is Lomo? You know those "fisheye" pictures? Those are usually done with Lomos. The "fisheye" effect is probably the most well-know effect associated with Lomography, but there's a wide range of other point-and-click options with their line of products -- vibrant neon green colors, stylish blurring action, and even some with that special Paris Hilton sex-tape night vision effect. The main deal is that Lomography is analogue (film) as apposed to digital. Proponents of analogue cameras argue that the pictures turn out warmer, and with more depth and texture than their digital counterparts. Lomo combines this perceived authenticity in analogue with really easy to use and stylish products. DIY retro chic. Let me put it this way: they sell those fisheye cameras at Urban Outfitters.



The Lomography Store has been open in Shanghai for a while now, but has just this past weekend they celebrated the expansion, which has turned the place into a full-blown house of Lomography worship (replete with the largest "LomoWall" in China). They're offering a multifunctional space where you can buy a camera, listen to a lomographer, look at the meticulously constructed wall/ceiling/floor/ledge paper of lomo photos and of course, have a cup of coffee or a cold pint while you hang with your new camera.



The first floor remains the camera store selling cameras with bits and bots that spin and whiz when you shoot. Prices for cameras range from 200rmb to 4,600rmb depending on the kind of special effect or product package you desire. The second floor is a media lounge with an interesting block-like seating format where you are meant to peruse through books relating to photography and such. Third floor is merchandise for sale such as organic cotton t-shirts (185rmb) and leather bags (300-2000rmb) -- some with pouches to carry round your analogue. Fourth floor is the gallery where they exhibit select lomographers; fifth floor is the caf�� and outdoor bar and the six floor is the office where aspiring photographers come to work and the restless come to twiddle their thumbs.

As the "flagship" store in China, they're also looking to do special events and exhibitions in the space. They had their opening party last weekend but are still fine tuning the place and opening floors 3-6 in a week or two.



Here's the main Lomography Society Asia page and here's some anti-lomo backlash. Goddamn you hipsters and your Lomo cameras.

The Lomography Store is at 126 Jinshan Lu.



Leading picture courtesy of Drew Taylor

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