Into the Trees by Slovakian photographer, Soho24

Optiko was set up as an online project to highlight the work of predominantly amateur photographers specialising in film (analogue) photography, but I really wanted to put out a printed version of Optiko too, to make something more permanent and appealing, encouraging readers to study the photographs in a little more detail, more than they would on their computer screens for example. My aim is to get 3 or possibly 4 issues out in a year, but, with a young family, free time is in short supply and funds are limited. I try and update the site daily, but anyone who logs in regularly will know that this doesn’t always happen, but I’m getting better!

Photo by Berlin based photographer, Mika Kuusela

I would love to see an increase in the circulation of the zine to a point where it could sustain itself without additional funding, but for now, I’m happy to finance it and it is immensely rewarding, if a little time consuming. I’m always encouraged by the great feedback from readers and participants I receive and it’s good to know people are just as passionate about film photography as they are about independent publishing and zine ‘culture’.

Anyone wishing to buy a copy of Optiko can purchase it from our website, where you will also find links to a few zine stockists that sell our publication. Submissions are welcome from anyone with an interest in film photography, whether it’s articles and/or photos and I will try my best to include these on the site, the zine or both.

Find out more:
Website | Flickr | Facebook | Twitter

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