Hello, friends. We’re back again with another entry in our popular instant film Q & A series, 8 Exposures. This week, we bring you Ohio’s own Andy Jenkins…
1) What kind of Polaroid camera(s) do you use?
I mainly use my SX-70 Sonar, 440, Graflex Crown Graphic and my 110a converted to take pack film. I also mix in several other SX-70s with their own quirks, a couple 250s, one600, Supercolor 635 CL, Big Swinger 3000, Polaroid Reporter, Square Shooter 2, and Holgaroid back.
2) Why do you like instant photography?
I like the artistic outlet instant photography provides. The nuances of each type of film and camera allows for so many creative options. I know some people would just give up on a film like Push!, but personally, taking the mundane and transforming it to something else is what makes it fun. I like Jack White’s quote regarding his guitars, “I wanna work and battle it and conquer it and make it express whatever attitude I have at that moment. I want it to be a struggle.”
3) What is your earliest memory of instant film?
I remember making Mother’s Day cards when I was probably 10 years old using my mom’s Supercolor 635 CL (which I still use currently). Neon shirts, parachute pants and Air Jordans really popped on old Polaroid 600 film.
4) What’s your favorite Impossible film type?
The PX 680 beta is hands down my favorite. I still have one box left I’m waiting to shoot when the grey skies of Ohio leave in the spring. The new PX 70 test film is really nice as well.
5) What are your favorite subjects to photograph?
When it’s nice out, I like to take full advantage of a day. I enjoy shooting around a lot of the metro parks and hiking trails in Ohio. Not a lot of people around so it’s nice to slow down and just enjoy the outdoors. I usually have my 440 with me as rural decay can pop up pretty much anywhere in the Midwest.
6) Tell us about a project you’re working on.
I recently put together a book of my favorite peel apart shots from 2011 entitled, Instant Appropriation. Mainly did it for family and friends to pretend I somewhat know what I’m doing. For 2012, I’m hoping to try to figure out how to safely navigate a stand up paddleboard while not ruining a camera for some shots from an amphibious perspective of things I see on my way to work everyday.
7) Who are your favorite photographers, instant or otherwise?
Charles Peterson, Lance Mercer, Ian and Erick Regnard, and Art Brewer are several that I really like whether it be due to music or surfing interests. On Flickr I really enjoy The Gentleman Amateur, Bastiank80, moominsean, Ludwigwest, nepumug, and abdukted1456’s stuff to name a few. The morning coffee and their photostreams are always inspiring.
8) If you could take a photo of anyone or anything what would it be?
I’d love to get some of my cameras back to the North Shore of Oahu and the Na Pali coast on Kauai at some point. Easily my favorite places I’ve ever been. A shaved ice, the ocean and instant film…that’s the life.
About Andy:
“I live in Dublin Ohio with my wife and chocolate lab who are patient enough to deal with the fridge being filled with boxes of instant film. My job entails being around the ups and downs of society all day and is reflected in the lack of people in my photography. Photography as a hobby is a nice outlet to get away from the goings on of everyday life.”
Thanks to Andy for taking part in 8 Exposures! To see more of Andy’s photography, please visit http://ercodeblue.tumblr.com/. You can also follow Andy on Twitter at @jenk22
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