For this year’s selection of photographers and images, I wanted to highlight the variety of work being produced by Mamiya 7 photographers. I am always in awe and inspired by what I see when I select photographs for the Mamiya 7 Ruined Everything Instagram page. It’s important to share not only a diverse range of photographers from different parts of the world but also to showcase the variety of images being made. Their work represents a glimpse of what the Mamiya 7 community has and continues to create.

The Mamiya 7 is my favorite camera and I know that comes as no surprise to anyone. I have owned and shot with the Mamiya 7 since 2016 and I have not put it down since. It goes with me everywhere. While I enjoy and appreciate other cameras, I have a hard time choosing anything other than the Mamiya 7. It being a compact 6x7 medium format camera with interchangeable lenses is the perfect match for me and for a lot of photographers in the community. Yes, it is not perfect, but what camera is?  

I have been co-curating the Mamiya 7 Ruined Everything Instagram page for a few years now and I am still blown away with the community and with the amount of interest that the Mamiya 7 generates. I still get excited when I discover new Mamiya 7 photographers and see the images being made. While we maintain the page, the community is as strong as it is because of the sustained use of the Mamiya 7. New and older photographers continue to create a high level of photographic material and I am so grateful for it. I hope that this showcase of 20 photographers inspires you as much as they inspire me. If you are curious about this camera or a fan of awesome film photography, please feel free to explore our feed. Also, if you are new or a seasoned Mamiya 7 photographer discovering our feed for the first time, tag us at @mamiya7ruinedeverything and use our hashtag, #mamiya7ruinedeverything to get featured and to be part of the community!

-Albert Genato, Co-curator of @Mamiya7ruinedeverything

20 MAMIYA 7 PHOTOGRAPHERS YOU NEED TO KNOW IN 2024!

Aidan Klimenko | Los Angeles, CA | @aidan.klimenko | aidanklimenko.com

Aidan Klimenko (b. 1989) is an American documentary and fine art photographer based in Los Angeles, USA. His multicultural upbringing in Ecuador and Minnesota deeply influences his work, which often explores themes of cultural connection and contrast across the American continents. Klimenko's photography is marked by a methodical, personal approach that focuses on intimate relationships within communities and a passion for fostering understanding. He has been recognized with the LensCulture 2023 "Emerging Talent Award" and a National Geographic journalism grant for his book project, "Achupalla."

One of Klimenko's notable works captures a poignant scene at a Peruvian border crossing. The image features a large green sign welcoming visitors to Peru, under which individuals, including police and demonstrators holding banners and a Peruvian flag, are gathered. This photograph encapsulates the tension between authority and civilians, highlighting the socio-political complexities of cultural and geographical boundaries. Klimenko's skillful composition and narrative focus invite viewers to engage with the deeper stories and emotions behind the moment, exemplifying his ability to create work that is both intimate and informative.

Andrea Mendoza | Houston, TX | @ny_lonestar

Andrea Mendoza, hailing from Houston and a passionate film enthusiast, is a professional film editor and photographer based in Austin, TX. Her journey into photography began at the age of 12 when she received her first camera, a Canon Rebel 35mm, sparking a lifelong passion for capturing the world around her. Though photography is not her primary profession, it remains a constant in her life, reflecting her fascination with travel, daily life, and particularly the landscapes of the Far West. Mendoza's work is characterized by vibrant, textured imagery that invites viewers to see the world through her eyes, appreciating its inherent beauty and depth.

In one of her evocative pieces, Mendoza frames a tranquil desert landscape through the open door of a car. The photograph captures a rugged dirt road lined with tall cacti, stretching toward distant hills under a soft, pastel sky. This composition not only highlights the serene and expansive nature of the Far West but also encapsulates a sense of journey and exploration. The image is a testament to Mendoza's skill in transforming everyday moments into compelling visual stories, underscoring her unique perspective and artistic vision.

Anna Warner | Nashville, TN | @anna_warner_ | annawarnerphotofilms.com

Anna Warner is a skilled film photographer and Super 8/16mm videographer based in Nashville, Tennessee. With a professional focus on the wedding, music, and fashion industries, Warner also pursues a personal art practice centered on landscape and portraiture. Influenced by folk art and philosophy, her work delves into themes of human self-discovery and humanity's relationship with nature. Warner's photography and videography capture the essence of life's journeys, highlighting the beauty and complexity inherent in both people and the natural world.

In one of her compelling landscape pieces, Warner presents a vast, barren scene featuring a dirt road that stretches endlessly toward the horizon. The muted tones of the photograph enhance the stark beauty of the landscape, emphasizing a sense of solitude and introspection. This minimalist composition invites viewers to reflect on the themes of journey and solitude, embodying Warner's artistic vision of exploring humanity's connection to nature.

Bryan Kong | Manila, Philippines | @bryan_kong

Bryan is a Manila-based film photographer known for his adept use of the Mamiya 7ii camera, shooting primarily with Kodak Portra 400, 800, and Lomo 800 films. His work focuses on travel, landscapes, and portraits, often capturing everyday life in striking settings. Influenced by photographers like Harry Gruyaert, Todd Hido, and Alex Soth, Bryan also explores street and documentary photography. As an entrepreneur and former professional drummer, he brings a diverse background and unique perspective to his creative endeavors.

In this photograph, Bryan captures a rugged landscape where a river winds past striking rock formations. The scene is anchored by a green hillside, with a few figures and construction equipment subtly included, adding a human element to the natural setting. The color palette emphasizes the earthy tones of the landscape, creating a calm yet thought-provoking image. Bryan's work often blends the everyday with the unusual, offering a nuanced view of familiar and remote places alike.

Bryce Zheng | Melbourne, Australia | @brycezhengau

Bryce Zheng, originally from Fuzhou, China, is a photographer based in Melbourne, focusing on portraits and landscapes. His preference for film photography allows him to slow down and engage deeply with his subjects, capturing the fleeting moments that define life's richness. Bryce's work aims to encapsulate the essence of his experiences, highlighting the transient beauty of the world around him.

In this photograph, Bryce captures a coastal landscape at dusk, featuring a prominent cliffside and calm waters. The fading light casts a warm glow over the scene, with soft hues in the sky enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. The image captures the rugged beauty of the landscape without excessive embellishment. Bryce's use of film photography lends a natural texture and depth, encouraging viewers to appreciate the subtle details of the moment.

Casey Joiner | New Orleans, LA | @ce_joiner | www.caseyejoiner.com

Casey Joiner is a New Orleans-based photographer whose work is rooted in the documentary tradition, focusing on the reality of her immediate surroundings. Her approach emphasizes a non-hierarchical image selection, using light, shadow, and color to create images rather than relying solely on narrative content. Joiner's photography reflects a democratic vernacular and a magical realist attitude, informed by her experiences in the Deep South, where she finds inspiration in places filled with peculiarities and long-standing traditions. Her work explores themes of memory, identity, celebration, and the everyday, captured with a matter-of-fact sentimentality.

In this photograph, Joiner captures a candid moment of three dogs seated in a convertible, exuding a whimsical yet poignant charm. The image uses natural light and subtle colors to emphasize the textures and expressions of the dogs, creating a snapshot that feels both spontaneous and carefully composed. The scene reflects Joiner's interest in the mundane yet extraordinary moments of life, portraying a blend of humor and sincerity. This photograph exemplifies her ability to find beauty and meaning in everyday scenes, inviting viewers to interpret the image through their lens of experience and emotion.

Doug Golupski | Los Angeles, CA | @dougolupski

Doug Golupski is a seasoned engineer and landscape photographer based in Los Angeles, California. With over thirty years of experience in film photography, Doug has developed a particular affinity for Kodak Aerochrome film, known for its rare ability to render foliage in surreal, vivid hues. This film, now discontinued, has allowed him to create striking, otherworldly images that challenge conventional perceptions of landscape photography. Doug's work often reflects his travels with his wife, capturing the unique beauty of natural environments through a blend of technical skill and artistic vision.

The image of Cathedral Peak exemplifies this approach, showcasing the mountain and surrounding forest in unexpected shades of red and pink against a contrasting blue sky. This use of color not only highlights the distinctive features of the landscape but also invites viewers to experience these natural settings in a new and imaginative way. Doug’s work continues to celebrate the intersection of reality and fantasy, emphasizing both the technical and creative potentials of film photography.

Fabien Dendievel | Montepellier, France | @fabien_dendievel | www.fabiendendievel.com

Fabien Dendiével, born in Paris, discovered his love for visual arts early in life, balancing his time between drawing futuristic urban panoramas and attending the Louvre art school. Introduced to film photography by his father, Fabien developed his skills as an autodidact, eventually gravitating towards medium format cameras. This transition marked a significant evolution in his work, allowing him to master light and composition with precision. Fabien's photography often explores empty spaces and minimalist compositions, focusing on revealing the subtleties of his subjects.

In this photograph, Fabien captures the interplay of light and shadow in a modern architectural setting. The image, featuring a solitary bicycle in a stark, geometric corridor, highlights his preference for minimalism and careful composition. The stark contrast between the vibrant red ceiling and the subdued tones of the walls and floor accentuates the scene's simplicity and stillness. This approach reflects Fabien's cinematic style, where he treats each shot as a carefully composed scene, waiting for the perfect moment when light and form converge to reveal the unseen beauty in everyday spaces.

Hiroshi Masuko | Tokyo, Japan | @hiroshimasukophotos | www.hiroshimasuko.jp

Hiroshi Masuko, a Tokyo-based photographer born in Aizu Wakamatsu, Fukushima, Japan, in 1980, has developed a distinct body of work centered around his fascination with Mt. Fuji. Since 2017, he has consistently captured the iconic mountain on film, a practice that culminated in the publication of his photo book "Fugaku Ni Hyakkei" (Two Hundred Views of Mount Fuji) in 2022 by Bromide Books. Hiroshi's work is characterized by a dedication to traditional film photography, allowing him to explore the nuances of light and composition in his depictions of this revered landscape.

In this photograph, Hiroshi presents a serene scene featuring a vintage car parked in front of a snow-capped Mt. Fuji. The composition subtly integrates the human-made and natural elements, with bare trees framing the image and adding depth. The use of film photography enhances the natural colors and textures, capturing a moment of stillness and contemplation. Hiroshi's approach highlights the enduring allure of Mt. Fuji, inviting viewers to appreciate the mountain's timeless beauty through a contemporary yet nostalgic lens.

Isaiah Winters | New York, NY | @isaiahrw | www.isaiahrw.com

Isaiah Winters is an interdisciplinary artist and photographer based in New York, NY. He holds a BA in Sociology from Salisbury University and an MFA in Photography from Parsons School of Design. Isaiah's work blends documentary style with analog technologies, often incorporating elements of popular culture and cinematic aesthetics. His photography explores themes of everyday life and nostalgia, using these mediums to comment on the societal impact of these elements.

In this photograph, Isaiah captures a quiet, introspective moment in a domestic setting, featuring a woman and a dog in a warmly lit living room. The composition is carefully structured, with natural light flooding through large windows, creating a serene atmosphere. The use of analog film lends a soft, nostalgic quality to the image, enhancing the sense of stillness and reflection. Isaiah's approach emphasizes the beauty in everyday scenes, inviting viewers to engage with the subtle narratives and emotions embedded in the mundane.

Josefien Tondeleir | Ghent, Belgium | @tondeleirjosefien | www.josefientondeleir.com

Josefien Tondeleir (°1987, Ghent) is a Belgian portrait and documentary photographer. Her love for film photography started with a Canon FTQL and two Rolleicords she got from her uncle. Her interest in medium-format film photography came through the work of Alec Soth. Her personal work is mainly shot on medium format film cameras, a Hasselblad 500CM and the Mamiya 7. As a freelance photographer for newspapers and magazines, she mostly works with a digital Fujifilm camera. Becoming a mother for the first time at the end of 2019 had a big impact on her life. She has created a body of work around this, called ‘NEST’, which was published as a book by The Falabella Stable publishers in January 2021. Also, her own experience with breastfeeding ignited a deep interest in this subject. Therefore she created ‘The Breast Feed’. Her most recent work is also very personal and focuses on her experience of co-parenting ('Apenverdriet') and another work on the loss of her grandparents ('Remains'). She often includes self-portraiture to tell her stories, and they are a way for her to deal with emotional events in her life.

Joseph Jimenez | Union City, CA | @itsjobruh

Joseph Jimenez is a photographer based in Union City, California, in the NorCal Bay Area. He specializes in capturing the beauty of coastal adventures with his friends, often using a Mamiya 7 camera, which has significantly influenced his perspective on the environment. His work spans various genres, including landscapes, fashion, weddings, and family portraits, highlighting his versatility and passion for documenting diverse moments and scenes. Joseph's approach is characterized by a desire to capture the essence of the places he visits, always equipped with his camera to document the world around him.

In this photograph, Joseph captures a serene coastal scene featuring boats docked near a calm body of water, with a prominent rock formation in the background. The soft lighting and reflective water surface create a tranquil atmosphere, emphasizing the peacefulness of the setting. The image showcases Joseph's ability to blend natural landscapes with human elements, creating a harmonious composition that invites viewers to experience the serenity of the moment. His use of the Mamiya 7 camera adds a distinct quality to his images, allowing him to explore the nuances of light and color in his coastal adventures.

Joshua Singh | San Francisco, CA | @josh7185 | www.joshuasingh.xyz

Joshua Singh is a photographer based in San Francisco, renowned for his use of film to capture the dynamic and vibrant energy of urban life. His work centers on the beauty and unique character of city environments, highlighting both architectural elements and the people who inhabit these spaces. Through his lens, Joshua explores the interplay between the built environment and human presence, creating images that reflect the diverse and bustling nature of city life.

In this photograph, Joshua captures a serene moment on a waterfront promenade, where a man stands with his bicycle, gazing out over the ocean. The composition features a modern building to the left and a flock of birds flying overhead, adding a sense of movement and life to the scene. The use of warm lighting enhances the tranquil and reflective mood of the image, contrasting with the typical hustle of urban settings. Joshua's approach emphasizes the quieter, often overlooked aspects of city life, inviting viewers to pause and appreciate the beauty in everyday urban moments.

Linda Chaussee | Los Angeles, CA | @l.chaussee | www.lchaussee.photography

Linda Chaussee is an artist based in Los Angeles, with a rich background in art and architectural history. Her work primarily explores the interaction between natural landscapes and the built environment, often focusing on the stark and expansive terrains of the American Southwest. Through her photography, Chaussee delves into themes of desolation and human impact, capturing the subtle dialogues between untouched nature and human-made structures. Her distinctive approach has earned her recognition, including the Julia Margaret Cameron Awards in 2021 and 2022, and the Chromatic Awards in 2023.

In this photograph, Linda captures a scene that juxtaposes the ruggedness of natural landscapes with architectural elements. The composition highlights the vast, open space of the Southwest, often characterized by its barren and sunlit terrain. The use of light and shadow in the image emphasizes the stark contrasts and the intricate relationship between nature and human intervention. Chaussee’s work invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of these interactions, drawing attention to the beauty and tension that exist within these environments.

Marius Vogler | Berlin, Germany | @marius_vogler

Marius Vogler is a Berlin-based film photographer originally from a small town in the middle of Germany. His work focuses on minimalist landscapes and still-life scenes that evoke strong emotions. He draws significant inspiration from the early works of Todd Hido for his night photography and loves to capture calm scenes during the golden hour in rural parts of Europe, influenced by the photographic style of the great Americana photographers.

Vogler's favorite camera is the Mamiya 7, which produces incredibly detailed photographs with an unbeatable wow factor. Using the Kodak Portra series, he prioritizes natural and pleasing colors. Beyond creating photographic art, he enjoys the slow and intentional process of shooting with film, which brings him to a meditative state. The Mamiya 7 greatly aids him in this, as its ergonomic and lightweight form factor, combined with the unobtrusive rangefinder system, allows the camera to disappear between him and his subject, enabling a deeper connection to the scene.

Nat Segebre | Brooklyn, NY | @natsegebre | www.natashasegebre.com

Nat Segebre (they/them) is a Colombian-American photographer based in Brooklyn, NY, with roots in South Florida. Their work is characterized by vibrant and intricate images that capture everyday moments with a meditative and transformative perspective. Nat exclusively uses analog techniques, shooting on medium format and 35mm film, and is deeply involved in the entire photographic process, including hand-printing their color and black-and-white images in the darkroom. This hands-on approach allows Nat to infuse a personal touch into their work, creating a distinctive and tactile quality in their photographs.

In this image, Nat captures a poignant moment in an indoor arena, where a spotlight illuminates a lone horse bearing a flag in front of a crowd. The composition uses dramatic lighting and shadow to draw attention to the central figure, emphasizing the solemnity and significance of the moment. The vibrant colors and analog texture enhance the atmosphere, imbuing the scene with a sense of nostalgia and reverence.

Rosie Lang | Kimberley, Australia | @ro___zana | www.RosieLang.com

Rosie Lang is an analog photographer and architectural graduate based in Yawuru Country, in the northern Kimberley region of Western Australia. Her work is deeply influenced by her love of travel and exploration, focusing on landscapes, architectural forms, and the interaction between people and public spaces. Rosie's photography often captures moments of quiet contemplation, using a minimalist approach to emphasize the subtle details of her subjects. Her work has been recognized in prestigious settings, including being shortlisted for the Australian Photography Awards and exhibited in group shows at film labs across Berlin, Glasgow, Melbourne, and Fremantle. Rosie is currently preparing for her debut solo exhibition and working on publishing her first photo book.

In this photograph, Rosie captures an unusual yet intimate scene of elderly men playing chess in a pool, highlighting the juxtaposition of a leisurely setting with the strategic focus of the game. The composition draws attention to the interaction between the individuals and the unique use of space, reflecting Rosie's interest in how people engage with their surroundings. The warm, natural lighting enhances the serene and contemplative mood of the image, emphasizing the stillness and concentration of the players. Rosie's ability to find and depict quiet, reflective moments in everyday life is unparalleled.

Ryan Weisz | Philadelphia, PA | @ryanalexweisz | www.ryanalexweisz.com

Ryan Weisz is a 32-year-old photographer based in Philadelphia, known for his dedication to film photography. Ryan uses film as a medium to preserve memories, capturing moments that leave lasting impressions. His work is characterized by a keen observation of light and a minimalistic approach to editing, which allows him to highlight the essence of each scene. This process of documentation has become an addiction for Ryan, driving him to continuously explore and interpret his surroundings through the lens of his camera.

In this photograph, Ryan captures a nostalgic view of a classic American diner, Wally's, with its iconic Coca-Cola signage. The image exudes a sense of stillness and timelessness, with the soft lighting adding a warm, nostalgic glow. The composition is carefully balanced, focusing on the architectural details and the contrasting colors of the signage against the muted tones of the surroundings. Ryan's minimalistic editing style enhances the scene's vintage aesthetic, inviting viewers to reflect on the transient nature of places and memories. His work consistently explores the intersection of light, memory, and place, offering a quiet yet powerful commentary on the moments that define our experiences.

Verity Fitzgerald | Cape Town, South Africa | @verity.fitzgerald | verityfitzgerald.com

Verity FitzGerald, a photographer based in Cape Town, South Africa, originally hails from Botswana. She balances her time between personal projects and commercial work, focusing on compelling portraiture and authentic visual storytelling. Verity's photography is characterized by its emotional depth and the intimate portrayal of her subjects, whether she is working solo on long-term projects or collaborating with large production crews. Her work has garnered recognition from notable publications and organizations, including Travel + Leisure, The British Journal of Photography, and the Royal Photographic Society.

In this photograph, Verity captures a striking portrait of a woman standing in a serene, natural landscape. The subject, dressed in a vibrant coral suit, exudes confidence and poise, with the soft lighting accentuating the details of her attire and expression. The backdrop of a sandy beach and distant mountains adds a sense of calm and openness to the composition. Verity's approach highlights her ability to merge fashion and portrait photography, creating images that are both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. Her work emphasizes authentic moments and the unique stories of her subjects, making her photography a powerful medium for visual storytelling.

Victoria Freeman | Portland, MA | @victoriabfreeman

Victoria, originally from a small town in Alabama, is a photographer currently based in Portland, Maine. Since relocating, she has developed a deep appreciation for capturing the unique beauty of each season in New England, particularly autumn. Her work reflects a fascination with the changing landscapes, which she captures on film to preserve the fleeting moments of each season. For Victoria, photography is a way to create and store memories, with each shutter click symbolizing the deposit of a feeling into a lasting memory.

In this photograph, Victoria captures a serene autumn landscape, with mist rising from a still body of water, surrounded by vibrant foliage. The image beautifully showcases the rich colors of fall, with golden leaves reflecting in the water and a soft mist adding a sense of calm and tranquility. The composition emphasizes the natural beauty of the scene, inviting viewers to experience the quiet magic of an autumn morning in New England.

ABOUT THE CURATOR

Albert Genato is a Filipino born photographer now living in a Philly burb in New Jersey. While Albert’s professional work is primarily product and wedding photography, his passion lies in capturing unique landscapes, urban scenes, and the everyday mundane. His love for film photography led him to finding the Mamiya 7 which is his primary photographic tool. 

Connect with Albert on his Website and on Instagram!

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