Part 2 of 3 in my Europe travel series. Start at the beginning: When the Show Gets Cancelled: Junk Journaling Through Vienna → | Part 3 coming soon: Junk Journaling Through Europe
After everything that happened in Vienna (the cancelled concerts, Cornelia Street, the gathering that somehow turned grief into something beautiful) we had a little more time in the city before heading to Paris. And I'm so glad we did, because the highlight I didn't see coming was The Kiss.
Gustav Klimt's The Kiss at The Belvedere. I've stood in front of a lot of art in my life, but I have never had a piece move me the way that one did in person. Growing up, my grandma had a poster of it in her house. She was one of those people who just knew things about art, about travel, about all the things I love most.. and seeing that painting hanging there as a kid shaped something in me I didn't fully understand until I was standing in front of the real thing.
Then we headed to Paris.
We did it all! The Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, polaroids on the Seine.. Paris was everything, and I did so much junk journaling there that it genuinely needs its own post! (That's Part 3 — coming soon.)
But first: Versailles.
LomoChrome Purple at the Palace of Versailles
I shot this roll on my Olympus Stylus Epic 80 loaded with Lomography's LomoChrome Purple 35mm film, and I was completely enchanted by everything it did at Versailles.
I'd never used this film before, and I kept being unsure of how certain environments would turn out. Versailles is already gilded and excessive and slightly unreal, and this unique film stock ended up being the perfect match. In the end, I wish I had taken the entire roll at the Palace of Versailles because I am absolutely obsessed with the way these shots came out!
VIBES: The Wizard of Oz poppy field meets The Goonies meets Pride & Prejudice
Lomography LomoChrome Purple 35mm film is a unique and experimental film stock that offers a surreal and dreamlike color palette. This ISO 100-400 film is known for its ability to transform ordinary scenes into otherworldly landscapes.
VIBES: Marie Antoinette meets Windfall meets Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The film's signature effect shifts green tones to purple, creating an enchanting, almost psychedelic look. Blues can turn golden, while yellows may shift towards a vibrant blue. The results are unpredictable and vary depending on lighting conditions and exposure, and the surprise is part of its fun. LomoChrome Purple lends itself perfectly to my desire to add a touch of whimsy and artistic flair to my photos, in a totally new way. I love it!
VIBES: The Lizzie McGuire Movie meets Passport to Paris meets The Wedding Planner
The Olympus Stylus Epic 80 Film Camera
I shot these on an Olympus Stylus Epic 80 (also known as the mju II 80 in some markets), which is a compact point-and-shoot film camera that's become a cult favorite among photography enthusiasts. Released in the late 1990s, this camera features a sharp 35mm f/2.8 lens, making it ideal for street photography and everyday snapshots. Its sleek, weather-resistant body makes it a durable companion for various shooting conditions. The camera's autofocus system is quick and accurate, while its built-in flash provides good illumination when needed. With its compact size and user-friendly design, the Stylus Epic 80 is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced photographers looking for a reliable, pocketable film camera. I picked mine up for $40 on Facebook Marketplace—which is a steal! I've seen it listed for over $200.
One of the most intriguing characteristics of the Olympus Stylus Epic 80 is its tendency to produce unique lens flares. When shooting in bright conditions or with strong light sources in the frame, the lens can create beautiful, ethereal flares that add a dreamy quality to images. These flares often appear as soft, colorful halos or streaks across the photo, lending an artistic and sometimes unpredictable element to shots. Many photographers actually seek out these flares, using them creatively to add atmosphere and a touch of vintage charm to their images. When combined with the surreal color shifts of LomoChrome Purple film, the lens flares created truly magical fairy elements within the Palace Gardens.
Try LomoChrome Purple for yourself!
If you're intrigued by the magical results of LomoChrome Purple, you can try it out for yourself! Get your hands on this funky film stock here: https://amzn.to/3Nent27
Here's a link to more of my Film Photography Favorites.
Part 1: When the Show Gets Cancelled: Junk Journaling Through Vienna → Part 3: Junk Journaling Through Europe — the spreads, the supplies, the whole thing. Coming soon.
Shop what I used on this trip: Shop my favorite film stocks, including LomoChrome Purple → Grab the collage pack I traveled with → New to alternative film? Download my free Creative Guide to Polaroid Emulsion Lifts →