Blog

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Hi again, 8 Exposures fanatics! We’re happy to bring you a special Sunday entry in our series. This episode, the star of 8 Exposures is Seattle-based designer, project manager and mom Brooke Castro…

1) Q: What kind of Polaroid camera(s) do you use?

A: I have 12 Polaroid cameras (there is no such thing as too many cameras, right?), but the ones I use most are my SLR 680 SE, SX-70, and a Polaroid ColorPack II.

2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?

A: I love that it has proved time and time again that the most beautiful or interesting photos aren’t always the ones you planned for or expected.

3) Q: What is your earliest memory of instant film?

A: When I was really young, my grandfather used to take family photos with a Polaroid camera. I can remember waiting, anxious for him to peel back the film and show my cousins and me the photo. (That Polaroid ColorPack II that I mentioned above? That was my grandpa’s camera.)

4) Q: What’s your favorite Impossible film type?

A: I’m excited about PX 680, but I really really REALLY love PX 600 UV+.

5) Q: What are your favorite subjects to photograph?

A: Looking at my recent instant photos it looks like fruits and vegetables, but without a doubt, my son Calder is my favorite subject to photograph. I’ve taken a photo of him (almost) every day since he was born. Not every photo is great, but it’s crazy to look back and see how much he’s changed. The instant film photos are definitely my favorites. (If I could get him to stand still, the ones that I scan and post would outnumber the stack of blurry instant photos I have of him.)

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

A: I hope to get a book of my photos that I have designed in my head, out and on to paper in the new year. I’d also really like to curate and design an exhibit of instant photography by Northwest photographers.

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

A: Hmmmm…I have quite a few favorites, but right off the top of my head:
Walker Evans – I saw a show of his Polaroids at the Met years and years ago. It changed the way I look at the world.
Alison Garnett – I bought my first SX-70 after looking at her Polaroids on Flickr. In my opinion, there’s no one better at Pola-diptychs AND she takes the most amazing photos of her children.
Mr. Grant Hamilton – A master at capturing color and form. Every composition is perfect.
I also feel very lucky to be connected to the instant photography community via Flickr. There are so many talented photographers that I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know through their photos and kind comments – Jessica Hibbard, Anne Bowerman, Azuree Wiitala, Jenna Gersbach, Jeff Hutton, Patrick Tobin, Jenny Vorwaller, Jake Messenger, Nick Leonard – to name only a few. It’s really nice to know there are a bunch of people out there that are as passionate and excited about instant photography as you are.

8) Q: If you could take an photo of anyone or anything what would it be?

A: Strangers. I’ve passed by so many interesting looking people, but I never have the courage to stop them and ask if I can take a photo.

Thank you to Brooke for taking part in 8 Exposures! Be sure to check out more of her amazing photography in her Flickr Photo Stream