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December 2012

1
No. 657

Impossible Holiday Card Exchange!

Patrick Tobin, | 170 days ago

Deck your cards with words so jolly!

It’s always nice to receive personal messages during the holiday season. A little nicety goes a long way to making the recipient feel warm and fuzzy. Send us a holiday card via snail mail and in return we will send you a Happy New Year card! Your card can be something you illustrated, an Impossible Postcard featuring one of your instant shots, or simply an Impossible photo itself dropped in the mail with a note written on the back!

Please get your card to us by December 31st and come January, you’ll get a card from us! Happy Holidays from Impossible!

Read all
2
No. 657

Impossible's Sunday Brunch with Guest Chef Toby Hancock

Patrick Tobin, | 169 days ago

Photo by Katy Maziarz

Welcome back to Sunday Brunch, our series in which we share lovely photos taken with Impossible film. We decided to mix up the brunch menu a bit by inviting Impossible friends and photographers to guest curate our Sunday Brunch selections.

Our good friend and fantastic photographer Toby Hancock came up with the menu for this week’s “Guest Chef” entry. Please enjoy these savory photos selected by Toby!

Photos come to us from Katy Maziarz, Kevin Scott Koepke, Ghee Dondlinger, Troy Bradford and Kim Oberski and were taken with the following film types: PX 680 Color Protection, PX 70 Cool, PX 600 Cool and PX 600 UV+ Black Frame.

Toby’s thoughts on each photo…

Read all
3
No. 658

8 Exposures...with Francisco Chavira

Patrick Tobin, | 168 days ago

Hello, instanteers. Welcome back to 8 Exposures, our popular instant film Q&A series. This week, we happily bring you wonderful California photographer Francisco Chavira…

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

Like most photographers, I get GAS or Gear Acquisition Syndrome; It’s incredibly easy to get! There are Polaroid cameras everywhere at my place. However, I was challenged by a fellow photographer to stick to one camera and one film, to learn everything about that one camera and that one film. So, I shoot almost exclusively with an SX-70 Sonar. I’ve learned that the sonar doesn’t work most of the time, so I manually focus all the time. Sticking with this one camera, I’ve grown very comfortable with it and shooting it has become very natural. It’s truly an amazing camera, the depth of field and the sharpness of the SX-70 is stunning.

2) Why do you like instant photography?

As a film photographer, having an instant photo at your disposal is incredibly rad. Not only do you get the satisfaction of seeing how your images will look right away, but your subject gets the feeling of accomplishment as well. All the effort your subject put into makeup, hair, posing ect. is worth it. Instant film is powerful, because it has a unique ability to alter someones mood. To think how this one tiny square image, can uplift and excite is amazing. Having that power to instantly uplift your subject on a portrait shoot is powerful.

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No. 659

Workshops at Project Space Vienna

Marlene Kelnreiter | 168 days ago

by Oliver Blohm

This week is going to be a busy one at our Project Space Vienna!

On Friday, December 7, we cordially invite you to attend a free workshop dedicated to the (im) possibilities of the various Polaroid box type cameras. Afterwards we’d love to see you at the Impossible regular’s table, the last one of this year! Simply bring along your favorite drink and enjoy!

On Saturday, December 8, German photographer Oliver Blohm will introduce you to his experimental techniques which lead to surreal and mystical photos based on analog instant films, his work is regularly being featured in international magazines. The workshop starts at 2pm, to register click here for all details.

4
No. 660

New mold machines for the Impossible factory

Factory Team | 167 days ago

In our factory we are from time to time facing true challenges. Recently we found ourselves in urgent need to find an in-house solution for molding the plastic parts for the film cassettes. Our supplier went bankrupt and it was not possible to find a new supplier on short notice.

FINDING
In order to became fully self sufficient we had to source and purchase the right molding machines and equipment. All of them were bought in an online auction where we managed to place the right bid at the right time, thanks to a special bidding team in a bidding room furnished with fast internet connection and lots of coffee. After lots of excitement we succeeded in getting all “must have” machines and equipment for very reasonable prices.

PACKING
Then came the one and only day when we had to disconnect, dismantle, pack and moving the machines and equipment. For this delicate operation a special team was assigned and an external transportation company had to be hired for moving the 8-11 tons heavy molding machines. As shown on attached pictures, 2 big cranes and 2 big trucks were needed for loading and moving the molding machines. Further excitement was added by the time limiting fact that we only had 1 (one) day available for disconnecting, dismantling, packaging and moving the machines and equipment. An execution plan was made and the different tasks were divided within the team.

The building where we had to dismantle the machines was powerless,...Read All

5
No. 662

Impossible's Analog Travelog - Matt Smith in Spain

Patrick Tobin, | 166 days ago

Welcome to our newest addition to the Impossible Blog: Impossible’s Analog Travelogue! In this series, we’ll be showcasing fantastic Impossible photos taken on voyages the world over. This entry comes from Matt Smith, who just visited Spain and brought along some Impossible film…

Back in 1999, a group of 8 or 9 of us travelled from our shared university house in Wales, UK to a friend’s parents’ villa near Denia on the East coast of Spain for a sunny holiday that happened to also be my 21st birthday. You can imagine the 10 days that followed.

This September, a group consisting of mainly the same people met in another villa near Denia, to attend the wedding of our friend who owned the villa from the previous holiday, where the wedding was to be held. Friends travelled from the USA, Oman and other far flung places for the wedding. This was also a reunion of lifelong friends, impossible to believe 13 years had passed since the last trip. A week of good times, parties, relaxing, swimming and ping pong followed, as well as a beautiful wedding, where we were still in the pool at 5am.

Luckily for me I had a few packs of the new PX 70 Color Protection test film and some PX 600UV+ with me, along with my trusted SX-70. This was the point I feel that Impossible film has really made it. Great colours, no shielding, no hassle, just shoot it! The weather was 35 degrees...Read All

No. 662

SNAP! x Impossible Photo Contest - Sept/Oct "Road Trip" Finalists

Patrick Tobin, | 166 days ago

Photo by Megan Kirschenbaum

Hello, friends! We are happy to announce the winners from the September-October round of our ongoing photo contest in collaboration with SNAP! Magazine. The theme for September/October was “Road Trip.”

Winning images come from Megan Kirschenbaum, Thomas Preyer, Gord Iversen, Genevieve, Amber Mahoney, Ashley Saldana, Jade Sheldon, Amalia Chimera, John Carleton and Toby Hancock.

The 10 finalists will receive $5 off their next purchase with Impossible.

Congrats to Megan Kirschenbaum for her Grand prize winning image! Megan will receive a pack of Impossible Film and a mystery prize from Team SNAP!

The theme for September is Plastic! We now have an official SNAP! x Impossible Gallery on our site. For more details on the collaboration, click HERE.

6
No. 663

PX 680 Holiday Edition

Marlene Kelnreiter | 165 days ago

We can’t promise you’ll have a white christmas but our special holiday packaging for PX 680 Color Protection is covered with snowflakes!

Available in festive five or three packs, this limited edition packaging contains the best color film we’ve produced for 600 cameras. It makes a perfect gift and will surely generate a blizzard of thank-yous!

Please note the film in the Holiday packaging does not have decorated frames, they are the classic white frames.

No. 664

The Impossible NYC Holiday Party

Michelle Casper, | 165 days ago

Thursday, December 13
Impossible Project NYC Space
map
By Michelle Casper

On December 13th, to thank our wonderful analog community, we are hosting a very Impossible holiday party!

Have a glass of wine, meet other instant film aficionados and get crafty with our holiday card making station! Re-live your childhood by creating handmade cards to present to your loved ones this year. We will have Lift-It Kits and Impossible Pen sets available for your creative needs, and all Impossible Postcards will be 15% off!

To make the season even sweeter, from 6pm-9pm all cameras will be 20% off and all film will be 15% off.

Festive holiday attire is optional, but definitely encouraged!

Thursday, December 13th
6PM to 9PM

Where:
Impossible Project Space NYC
425 Broadway, 5th Floor
Between Howard & Canal Streets

7
No. 665

8 Exposures...with Bria Morrison

Patrick Tobin, | 164 days ago

Welcome back to 8 Exposures, our ongoing instant film Q&A series! This week, we are happy to bring you California photographer Bria Morrison…

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

My folding SX-70 is the love of my life and my very first “real” (as in not automatic everything) Polaroid camera. I found her on eBay in early 2009 and she’s still one of my greatest treasures. Since then I have fallen for my Spectra which is perfect for quicker shooting at weddings or other on-the-go occasions. And, not to forget my latest acquisition, my beloved Polaroid 180 Land Camera.

2) Why do you like instant photography?

I really love everything about instant photography but the one thing I love above all others are the images themselves. They’re soft and clear all at once. Painterly. You can blow them up HUGE and they remain some of the most beautiful photographs I’ve ever seen. There is no equivalent in the digital or standard film worlds.

3) What is your earliest memory of instant film?

Even though instant film was in my life for many years before this, the first time I can honestly say I remember what it was like to be photographed on instant film was on Grandparent’s day when I was in elementary school. My grandma, mom and I all posed for a picture & held up this little paper bunny I had made for Easter.

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No. 666

PZ 680 Color Protection - Money-Back Guarantee

Marlene Kelnreiter | 164 days ago

By Marion Birringer on PZ 680 Color Protection

We are absolutely confident that you will love our new PZ 680 Color Protection film!

In the unlikely case that you should not be satisfied with the results you get, please return ALL 8 frames of the film pack to one of the three addresses below before January 31, 2013. Please also write your original order ID number on the envelope.

We will then issue a refund of the full purchase price of the film pack (less shipping) to your paypal or credit card account.

Impossible GmbH
CP Return
Halbgasse 3/2/1
1070 Vienna
Austria

Impossible America Corp
CP Return
425 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10013-2547
USA

Impossible Tokyo
CP Return
Kabushi Kaisha
1-20-5 Aobadai
Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Japan

No. 667

Impossible Vacancy

Marlene Kelnreiter | 164 days ago

By Andrea Palei on PX 100 Silver Shade UV+

“Really, there is still film for old Polaroid cameras?!” Despite all the attention that our project has enjoyed from its very beginning we still hear this surprised question. We are looking for an experienced PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER who is eager to help us change this.
You are experienced in approaching and communicating with the press and have excellent contacts, you know how to transport content to relevant target media and audiences and how to optimally feature Impossible products, you are motivated to build and raise the Impossible brand awareness together with a passionate team.

YOUR TASKS
-> Strategic planning, execution and controlling of international press as well as external and internal communication
-> Set up and control of a yearly media plan, implementation of PR pro-active efforts, engage in media relations and create and secure media with PR pitches
-> Increase presence of the Impossible brand substantially in the international media landscape

-> Set up, nurture and maintain contacts with international press contacts
-> Build and manage a highly effective communications department. Provide direction and international guidelines to local PR & marketing teams for domestic implementation
-> Report and analyze outcome to the CMO
-> Employment: Full-time
-> Job start date: January / February 2013

-> Job location: Berlin

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS
-> At least a bachelor degree (major in communications, marketing or branding is of advantage)

-> Minimum of 4 years of working in the PR and Communication...Read All

No. 668

Stefanie Schneider - Old Book, New Film

Marlene Kelnreiter | 164 days ago

German artist and photographer Stephanie Schneider is one of our most beloved artists when it comes to usage of analog instant film materials.

Her popular series 29 PALMS, CA from 1999 have become significant for the aesthetics of her work, featuring a surreal mood and the magic of analog instant film.
Published by Schwarzerfreitag we are proud carrying the splendid fourth issue of the Pocket Polaroid Series

For the last two and a half years, Stefanie has been on the feature “The Girl behind the White Picket Fence”. The film premieres December 7 at the Light Assembly Film Festival and December 9 at the Colony Theater in Miami Beach during the Art Basel Miami. Click here for more.

8
No. 670

8 Exposures...with Andrea Palei

Patrick Tobin, | 163 days ago

Hello, friends. Welcome back to 8 Exposures, our popular instant film Q&A series. This week, we’re happy to bring you long-time Impossible supporter and wonderful photographer, Italy’s own Andrea Palei…

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

I started shooting instant film with the “Polaroid 1000 red button” of my dad. I am passionate and I bought an original SX-70 (my favourite camera), from there I became insane, and I started collecting as many instant cameras as possible. I often use original SX-70 and SLR 680. And sometimes the Spectra and Colorpack II.

2) Why do you like instant photography?

It’s magical. The thing I love most about the instant photography is the unpredictability of the outcome, and the possibility to “touch” the photo and see it “born” slowly under my eyes. Those are things that fascinate me again like the first time.

3) What is your earliest memory of instant film?

The very first memory: I was a child and my father was taking polaroids at the beach and birthday parties.

Read all
9
No. 669

Imposible's Sunday Brunch with Guest Chef Andrew Millar

Patrick Tobin, | 162 days ago

Photo by Alexandre Bouchon

Welcome back to Sunday Brunch, our series in which we share lovely photos taken with Impossible film. We decided to mix up the brunch menu a bit by inviting Impossible friends and photographers to guest curate our Sunday Brunch selections.

Our good friend and fantastic photographer Andrew Millar came up with the menu for this week’s “Guest Chef” entry. Please enjoy these savory photos selected by Andrew!

Photos come to us from Alexandre Bouchon, Penny Felts, Landry, Lambis Stratoudakis and Hugo Goudswaard, and were taken with the following film types: PX 70 Color Protection, PX 70 Cool, PX 680 Cool and PX 680 First Flush.

Thanks so much to Andrew for taking time to assemble this tasty bunch! Keep shooting, and be sure to submit to the Impossible Gallery and the Impossible Flickr Group! Your Impossible moment may end up in a future edition of Sunday Brunch!

No. 672

BOOK WEEK at Impossible!

Patrick Tobin, | 162 days ago

READ ALL ABOUT IT!

We’re simply M.A.D. for the books in our online shop so we thought we’d show them a little love. From December 10th-16th, enjoy special deals on all of these tomes. Ranging in topics From Polaroid To Impossible, We’ve got 101 Ways to TickL your fancy!

Go to our Online Shop & pick one up this Instant

10
No. 673

8 Exposures...with Cyrus Mahboubian

Patrick Tobin, | 161 days ago

Hello friends, and welcome back to 8 Exposures, our instant film Q&A series! This week, we’re happy to bring you London photographer Cyrus Mahboubian…

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

I’ve collected an unhealthy number of Polaroid cameras in my time and I’ve used most of them, apart from the very early models. My favourite is the original SX-70, but the one I use most often is an SLR 690. It was made in the 80s, based on the SX-70 design and it’s a wonderful camera.

2) Why do you like instant photography?

I like it instinctively, I’ve been hooked since I shot my first Polaroid and watched as the image appeared. Whenever I try to explain it in words, it always comes back to two things: the tangible nature of the prints and their singularity. For those reasons the photographs are more than just photographs, they’re objects. I also like the integrity of instant photography; once you’ve shot the image, there’s nothing more, you can’t edit it – actually that will make you a better photographer. Today everything is digital, but it’s hard to connect with digital images – the vast majority exist only on computer drives and will never be printed. It’s sad. Instant photography is the remedy.

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11
No. 674

The Camera Museum: Polaroid SX-70 OneStep

Patrick Tobin, | 160 days ago

With its rigid white and black plastic body and its iconic rainbow stripe, the classic SX-70 OneStep is one of the most recognizable cameras Polaroid ever produced. It was first released in 1977 as a more affordable alternative to the folding SX-70s and has been a fan favorite ever since.

The SX-70 OneStep has a single-element plastic lens with fixed aperture (103mm, f14.6), 4 ft minimum focus distance, an exposure dial and a socket for flashbars. The OneStep can be used with the Impossible Flashbar by Mint or disposable flash bars, and works with any of our film for SX-70s, which can be found HERE.

Just in time for the holidays, we have a very limited quantity of SX-70 OneSteps available in our special White Christmas Rainbow SX-70 Kit. Act now and make your holiday merry and bright!

12
No. 661

Impossible's Analog Travelog - Abe Bingham in Morocco

Patrick Tobin, | 159 days ago

Welcome back to our newest addition to the Impossible Blog: Impossible’s Analog Travelog! In this series, we’ll be showcasing fantastic Impossible photos taken on voyages the world over. This entry comes from Abe Bingham, who just visited Morocco and brought along some Impossible film…

In October, my partner and I spent a couple weeks in Morocco, traveling from Tangier to Casablanca and Marrakech by train. We didn’t know a lot about the country except for what we’d read: but we were interested in the dry, hypnotic beauty of the desert, and the feeling of being in a completely new place. In Tangier, we visited the sites of beat and literary history, staying in the same, surprisingly unfussy room that Jack Kerouac did when he visited fifty years prior. Casablanca was full of friendly locals and pickpockets and beautiful architecture. And Marrakech? Well, let’s say it was a little too touristy for our taste, but we did see some remarkable and beautiful sites.

In my previous trip abroad, I hadn’t brought my SX-70, and this time I decided that I wanted to. The camera itself travels remarkably well. I found a snap-locking tupperware that fit my camera perfectly to protect it from bumps and water. The film took up more room in my bag than the camera, and took some explaining at customs in Tangier! Beyond practical logistics, though, the SX-70 is a wonderful camera to travel with. I found myself taking fewer “tourist” shots with it (smiling head in front of whatever famous or beautiful landmark) and more “souvenir” shots. By that I mean close-up photos of small details that can really transport me back there.

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13
No. 677

PX 680 American Woods Edition

Marlene Kelnreiter | 158 days ago

Impossible celebrates the woods that built America in this limited edition analog film bundle, featuring frames of (somewhat accurately reproduced facsimiles of) American Hard Maple, Canyon Live Oak and Hickory Nut.

Each pack contains 8 frames of PX 680 Color Protection film, our latest, and greatest color film. Thanks to the innovative color protection formula there is no need to immediately shield your photos from direct light.

Much like a tree taking time to reach its full height, PX 680 film will take 30 to 40 minutes to fully develop (in colder weather it may take a bit longer.)

The film is slightly slower so we suggest adjusting the L/D setting on your camera a tick or two towards lighten.

Enjoy this unique limited edition now!

No. 678

Impossible 20x24 Workshop

Josie Keefe, | 158 days ago

This month we hosted our first ever 20×24 workshop, taught by John Reuter and Nafis Azad of the 20×24 studio. The workshop began with an evening lecture by John at Impossible NYC, covering the development and historical use of the camera. John showed images shot by a diverse group of talented artists, shot since the camera’s inception in 1976. The group was inspired by the large format work of Lucas Samaras, Joel Janowitz, Betty Hahn, Chuck Close, Barbara Kasten, and more. We had a q&a session on the set-up, lenses, and technical specifics of the camera so the group could prepare for the studio day.

The second day of the workshop was a full studio day at the 20×24 studio in downtown manhattan. Participating in the workshop were filmmaker Dan Weissman, writer Chris Bonanos, and photographers Frank Stewart, Carrie Roseman and Fabrice and Varial. Everyone shot had a chunk of time to shoot with the camera, guided by John and Nafis. The group shot a wide variety of images, some still lifes, classic portraits, nudes, multiple exposures, and emulsion lifts. The workshop was an amazing experience to learn about, shoot with, and watch others use this rare and legendary large format camera. We will offer the 20×24 workshop again soon so stay tuned and don’t miss your chance to shoot with the 20×24 camera!

14
No. 677

Dr. Love's Tips - SX-70 Troubleshooting Guide

Patrick Tobin, | 157 days ago

Welcome back to Dr. Love Tips where Impossible USA’s Camera Resource Manager Frank Love provides insight and advice on how to get the best out of your Polaroid cameras and Impossible film. This week: SX-70 Troubleshooting Guide!

After some requests, and many general inquiries, we have created a comprehensive online troubleshooting guide for your SX-70. Simply bookmark the link, and you can always access the guide from anywhere you have an internet connection. You can also download as a PDF, or print it out.

Read through the guide in its entirety before you begin troubleshooting, but as any problem pops up, you will become more familiar with issues that may arise and how you can resolve them.

The goal here is first and foremost to keep everyone shooting with their cameras, and right after that, it’s to prevent people from wasting their precious film to an inexplicable problem that may be easily remedied.

So with that said, here is the SX-70 Troubleshooting Guide. Please feel free to submit questions and feedback on things that may be added or clarified.

As always, Keep your rollers clean,

-f

No. 680

What To Do With Your Time(r)

Patrick Tobin, | 157 days ago

Once upon a time, the Polaroid Digital Timer was used to time the development of Polaroid peel-apart films. Now that they’re extinct, we encourage you to find clever new uses for this device.

For example, see how long it takes you to run a mile, how long you can hold your breath, or how long it takes you to eat a pizza.

Share your creative use for the timer in the comments section below and we’ll send you one for free (We’ll contact you for your shipping address if we don’t have it on file).

Note: Supplies are limited, so act fast

16
No. 681

Impossible's Sunday Brunch with Guest Chef Sol Allen

Patrick Tobin, | 155 days ago

Photo by Bruno Haas

Welcome back to Sunday Brunch, our series in which we share lovely photos taken with Impossible film. We decided to mix up the brunch menu a bit by inviting Impossible friends and photographers to guest curate our Sunday Brunch selections.

Our good friend and fantastic photographer Sol Allen came up with the menu for this week’s “Guest Chef” entry. Please enjoy these savory photos selected by Sol!

Photos come to us from Bruno Haas, Jerome Cimolai, David Sankey, Flore de Sermet and Lisa Duran, and were taken with the following film types: PX 70 Color Protection, PX 100 UV+, PX 680 Gold Frame and PX 600 Black Frame film.

Here are Sol’s thoughts about each photo…

Bruno Haas

I’m a complete sucker for reflections. Love the blue to yellow to blue shift as well. That red lil’ car? C’mon, too perfect! :)

Jerome Cimolai

A super creative, and well displayed triptych. Feel super bad for them about the accident, though!

David Sankey

I think this is perfect. The slight wonkiness, the couple of birds and of course, the delicious creams of the PX 100. Decadent.

Flore de Sermet

Charming, secret and inviting. So lush, I can only hope there are more photos from this.

Lisa Duran

Love vistas. I have found myself searching for wide open views for the last couple of years. Whenever there is a beautiful landscape in front of me, I instantly get drawn in.

Thanks so much to Sol for taking time to assemble this tasty bunch! Keep shooting, and be sure to submit...Read All

17
No. 682

8 Exposures...with Sarah Seené

Patrick Tobin, | 154 days ago

Hi friends, and welcome back to 8 Exposures, our ongoing instant film interview series. This week, we are very happy to present you with French photographer and filmmaker Sarah Seené…

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

Since I began to work with instant film, I use a Polaroid 636 Close-up camera from 1992, which my dear aunt gave me. When I was a child, I used this device to photograph my grandmother’s animals…

2) Why do you like instant photography?

What interests me in the instant photography is its spontaneity, suspense and surprise. I prepare my instant photos a lot… During one hour or two, I set up costumes, sets and make-up which are going to give sense to the central characters of the photo. It is the contrast between the direction and the speed of the development that interests me and, of course, the magic grain of the instant photo, inimitable.

When the photo comes out, my heart is beating at top speed ! For me, instant photography is synonymous with emotion and sensation!

3) What is your earliest memory of instant film?

A few weeks ago, my mother offered me her first photo of me when I was an infant, and it was a polaroid. Obviously I didn’t remember taking this picture… But I do remember very well the very first Polaroid I made: when I was 7, the day of Christmas with my Grandma, we had just decorated the Christmas tree, I was so happy to decorate it with her,...Read All

No. 683

And the winner will...

Patrick Tobin | 154 days ago

… be announced by the end of this week!

Honestly, we are still not done reading your more than 1500 comments. Thank you for all of them, we are overwhelmed by your passionate participation!

Florian Kaps himself will let you know just before the holidays via a personal blog post who the lucky winner of the golden SX 70 Alpha Ivory is – stay tuned!

Thank you for your patience… but the greatest joy is in the anticipation anyway, isn’t it?

18
No. 683

New: Ordering by Phone

Marlene Kelnreiter | 153 days ago

by Ioanna Mavrou

Would you rather speak with someone nice instead of simply filling your online basket?

Our friendly Impossible staff is all ears, ready to take your order or to answer any questions you might have.

USA: (212) 219 3254 – 111
Monday-Friday: 12 – 5 pm EST

EUROPE: 0049 (30) 577 0150 – 10
Monday-Friday: 10 am – 1 pm & 2 – 5 pm CET

We look forward to speaking with you!

19
No. 679

Impossible's Analog Travelog - Maree Spraggon in Nice

Patrick Tobin, | 152 days ago

Welcome back to the newest addition to the Impossible Blog: Analog Travelog. We’ll be sharing with you fantastic instant photos taken on voyages the world over. This entry focuses on Maree Spraggon and her recent visit to Nice, France…

I went to Nice for four days at the end of the November…officially for a conference but unofficially to eat lots of food, drink Provençal wine, shop and take photos; some digital, some iPhone and some polaroids. My SX-70 OneStep had a few shots left on a PX 70 Color Shade Cool film pack and then I had the opportunity to try the new PX 70 Color Protection film that I’d recently bought in Vienna. I’m impressed….not having to whisk it straight into the dark somehow made it so much more relaxing compared to the previous generations of film and the colours seem to be holding much better. The light along the promenade is particularly special in the morning and evening….you can’t go wrong; and I enjoyed conversations with random people asking about the camera and where the film comes from… people seem genuinely pleased when they find out that the Polaroid experience is not dead. I’ll be taking some more PX 70 to the other side of the world for Christmas…and some PZ 680 Color Protection for the Spectra camera… bring on summer.

Thank you to Maree for taking part in Analog Travelog! To see more of her photos, please visit her Flickr photo stream.

If you’ve recently...Read All

20
No. 686

Getting creative with 8x10 photos

Marlene Kelnreiter | 151 days ago

We were curious to figure out how one can get creative with 8×10 photos. Developed and tested with all our passion and lots of time we are now proud to present creative techniques that can be applied to 8×10 photos.

From classics like transparencies, emulsion lift and image manipulation we also discovered how to shift the photo’s shape, bleach the negative or use 8×10 film for printmaking. We hope to inspire new creative techniques to be developed by you!

Download the free 8×10 Creative Techniques Manual here.

As some of this technique are very experimental we always recommend wearing gloves and to keep towels and water close by in order to remove any chemical paste.

No. 687

Installation of SHUT X Impossible Exhibition

Josie Keefe, | 151 days ago

Check out this stop motion video of our installation of the SHUT X Impossible Exhibition
Watch the light change through the day as we transform our south wall with 72 skate boards! The show is a collaboration with Shut Skates and features original photographs and limited edition boards featuring Impossible images from skaters Alex Olson, Chris Nieratko, Eli Morgan Gesner, Scott Caan, Scott Oster, and Zered Bassett. The show will be on view at Impossible NYC until January 7th, and the boards are for sale at Shut NYC.

21
No. 688

Ivory and Gold SX-70 Winner!

Patrick Tobin, | 151 days ago

AND THE WINNER IS….

Ody and Kila Mae! One of our advent calendar delights was a free SX 70 Gold Edition to one lucky fan. We got more than 1500 comments and after many hours of reading, Impossible Co-founder Dr. Florian Kaps selected Ody and Kila Mae’s submission:

Read all
No. 689

8 Exposures...with Lee Summers

Patrick Tobin, | 150 days ago

Welcome back to 8 Exposures, our ongoing instant film Q&A series. This week, we are happy to bring you Georgia photographer Lee Summers…

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

My first love, the SX-70 original. An SLR 680 SE that saved me in the dark days of Time Zero discontinuation. And the beautiful, translucent Spectra Onyx for when I want to roll wide.

2) Why do you like instant photography?

It’s like the difference between a tamagotchi and a real pet. It’s one of a kind and unpredictable. Tangible. It’s a conversation starter. It’s been said so often before but this is real magic right here and we need more of that in this world. Plus, when my hard drive eventually dies and I lose all of my digital photos, I’ll still have my Polaroids. And someday, someone else will have them and wonder why I’ve kept so many blurry photos.

3) What is your earliest memory of instant film?

For some reason, I can’t recall ever growing up with a Polaroid camera in the family, though my parents have albums of them that run counter to my memory. The turning point in my adult life was when I was given a donated original SX-70 by a manager at a thrift store I used to work at in the early 2000s. I fell in love with the mechanics and design and since Time Zero was still readily available at the time, I was instantly hooked.

Read all
23
No. 690

Impossible's Sunday Brunch with Guest Chef Patrick J. Clarke

Patrick Tobin, | 148 days ago

Photo by Claudia Toloni

Welcome back to Sunday Brunch, our series in which we share lovely photos taken with Impossible film. We decided to mix up the brunch menu a bit by inviting Impossible friends and photographers to guest curate our Sunday Brunch selections.

Our good friend and fantastic photographer Patrick J. Clarke came up with the menu for this week’s “Guest Chef” entry. Please enjoy these savory photos selected by Patrick!

Negative space is something that is very compelling in all art, but the uniqueness of Impossible film is that even in the negative spaces there is texture, content and soul. The images I chose for this Sunday Brunch blew me away with their beauty and textural negative space from all over the world.

Read all
26
No. 691

Impossible's Analog Travelog - Andrew Rose at Yellowstone

Patrick Tobin, | 145 days ago

Welcome back to Impossible’s Analog Travelog! In this series, we showcase fantastic Impossible photos taken on voyages the world over. This entry comes from Andrew Rose, who recently visited Yellowstone National Park and brought along some Impossible film…

My girlfriend and I made our first road trip from California to Yellowstone National Park during the summer of 2010. It was my first time ever visiting the park, and I was amazed by the beauty and incredible power of the natural features. I got caught up with capturing the entirety of the park’s landscape, and I often missed out on just experiencing the park and its features. It was an easy mistake to make with a DSLR in hand, allowing for the capture of hundreds of images in a day. Although I came away with some great images and memories, I couldn’t help but feel like I had not experienced all there was to offer.

In the spring of 2011, I discovered The Impossible Project after my stash of original Polaroid 600 film began to run out. After experiencing the magical qualities of this new film, I soon became addicted and I knew our next road trip would have to be documented on Impossible film for its unique characteristics. We decided to make another trip to Yellowstone in July of 2012.

My girlfriend and I decided to spend a week camping in Yellowstone, exploring all that the park had to offer. With our experience from our previous trip to the park, we felt prepared to take it on as a whole. We wanted to make an expedition out of our vacation: discovering locations we missed before, and delving deeper into sites and features we planned to revisit. We explored all of the geyser basins, the wildlife filled Hayden and Lamar valleys, learned about the history of the park, and went on hikes to brinks of waterfalls and other wonderful places.

Read all
27
No. 692

Viewfinder: Portroids at Pardcast-A-Thon 2012

Patrick Tobin, | 144 days ago

Welcome back to Viewfinder, our ongoing series in which we chronicle interesting projects people are working on that incorporate Impossible film. This week, we are happy to bring you photos from this year’s Pardcast-A-Thon, taken by Rick DeMint, AKA Portroids…

Every year on the day after Thanksgiving, the popular comedy podcast Never Not Funny holds a 12-hour live-streaming marathon event, the Pardcast-A-Thon, to raise money for the charity Smile Train. The host Jimmy Pardo and co-hosts Matt Belknap and Pat Francis welcome 2-3 new guests each hour from the world of entertainment (writers, comedians, musicians, actors, etc.). This year, they raised over $100,000 to help provide cleft repair surgeries to children in developing countries.

As a comedy fan, many of the portroids (autographed Polaroid portraits) I’ve taken over the past nine years have been of comedians, which is how I ended up meeting Jimmy, Matt, and Pat and getting involved, even in a small way, with Pardcast-A-Thon. For the past three years, I’ve been given access to take Polaroids backstage of all the guests. It is truly one of the highlights of my year. So much fun! These portroids are then auctioned off afterwards to raise additional money for Smile Train. I also put together a poster of all the photos to commemorate the event, which they have hanging on their studio wall.

Last year I used the Impossible Project PZ 600 UV+ Silver Shade Black Frame film to beautiful result, and this year I switched for the...Read All

29
No. 692

8 Exposures...with Andrew Twyman

Patrick Tobin, | 142 days ago

Welcome back to 8 Exposures, our popular instant film Q&A series. This week, we’re happy to bring you Andrew Twyman…

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

For now I just own a Polaroid SLR 680

2) Why do you like instant photography?

Instant film is pure and it’s honest. It tells you everything happening in the moment. You are given a real gift to hold onto and share in that moment that you are experiencing and that will carry with you for the rest of your life.

3) What is your earliest memory of instant film?

4 or 5 years ago or so I remember I was just about to get into it and Polaroid stopped production. when I found it came back, I bought a camera as soon as I could.

4) What’s your favorite Impossible film type?

So far the best film I have used is the PIGEONHOLE PX 680 Color Protection, the new PX 680 COLOR PROTECTION, and Holden PX 680 COOL film.

Read all
No. 692

8 Exposures...with Andrew Twyman

Patrick Tobin, | 142 days ago

Welcome back to 8 Exposures, our popular instant film Q&A series. This week, we’re happy to bring you Andrew Twyman…

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

For now I just own a Polaroid SLR 680

2) Why do you like instant photography?

Instant film is pure and it’s honest. It tells you everything happening in the moment. You are given a real gift to hold onto and share in that moment that you are experiencing and that will carry with you for the rest of your life.

3) What is your earliest memory of instant film?

4 or 5 years ago or so I remember I was just about to get into it and Polaroid stopped production. when I found it came back, I bought a camera as soon as I could.

4) What’s your favorite Impossible film type?

So far the best film I have used is the PIGEONHOLE PX 680 Color Protection, the new PX 680 COLOR PROTECTION, and Holden PX 680 COOL film.

Read all
No. 692

Viewfinder: Portroids at Pardcast-A-Thon 2012

Patrick Tobin, | 144 days ago

Welcome back to Viewfinder, our ongoing series in which we chronicle interesting projects people are working on that incorporate Impossible film. This week, we are happy to bring you photos from this year’s Pardcast-A-Thon, taken by Rick DeMint, AKA Portroids…

Every year on the day after Thanksgiving, the popular comedy podcast Never Not Funny holds a 12-hour live-streaming marathon event, the Pardcast-A-Thon, to raise money for the charity Smile Train. The host Jimmy Pardo and co-hosts Matt Belknap and Pat Francis welcome 2-3 new guests each hour from the world of entertainment (writers, comedians, musicians, actors, etc.). This year, they raised over $100,000 to help provide cleft repair surgeries to children in developing countries.

As a comedy fan, many of the portroids (autographed Polaroid portraits) I’ve taken over the past nine years have been of comedians, which is how I ended up meeting Jimmy, Matt, and Pat and getting involved, even in a small way, with Pardcast-A-Thon. For the past three years, I’ve been given access to take Polaroids backstage of all the guests. It is truly one of the highlights of my year. So much fun! These portroids are then auctioned off afterwards to raise additional money for Smile Train. I also put together a poster of all the photos to commemorate the event, which they have hanging on their studio wall.

Last year I used the Impossible Project PZ 600 UV+ Silver Shade Black Frame film to beautiful result, and this year I switched for the...Read All

No. 691

Impossible's Analog Travelog - Andrew Rose at Yellowstone

Patrick Tobin, | 145 days ago

Welcome back to Impossible’s Analog Travelog! In this series, we showcase fantastic Impossible photos taken on voyages the world over. This entry comes from Andrew Rose, who recently visited Yellowstone National Park and brought along some Impossible film…

My girlfriend and I made our first road trip from California to Yellowstone National Park during the summer of 2010. It was my first time ever visiting the park, and I was amazed by the beauty and incredible power of the natural features. I got caught up with capturing the entirety of the park’s landscape, and I often missed out on just experiencing the park and its features. It was an easy mistake to make with a DSLR in hand, allowing for the capture of hundreds of images in a day. Although I came away with some great images and memories, I couldn’t help but feel like I had not experienced all there was to offer.

In the spring of 2011, I discovered The Impossible Project after my stash of original Polaroid 600 film began to run out. After experiencing the magical qualities of this new film, I soon became addicted and I knew our next road trip would have to be documented on Impossible film for its unique characteristics. We decided to make another trip to Yellowstone in July of 2012.

My girlfriend and I decided to spend a week camping in Yellowstone, exploring all that the park had to offer. With our experience from our previous trip to the park, we felt prepared to take it on as a whole. We wanted to make an expedition out of our vacation: discovering locations we missed before, and delving deeper into sites and features we planned to revisit. We explored all of the geyser basins, the wildlife filled Hayden and Lamar valleys, learned about the history of the park, and went on hikes to brinks of waterfalls and other wonderful places.

Read all
No. 690

Impossible's Sunday Brunch with Guest Chef Patrick J. Clarke

Patrick Tobin, | 148 days ago

Photo by Claudia Toloni

Welcome back to Sunday Brunch, our series in which we share lovely photos taken with Impossible film. We decided to mix up the brunch menu a bit by inviting Impossible friends and photographers to guest curate our Sunday Brunch selections.

Our good friend and fantastic photographer Patrick J. Clarke came up with the menu for this week’s “Guest Chef” entry. Please enjoy these savory photos selected by Patrick!

Negative space is something that is very compelling in all art, but the uniqueness of Impossible film is that even in the negative spaces there is texture, content and soul. The images I chose for this Sunday Brunch blew me away with their beauty and textural negative space from all over the world.

Read all
No. 689

8 Exposures...with Lee Summers

Patrick Tobin, | 150 days ago

Welcome back to 8 Exposures, our ongoing instant film Q&A series. This week, we are happy to bring you Georgia photographer Lee Summers…

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

My first love, the SX-70 original. An SLR 680 SE that saved me in the dark days of Time Zero discontinuation. And the beautiful, translucent Spectra Onyx for when I want to roll wide.

2) Why do you like instant photography?

It’s like the difference between a tamagotchi and a real pet. It’s one of a kind and unpredictable. Tangible. It’s a conversation starter. It’s been said so often before but this is real magic right here and we need more of that in this world. Plus, when my hard drive eventually dies and I lose all of my digital photos, I’ll still have my Polaroids. And someday, someone else will have them and wonder why I’ve kept so many blurry photos.

3) What is your earliest memory of instant film?

For some reason, I can’t recall ever growing up with a Polaroid camera in the family, though my parents have albums of them that run counter to my memory. The turning point in my adult life was when I was given a donated original SX-70 by a manager at a thrift store I used to work at in the early 2000s. I fell in love with the mechanics and design and since Time Zero was still readily available at the time, I was instantly hooked.

Read all
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