Blog

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Hi friends, and welcome back to 8 Exposures, our ongoing instant film Q&A series. This week, we’re happy to bring you Maryland photographer Ashley Saldana…

1) What kind of Polaroid Camera do you use?

I use a variety of Polaroid cameras. The majority of the time I use my grandparents’ Supercolor 635 CL Polaroid camera. Lately I have been shooting with my SX-70 Model 3 and my Spectra camera.

2) Why do you like instant photography?

I like the fact that every photo you take is completely different, even if you take the same shot twice. I love the minimal control I have of how the photo will develop – that’s what makes instant film so mysterious to me! You just never know exactly how your photo will end up. I also love how the anticipation builds up to watch something right in front of me develop in my hands. It’s like I’m capturing different bits and pieces of the world and taking them with me wherever I go.

3) What is your earliest memory of instant film?

When I was younger I remember my mom and grandparents showing me Polaroids of when my mom was my age. The Impossible Project is mainly what introduced me to instant film. I have yet to shoot with original Polaroid film, but I hope to in the near future!

4) What’s your favorite Impossible Film?

My favorite film type would have to be the PX 680 COOL film although the new PX 680 Color Protection film is beginning to grow on me. Not having to shield your photos at times can be quite convenient.

5) What are your favorite subjects to photograph?

I’ve recently been really interested in portraits, but I usually photograph just about anything. If it catches my eye I take a photo of it. I’m really drawn to bright and colorful subjects with a lot of contrast.

6) Tell us about a project you’re working on.

Well, I have noticed myself taking a lot of photos of my sister and I. Every week I try to take a photo of her, but only capturing the lower half of her body. Usually she is just standing there, or sometimes holding something she was using at the moment. I’ll take one of her and she will take one of me. This mini project has given us a chance to bond more, especially since she is starting to get into instant photography, which I’m so excited about! I’d also like to start another 365 day project. I started one a couple years ago but never actually completed it, I’d like to prove to myself it’s something I can accomplish.

7)Who are your favorite photographers, instant or otherwise?

Let’s start with saying this: I have met so many photographers on Twitter, Flickr, and Instagram and their talent is unbelievable! But at the moment I have one photographer who has really inspired me. His name is Ian Ruhter and he makes these beautiful giant photos using wet plate collodion. Did I mention he takes these photos with his truck he transformed into a camera?! How cool is that? He drives to different places to capture these breathtaking life-sized photos! He’s definitely a photographer I would love to meet someday. He has the same passion that I do when it comes to photography.

8) If you could take a photo of anyone or anything, what would it be?

I would really like to travel to Europe and photograph different places including Germany, Italy and Paris. I’d also like to photograph my grandparents who live in Germany. I think capturing moments with them would be intriguing especially because I don’t see them very often.

About Ashley

I am a photographer from Maryland, attending college to get my degree in photography. I also enjoy collecting vintage cameras.

To see more of Ashley’s photography, please visit her Flickr photostream. You can also follow her on Twitter at @Asshhleeyy_D.