Warmest greetings to you, Impossible friends! Welcome back to 8 Exposures, our instant film Q&A series. Our star this week is Los Angeles-based photographer Claire Oring…
1) What kind of Polaroid camera(s) do you use?
I use a regular Polaroid 600 One Step and a Polaroid Spectra. I also just got an old Land Camera I’m refurbishing.
2) Why do you like instant photography?
I love watching all the colors and textures bloom in the palm of my hand.
3) What is your earliest memory of instant film?
I started using instant film when I was 15 and my dad gave me his old camera. I have a box under my bed with hundreds of Polaroids I took in high school.
4) What’s your favorite Impossible film type?
I loved the PX 680 Gold Frame color shade because it was fancy.
5) What are your favorite subjects to photograph?
Nature, magic, adventure, folklore, and young ladies. Almost all my work is some combination of those elements with a hint of mystery.
6) Tell us about a project you’re working on.
I was savoring the idea of my mermaid series Fin for months and now it finally exists. I’ve been working on a collaboration with Billabong Australia and Billabong USA over the past six months. My illustrations and photos are on their clothing and everything is just about to come out. I get to shoot creative photos all the clothes this month. Dream come true!
7) Who are your favorite photographers, instant or otherwise?
I probably look up to classical painters more than photographers. I love the stories and symbolism they incorporate in each work of art. When looking for inspiration I go to museums and take notes on the back stories from my favorite paintings.
8) If you could take a photo of anyone or anything what would it be?
A centaur. I have yet to figure that one out.
About Claire
I’m a 23-year-old photographer from Los Angeles with an overactive imagination and a burning love for instant film.
Thank you to Claire for taking part in 8 Exposures! Be sure to visit her website,
www.claireoring.com and follow her on Twitter at @Claire_Oring.
Hi there, love your work very nice. I noticed you said that you were refurbing an ol’ land camera and I thought that if you ever need any help or questions to drop me a line and i’ll do my best to help(I refurbish, customize and repair pack film cameras). I currently work with people to help them with there refurbishments across the globe, and even help people abtain the manuals if needed also. I can be reached at http://apexeyeproductions.webs.com/ and offer help for free(I would rather people out there injoying themself then having a paper wieght sitting around waiting to be used. Let me know if you need any help and keep up the great work!