Welcome back to 8 Exposures, our popular instant film Q&A series. This week, we bring you Tennessee photographer and new mom Ashley Jae Fly…
1) What kind of Polaroid camera(s) do you use?
I use several different Polaroid cameras, but the three I use the most are a Spectra System, an SX-70 Sonar & a Sun 660 I’ve pretty much retired the rest of them.
2) Why do you like instant photography?
I’m in love with instant photography because of its permanence, magic, and the nostalgia I feel when I shoot with it. It’s imperfect, which in my eyes makes it that much cooler. I love the static of it, and the fact that what you see is what you get. We don’t scan our instant photographs and then edit them in photoshop. It is what it is.
3) What is your earliest memory of instant film?
My earliest memory of instant film is when I was 5 and dressed terribly as a Ninja Turtle for Halloween. There were polaroids taken of me at an earlier age, but this was the first time I’d actually remembered the sound of it and it stuck with me. I still feel that young sometimes when I hear the shutter click and the film eject. It’s one of the happiest sounds I can imagine.
4) What’s your favorite Impossible film type?
My favorite film so far has to be the PX 70 Color Shade. I love the vividness/crispness of the colors. A close second would have to be the PZ 680 for Spectra cameras. I’ve gotten some beautiful results with it as well.
5) What are your favorite subjects to photograph?
I will never stop photographing dead animals. You can call me gross, but there is so much beauty in death! I feel like you can bring something back to life with a good photograph, and instant film makes it so much more magical. I also love to shoot anything with the Spectra Close-Up attachment. I’m addicted to macro shots.
6) Tell us about a project you’re working on.
My newest project is actually this really cool human that just came out of my body. I’ve been growing her for 10 months and haven’t stopped taking photos of her since the moment I saw her. I got out of the car after we’d returned from the hospital the other day and was happy to find some of the Cool film in my mailbox. I hope everyone is prepared for the overload of adorable baby polas, because I’m stoked. Otherwise, I’m not allowed out of the house with her yet, so I’m not working on anything new at the moment.
7) Who are your favorite photographers, instant or otherwise?
My favorite? The Gentleman Amateur! I’m sure you all know why. Also, Dan Ryan – who has the most amazing collection of Time Zero shots I’ve ever seen in my life. His shots are what my dreams are made of! Otherwise, my favorite black and white photographer is Francesca Woodman – who has inspired me throughout the few times I got really into doing self-portraits on black and white.
8) If you could take a photo of anyone or anything what would it be?
My new goal is to visit Nairobi and stay the night in the giraffe manor. I’ve been wanting a giraffe encounter for a few years now, and also have really wanted to explore Africa – so I’d kill two birds with one stone with that one.
About Ashley
I’m from Nashville, TN and I’m a self-taught photographer. I used to make pizza, but now I’m a brand new full-time stay-at-home mom which is way cooler than working.
To see more of Ashley’s photos, please visit her Wordpress Blog. You can also follow her on Twitter at @7treehouses.
