Hello, Impossibles! Welcome back to 8 Exposures. This week, we turned the spotlight on Long Beach, CA-based photographer Bradley Johnson:
1) Q: What kind of polaroid camera(s) do you use?
A: I use them all!…or at least, as many as I can get my hands on! Each camera has its own charm, but there are a few that I prefer more than others. I think that the SX-70 is the quintessential Polaroid camera. It does everything you would want a camera to do, and it uses instant film! My runner up would be the Propack. I know that many of my photographer friends will make fun of me for this, but it produces nice photos, and is relatively compact. I use the close-up, and portrait lens attachments (meant for the Polaroid 250, 360, 450 land cameras) to make it even more versatile. Also, it never has the jamming problem associated with Fuji pack film.
2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?
A: First and foremost is the instant feedback. However, with the advent of digital, that isn’t such a novelty anymore. I suppose the real reason I love instant film so much is the fact that each photo is an original work of art. There is no negative. The print you hold in your hand is one of a kind. There will never be another. Sure, you could scan and print a copy, but it will never be the same.
3) Q: What is your earliest memory of instant film?
A: I remember the camera my grandparents used for family snapshots. It was a Sun 660. I still have some of the shots taken with that camera, and they still look great! I have the camera as well. I don’t use it in my work, but it has great sentimental value to me.
4) Q: What’s your favorite Impossible film type?
A: The black and white (integral) film was something that I had never experienced, and thus very intriguing. However, I’m all about color. The PX 70 film allows me to continue using my SX-70, and produces colors that are extremely satisfying. Even if The Impossible Project succeeded in creating a film resembling 600 film, I would be very disheartened if this “time zero-esque” film were no longer available.
5) Q: What are your favorite subjects to photograph?
A: I can find beauty in pretty much anything, but my absolute favorite is the human face. There are so many possibilities, and I love to share the experience of instant film with people. It is such a rare experience these days, and I have yet to meet a person who wasn’t excited about it.
6) Q: Tell us about a project you’re working on.
A: Just one project?! I try to have at least 1 “major” shoot per month. My next one will be a “Dia De Los Muertos” theme. I try to come up with original ideas, or at least a new twist on an old idea. It helps me to keep my sanity.
7) Q: Who are your favorite photographers, instant or otherwise?
A: Gregory Crewdson, Emilie79 (Flickr), & Ansel Adams. There are so many more, but I felt like I should limit it to 3. I am consistently inspired by many of my “contacts” on Flickr photo sharing, and on Polanoid.
8) Q: If you could take a photo of anyone or anything what would it be?
A: Since I am most interested in people, it would most certainly be a portrait. There are many people I would like to photograph, but the person I enjoy photographing the most is my wife. I suppose you could say that I am extremely fortunate in that respect.
Thanks very much to Bradley for taking part in 8 Exposures! To see more of his photography visit his Flickr photo stream
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