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Polaroid

Go Analog: Convert Your iPhone Photos Into Film

For all my love of everything digital, there are still some things in which I’m still squarely in camp analog. Yes, there are any number of apps on which to take notes or organize to do lists, but nothing has ever worked as well for me as old-fashioned paper and pen. Research even suggests that writing notes the analog way improves learning and comprehension. My stacks of Moleskine journals and collections of colored pens serve as testaments to my continued love of longhand writing.

I’ve also been unwilling to let go of film as a medium for photography. Instant film, in particular, with its dreamy qualities and keepsakes that fit nicely in my aforementioned Moleskine, is my favorite. But my Polaroid SX-70 was broken most of last year (now fixed!) so instead, I decided to experiment with the Impossible Instant Lab. The Instant Lab is a great little invention that lets you make original instant film images from photos off your iPhone. And I love it. I can take any image from the camera I have with me the most (iPhone) and convert it to film, creating images that are the same but also completely different.

Indeed, film is not dead.

February 15, 2016

Polaroid

For the Love of Instant Film: Poladarium 2016

If you’re still looking for some last-minute Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers, why not pick up a Poladarium 2016 calendar for your favorite photog or art lover? It’s a gorgeous tear-off calendar filled with images from instant film artists from around the globe. Each photo is also accompanied by a note from the artist telling its story as well as information about the camera and films that were used.

This year, I’m excited to be included among the artists who contributed to the Poladarium. On June 16th and October 8th you’ll be treated to one of my favorite instant film creations. And the lovely glossy pages make wonderful keepsakes.

You can find the Poladarium 2016 here:

December 14, 2015

Gratitude, Polaroid

Friends

“Close friends are truly life’s treasures. Sometimes they know us better than we know ourselves. With gentle honesty, they are there to guide and support us, to share our laughter and our tears. Their presence reminds us that we are never really alone.”

― Vincent van Gogh

November 16, 2015

Polaroid, Travels

8 Exposures: Hunting the Loch Ness Monster

On the shores of Loch Ness we went monster hunting.

We follow the twisting and narrow roads through the Scottish countryside. The roads that lead us from the warmth of our cottage to the great deep loch.

The trees thin and separate, the loch’s misty shores now filling the horizon. Stay alert and keep a lookout little man, you never know when Nessie might decide to appear.

Perched on the hillside, Urquhart Castle stands guard, the ghosts of its brave knights wander the battle-scarred ruins. Was she here then? Was she witness to the war and destruction? Or was she hiding away in the deep?

We scan the horizon, gazing through the fog and across the murky mysterious waters, looking for signs of life.

Edging closer, we step out onto the rocky shores, dipping our fingers in the cool water as it laps along the bank. We join in with fellow travellers, hoping that the loch will reveal her mysteries.

Daylight fades, the waters now begin to churn as the wind whips through our coats chilling us to the bone. It’s time to abandon our search for Nessie and seek warmth inside by the fire.

But wait! Look! Did you see that? Yes! Look closer! I’m certain I saw something in the water, its rounded neck and arched back floating just above the surface. Look, just there! Surely that must be Nessie. Have we found her at last?

+++++

All images shot with a Polaroid SX-70 camera and Impossible Project PX-70 Color Protection film.

January 16, 2014

Polaroid

8 Exposures: Scenes from Summer

For this month’s 8 Exposures, I’m sharing favorites from several packs of Impossible Project film that I shot over the summer.

When I started this series at the beginning of the year, I mentioned that I wanted to shoot more portraits on Polaroid and asked if there were any takers out there with the patience to pose while a fiddled with the camera settings. Well I had one taker, my friend Laura, who is passionate about photography and everything vintage. So one afternoon this summer, she pulled out her collection of vintage hats and I snapped images.

A few from the set I took didn’t turn out well, out of focus and over-exposed, but that’s the nature of instant film. But then there were these, without a doubt some of the best images I’ve ever produced with my SX-70. And when people look at me like I’m crazy for shooting film in this age of digital, I will always remind myself of the photo of Laura and the rose hat. What emerged from that blue emulsion was a photo full of beauty, softness, warmth, and magic that no amount of digital processing could ever recreate.

Emboldened by my shots of Laura, I turned the camera back on myself attempting some self portraits. And honestly, I would love to say that I planned this sun-flare encircling my head like a halo, but I didn’t. It’s the magic of Polaroid shining through and the fact you never know what surprises await once the film finishes developing.

And my child, my child who has never been able to sit still long enough for me to capture him on film (apart from that one time he was asleep), sat patiently atop a stone wall surrounding the purple fields of Cotswold Lavender. It’s entirely possible that he was bribed.

Sunflowers, I cannot resist sunflowers. There is something about their big bright blooms that always brings a smile to my face.

Finally, a few shots from my journey into London to join Xanthe, Susannah, and group of fellow photographers on a photo walk around Barbican. Thanks for the lovely afternoon!

October 8, 2013

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