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Hello friends! Welcome back to 8 Exposures, our instant film Q&A series. This entry turns the spotlight on our friend from across the pond, Ian Fleming…

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

I have rather too many. The SX-70 is my favourite. I have a SX-70 Sonar, a 645 CL and a Polaroid 1000 ‘red button’. For pack film, I have a lovely 180, a Big Swinger, a Square Shooter (which I have 3 packs of Viva for), plus my Big Shot, an underestimated camera.

2) Why do you like instant photography?

The instant gratification. I think Dr Land knew this; it’s highly addictive, having a real picture that has an ‘artistic’ feel to it. Oh, and it’s great fun.

3) What is your earliest memory of instant film?

We used Polaroids all the time in the Film and TV business for ID, Pack Shots, reference shots, etc. But I always found all the film and camera types very confusing; I’m not sure it helped Polaroid in the long term.

4) What’s your favorite Impossible film type?

Well, I have shot a ton of PX 680 First Flush in my SX-70 and got great results, but now it has to be PX 70 COOL, closely followed by PX 70 Nigo edition. For B&W I love PX 600 Black Frame, I bought a load of the Poor Pod film from last year; it’s a really easy film to use.

5) What are your favorite subjects to photograph?

Now this is difficult, but I think places, buildings, landscapes, I’m not that confident at portraiture.

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

Well, I spend most of my lunchtimes walking round Bristol Old Docks and Harbourside. I have loads of B&W film shots and loads of Instant shots, I’ve been asked to exhibit, but that’s something I need help with.

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

Henri Cartier-Bresson, Cecil Beaton and Ansel Adams.

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

I would love to spend a day in BBC Television Centre in London, and photograph the building and the people before the BBC leaves it.

About Ian

I live in Bath in the UK. I have a lovely wife who fortunately puts up with my ‘instant obsession’ and is a great photographer herself. I have been doing technical support in the radio and tv business for some 30 years, I spend all my work day with digital, so love analogue at home. My wife and I both love art and photography