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Hello again, Instapals! Welcome back to 8 Exposures, our ongoing instant film Q&A series. This week, we bring you our good friend, Dallas photographer Justin Goode…

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

A Mamiya RB67 w/ an instant back, Polaroid Automatic 100, Spectra AF, Sonar SX-70 and a SLR 680.

2) Why do you like instant photography?

The whole process is special. You expose a frame, which is then pushed through rollers, smearing developer goop across a negative. A chemical reaction takes place and voila, an image materializes. That is tangibility at its finest. Within minutes you have a work of art in your hands. I like that, because of its analog nature, outside variables can shape the final outcome of the image. Another bonus of instant photography is the connection people have with the film. It’s incredibly nostalgic. Most, if not every person I’ve shot using instant film, smile & exclaim something about how neat, cool, awesome, amazing, unique it is. I couldn’t agree more. It’s all of that and then some.

3) What is your earliest memory of instant film?

There was a place in town that we used to have birthday parties at, Penny Whistle Park. I remember seeing Polaroids used there quite often.

4) What’s your favorite Impossible film type?

PX 70 NIGO and the COOL films are at the top of the list. I’m a big fan of the quirks they have and I enjoy the minor imperfections. For me, that’s what helps to make these images unique. I really hope that Impossible will re-release some of these more popular lines of film in the future.

5) What are your favorite subjects to photograph?

I like to shoot practically everything. I find myself wanting to become well versed in all aspects & subjects with photography. Instant photography, which most everybody reading this knows, is useful for many applications but has boundaries in which it thrives. Some subjects are challenging because of its limitations. I enjoy learning about the ‘space’ in which it can be used.

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

I’m currently working on a few photo projects. One is for Minter’s Thunderbirds here in town. The owner, Amos Minter, has given me access to his shop. I’m working on a long-term project, documenting the restoration process of his Thunderbirds and photographing images of his employees. When I’m finished (months or years down the line), I will be making a photo book for Amos & his family. They are very kind people and I feel it’s the least I can do for them. Another project I’m involved in is with Dylan Boyd. We’re currently working on a collaboration of images. I’m writing the blog article and will be sharing it soon. The last project I’ll mention is purely personal. Photographing family & friends, to one day make a book, showcasing people that have inspired and touched my life.

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

Many of the classic greats come to mind; Henri Cartier-Bresson, Richard Avedon, Margaret Bourke-White, Ansel Adams, Julius Shulman, Philippe Halsman and Eugene Smith are just a few.

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

I spent a few days in 2006 on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. I wasn’t into photography then, but I would LOVE to go back there with the knowledge I have now.

About Justin

I’m a photographer/drummer who lives in Dallas, TX and I’m completely obsessed with film & instant photography.

To see more of Justin’s work, please visit his Wordpress blog and his Flickr photostream. You can also follow him on Twitter at @justinsgoode.