Hello, instant film lovers, and welcome back to 8 Exposures, our popular analog Q&A series. This week the star is our good friend, Dustin Yager…
1) What kind of Polaroid camera(s) do you use?
I have a decent collection of Polaroid cameras but my main cameras are an SX-70 (whichever one is working at the time) and a modified 450 Land Camera. I am currently working on a new pack film mod that i am looking forward to.
2) Why do you like instant photography?
Everyone who sees me shoot instant film asks me this question and I never have a standard answer for it. I love the uniqueness and individuality of every shot. I love that it’s not easily replicated and that your instant shot is a capture of that moment in time, whatever it may be. I love that there is an unknown element with every instant photography shot and there are no “do overs.” Digital photography just feels cold and too perfect to me sometimes and I love the softness and dreamlike quality that instant film has. I also feel that since i have been shooting instant film, it has made me a better photographer and made me think of the shot more before and during the process.
3) What is your earliest memory of instant film?
I’m sure there were family snapshots on instant film growing up but I don’t really have any memories of these. The earliest current memory I have is when my girlfriend and I started dating about 4 years ago. She pulled out a Polaroid camera and was talking about the instant photography she had been doing. She let me take a couple of shots with her film and I was hook shortly after this. My father taught me photography when I was younger but instant film gave me a whole different way of looking at photography and the world.
4) What’s your favorite Impossible film type?
My favorite has been PX 680 First Flush. I have had some amazing results with this film and some of my favorite shots have been on PX 680 FF. The new PX 70 batch is fantastic as well and the tones of PX 600 UV+ lend well to portraits (especially the Black Frame film).
5) What are your favorite subjects to photograph?
I have been trying to take more portraits in my work and I like to try and capture everyday moments that could be anywhere in any time really. The little moments that we take for granted and pass us by before we realize they are gone. On instant film, I try to capture pieces of life that anyone can relate to and make you feel like you could be right there in that moment. I have to say that my girlfriend is my muse; she started me in instant photography and is my most willing subject. She is beautiful and ends up in so many of my photos.
6) Tell us about a project you’re working on.
The last few years, I have been taking instant film shots on my vacations to Martha’s Vineyard. I have tried to capture the beauty of the island and would like to try to put some of these shots together in the future for a book. I also have an ongoing series I have been doing called “Night Visions.” These are double exposure shots taken with an SX-70 that include a night scene and a portrait on Impossible films.
7) Who are your favorite photographers, instant or otherwise?
I have always been a big fan of Chuck Close, his painting and photography. Like many other people have stated, the many talented instant enthusiasts in the Flickr communities are a constant inspiration. I’ve had the pleasure to meet and even shoot with some of these people and they have all been the nicest people. It’s great to meet people you admire on Flickr and spend an afternoon geeking out about instant photography.
8) If you could take a photo of anyone or anything what would it be?
Right now I would have to say the Eiffel Tower, just because it would mean that I have been to Paris. Actually I would just like to take photos from around the streets of Paris.
About Dustin
I currently live in Connecticut and enjoy traveling around New England and to NYC with my Polaroid cameras. I work in the counseling field and occasionally in my spare time I can be found DJing weddings for indie kids.
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