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March 2012

1
No. 310

8 Exposures ... with Jarrod Renaud

Patrick Tobin, | 447 days ago

Welcome, friends, to another foray into instant-filmdom, via our popular interview series 8 Exposures! This week, we turn the spotlight on Jarrod Renaud…

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

A Polaroid 195 and Polaroid SX-70 Alpha 1.

2) Why do you like instant photography?

It’s analog and it’s instant. I shoot a lot of 35mm film also, but have the hardest time being patient when it comes to waiting for development and scans. With Polaroid, it’s like Christmas morning with every shot. I love that I’ve got something physical in my hand at the end of a shoot. I also feel like you automatically capture a sense of nostalgia with the slight inconsistency of film and the general color palette.

3) What is your earliest memory of instant film?

Growing up, I never had a Polaroid stuck in my face, there was never one laying around, although my parents took a million photos. It was all point/shoot and SLR cameras. So my first real experience with one was a Polaroid Auto 100 that I found at a thrift shop…

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2
No. 311

Artist in Residence: MOMENTUM's Clay Lipsky

Jon Campolo, | 446 days ago

Just last night, we celebrated the opening reception of MOMENTUM at The Impossible Project NYC Space. To commemorate the event, we’re excited to begin a new series to the Impossible Blog, Artist in Residence! Every so often, we’ll feature an artist currently showcased in an exhibition in the NYC Space, delving deeper into their interpretation of the theme of the show and how they went about making the images included. This installment features the dreamy filter techniques of Clay Lipsky, who was kind enough to explain his techniques and experiences with the new PX70 Color Shade:

“When the Impossible Project invited me to shoot my interpretation of  “Momentum” I thought of a place full of life & movement…the beach. Having spent most of my life in Florida and California, beach culture is very close to my heart. I was inspired to capture the sunny spirit and frenetic energy set amongst the iconic palm trees and sea gulls. Additionally I wanted to do it in a style reminiscent of the classic poster art from “The Endless Summer.” The latest incarnation of Impossible’s PX 70 Color Shade was very stable and provided consistent exposures, so I decided to push it by utilizing colored filters to tint my exposures and make my images as graphic as possible…”

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3
No. 312

The Camera Museum: Polaroid SX-70 Original

Patrick Tobin, | 445 days ago

The Polaroid SX-70 Original camera is the holy grail of instant cameras, and in some respects, cameras in general. It was first introduced in 1972 after years of development and research, and was the very first camera designed for use with integral format film.

The SX-70 Original is a single-lens reflex camera, with chrome-plated plastic body and genuine tan leather accents. It collapses flat when shut, allowing for easy portability. The earliest SX-70 models do not have a focus scale, instead bearing only the notches surrounding the lens, as seen in the above photo. They also had a plain ground glass focusing screen with no split-image rangefinder as was common in later models.

The SX-70 sports a 4-element 116mm f/8 glass lens, electronic shutter and programmed automatic exposure, a socket for flashbars or electronic flash units and a port for a remote shutter release. One of the best things about the SX-70 is…

(More after the jump!)

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5
No. 313

Building a casette for testing old cameras

Marlene Kelnreiter | 443 days ago

If the batteries in your empty Impossible film cassettes are running low and too weak to test old Polaroid cameras we have received a nice idea by Jasper Ellens. He simply bought a flat rechargeable 6 volt battery in the local hardware store and installed this in a empty pack.

Like this you get an empty film casette ready to quasi endlessly test your Polaroid cameras shutter and motor operation.

No. 314

Mirages by Janina Fleckhaus

Marlene Kelnreiter | 443 days ago

1 MAR - 22 MAY 2012
Tuesday 5 – 7 p.m
UNO ART SPACE - Ute Noll
Liststraße 27
70180 Stuttgart
Germany
map
Janina Fleckhaus
  • Janin

“Mirage” is the final project of Janina Fleckhaus for the University of Applied Science and Arts in Dortmund.

The images of this series reflect Janina’s longing for Cornwall, England, where she lived for six months: “I fell deeply in love with the nature that surrounded me. Back home everything looks sad and grey. I yearn for the images of my memory, where the grass is greener and the sea endless. This is a place where time does not matter. As if someone took a quick Polaroid of this precious moment. As soon as you press the button the moment becomes a memory. It is the past which is now closed, in a small photograph that can be held as an object in your hands. The Polaroid is your memory, and when time comes it will fade away like the memories of your childhood. I look to the far away horizon where the blue of the sea melts together with the sky, where boundaries are dissolving. Seeing this made me realize that the concept of home is not just the place where I grew up. It is the new world that became my home. The longer I turn my gaze away the more I long for this place. I left my heart in the nature of Cornwall and all that is left are the colorful pastel images of my memories.”

Exhibition
In her romantic instant images of desire, time seems suspended and the border between reality and dream disappears. Surrounded...Read All

No. 315

600 Workshop @ The Impossible Project NYC Space

Jon Campolo, | 443 days ago

March 11 2012
10AM - 1PM
The Impossible Project Space NYC
map

Perfecting Impossible Techniques with a Classic Camera!

Back by popular demand, The Impossible Project is pleased to announce the return of The 600 Workshop at the NYC Space! On Sunday, March 11, the Impossible team will hold a three-hour interactive tutorial on getting the best out of the classic Polaroid 600 camera and Impossible’s film range. The workshop is designed to explore the full potential and versatility of any 600 series camera, including personal tricks you’re not likely to learn anywhere else! Workshop participants will then be guided on an interactive photo walk with one of Impossible’s experienced staff photographers, exploring and capturing the richly photogenic cusp of SOHO, Chinatown and Little Italy. We’ll finally re-convene back at the space to discuss images, ask questions and talk about image preservation techniques.

WHEN: SUNDAY, MARCH 11, 2012, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
WHERE: Impossible Project Space: 425 Broadway, 5th Floor, Between Howard & Canal Streets
REGISTER: nycspace@theimpossibleproject.com or +1 212 219 3254
Please notify when registering if renting a camera at no extra cost!
FEE: US$ 50 (price includes 1 pack PX 680 Color Shade FF & Frog Tongue)

6
No. 316

Meet the Impossible Photographer

Marlene Kelnreiter | 442 days ago

MAR 16, MAR 31, MAY 2012
Barcelona, Rome, NYC
Maurizio Galimberti @ Meet the Impossible Photographer, 3 March 2012, Vienna, Austria. Photo by Eva Mühlbacher

We are excited to present and invite you to a new global Impossible talks series: Meet the Impossible Photographer introduces you to inspiring contemporary photographers passionate about working with Impossible film. These unique meet and greet sessions will allow you to directly learn from professionals, and the photographers will be on hand for an in-person Q&A – ask them all your Impossible questions and get a glimpse behind their work and experiences!

Maurizio Galimberti held the first of our upcoming Meet the Impossible Photographer events last Saturday, March 3 in Vienna. You have the chance to join this inspiring session on the following dates:

16 MARCH
@ Impossible Partner Store Barcelona ->click for details

31 MARCH
@ Impossible Booth at Photoshow Rome -> click for details

MAY (tba)
@ Impossible Project Space NYC (tba)

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7
No. 317

(Lengua)ge by Ana Marva Fernandez - Exhibition Recap

Patrick Tobin, | 441 days ago

At the end of January, NYC artist Ana Marva Fernandez held a visitor participation piece about instructions called (Lengua)ge. The show was curated by Jessica Hamlin and Sarah MacWright. Read the original blog post HERE

Please enjoy these images from the exhibition showing the group wall, featuring PX 680 film and PX 680 Gold Frame film.

No. 318

Viewfinder: William Miller's "Ruined Polaroids"

Patrick Tobin, | 441 days ago

Hello, friends. Welcome back to Viewfinder, our blog feature that focuses on interesting projects people are working on using Impossible Project film. This week’s entry exhibits what you can accomplish when you embrace camera and film flaws and work with them to produce something new and unexpected. Please enjoy William Miller’s “Ruined Polaroids”…

“These pictures are taken with a camera that is, by most definitions, broken: an old Polaroid SX-70 camera that I rescued from a yard sale last year. I’ve always loved this camera. It is an ingeniously conceived, complicated bundle of gears and switches with dozens of moving parts packed in tight like a chrome and leather pistol.

With its first use I realized the camera wasn’t functioning properly. It sometimes spills out 2 pictures at a time and the film often gets stuck in the gears, exposing and mangling them in unpredictable ways. The image as it is exposed within the camera becomes pulled and stressed by these violent mechanisms, often to abstraction. Before long I was participating in its process, collaborating with it. I’ve figured out how to control and accentuate aspects of the camera’s flaws but the images themselves are always a surprise. Each one is determined by the idiosyncrasies of the film and the camera.

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8
No. 319

Holden x Impossible present An Analog Instant Online Competition

Jon Campolo | 440 days ago

TIMELESS IN AN INSTANT! Impossible is proud to team up with Holden – the modern, independent outerwear brand – and to announce an online photo competition: Timeless in an Instant.

We cordially invite YOU to submit your favorite instant memories for a chance to win the opportunity to be included in four worldwide Holden x Impossible exhibitions this coming Fall. To activate this project, Holden has already chosen 10 renowned photographers – YOU now have a chance to fill the last open spot on the team.

Enter now for a chance to to win more prizes including Holden and Impossible swag and features on the Holden and Impossible blogs!

SUBMIT YOUR IMAGES UNTIL May 25, 2012
Click here for all details & good luck!

No. 320

MOMENTUM Recap!

Jon Campolo, | 440 days ago

Photo by Patrick Tobin

Just last week, The Impossible Project Space NYC celebrated the opening of MOMENTUM. The exhibition showcased just how far Impossible has come since starting production, highlighting new PX100 UV+ Silver Shade and PX70 Color Shade films. Attendees took in the many shades of new Impossible materials, while our very own Patrick Tobin captured the action on PX70 with the new Mint Flash Bar. Everyone enjoyed live vinyl music and the company of friends and enthusiasts.

As a special treat, Impossible staffer Josie Keefe has compiled a time lapse of MOMENTUM’s installation, to show how much hard work goes into our exhibitions in order make sure attendees are instantly gratified!

Thank you to all who attended, and congratulations to the artists. MOMENTUM will be on display at the Impossible Project NYC Space during regular open hours: Monday through Friday 11am–7pm and on Weekends 12pm–5pm until June 26th. Don’t miss your chance to see it!

9
No. 321

Impossible Workshop 101 - Exposed

Marlene Kelnreiter | 439 days ago

MAR 10, MAR 24, APR 14, APR 23
Manchester, London, Liverpool

UK Impossible workshops are going from strength to strength. Tom Wright’s first session at Rough Trade East in London was a sell out and we have added two Liverpool events in April, as well as regular sessions at Incognito in Manchester.

You can see the collection of images from the last few months on Tom’s blog ImpossibleWorkshop.Tumblr.com

Considering many of the attendees had never even picked up a Polaroid camera before these are some great results for Impossible film.

You can sign up to forthcoming workshops online here:

Sat 10th March – Silver Shade workshop, Incognito Manchester
Sat 24th March – Silver Shade workshop, Rough Trade East, London
Sat 14th April – Colour Shade workshop, Incognito, Manchester
Mon 23rd April – Impossible 101, Open Eye Gallery, Liverpool

Any requests for workshops in other UK locations please contact Tom via @Un_Frame

No. 322

8 Exposures...With Matthew Fry.

Patrick Tobin, | 439 days ago

Hi friends, and welcome back to 8 Exposures, our weekly instant film Q & A series. This entry turns the spotlight on California-based photographer Matthew Fry

Q1) What kind of Polaroid camera(s) do you use?

I have a Polaroid SX-70 Alpha 1 SE with a Polaroid Polatronic 2350 flash. I love it, and it looks as good as it shoots. I used to have a Onestep Closeup 600, but I gave that to Nettie Harris after a shoot. Actually, I guess I have two other 600s somewhere around here. That’s the great thing about Polaroids, someone always has one laying around from back in the day.

Q2) Why do you like instant photography?

I think most everyone would say that it gives them something tangible in a world consumed by digital. But I only shoot film, so instant is my version of digital. I don’t have to wait days to see it, I have it there in my hands the moment I shoot it. And I always love the anticipation as it turns from blue, slowly forming the shapes and colors. It’s like opening a christmas present for me.

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No. 323

Impossible in Morocco

Patrick Tobin, | 439 days ago

Hello friends, and welcome back to Viewfinder, our series focusing on interesting projects involving Impossible film…

In February, the authors of the forthcoming title, Instant Love led an instant photography retreat in Marrakech, Morocco. Jen Altman, Susannah Conway and Amanda Gilligan helped participants get the best out of their instant cameras, learn how to use Impossible Project film and to explore the wonders of Marrakech.

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No. 324

Curious Camera Competition 2012!

Patrick Tobin, | 437 days ago

Photographic Works / ArtsEye / Curious Camera in Tucson, AZ are currently accpeting submissions for their 4th Annual Curious Camera Competition. In addition to Pinhole and Plastic camera categories, CC have added categories for Vintage, Instant and Phone photography.

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12
No. 325

La France de Patti Smith

Marlene Kelnreiter | 436 days ago

15 MAR - 15 APR 2012
Artazart
83 Quai de Valmy
75010 Paris
France
map

There are only a few shows of the Polaroid work of Patti Smith, la “Grande Dame” of Rock. Despite of the success of her 2008 exhibition “Land 250” that was shown at the renowned Fondation Cartier in Paris her work is not that known to a wider audience.

Last November, on the French leg of her tour, she shared the idyll that is forever knotted with France through 30 prints of her Polaroid pictures. These were on display at the various venues’ entrances.

A love story that began with her first trip as an adolescent: following the traces of her idols as Arthur Rimbaude and Guillaume Apollinaire…

The former librarian chose Artazart Bookstore to conclude this exhibition out of the ordinary, where Patti Smith will present her instant photography from March 15 through April 15 2012.

No. 326

Dr. Love's Tips - Product Date Stamps

Patrick Tobin, | 436 days ago

The good doctor.

Hello again, friends! Dr. Love is back with another entry in his popular informational film and camera series. This week: Product Date Stamps!

Some people have asked us about the dating that’s on our packaging, so in a hopes to clear up any confusion, here’s how the date breakdown works out.

First, Impossible film posts the production date on the packaging, NOT an expiration date like Polaroid did. It comes in the form of the production month, and year, on the outer box of the film packaging.

This is for several reasons. To start, Impossible film is so new and early in the development process, there really could be no expiration date that could be put on a package that could be based on actual results. By the time tests could be done to properly gauge how the films age, enough progress has been made that the material that has been tested, to the material in production, is so different that the test is effectively moot.

People ask, “How long is the film good?”. Our answer to this is that we recommend using the film within 3-6 months of purchase to ensure best results, and to store it in a refrigerator. This is simply because these are average circumstances that are known so far, and that in that amount of time there are typically updated batches produced.

Now another approach to this is the ‘fine wine’ approach. Some people like using expired film because of the...Read All

13
No. 327

8 SHOTS: 新田桂一 Keiichi Nitta

Jun Akaike | 435 days ago

Keiichi Nitta

8 SHOTS is a new series presented by Impossible Japan. On a regular basis Japanese artists will be invited to shoot their Impossible diary. We proudly present the first participant:

新田桂一 Keiichi Nitta

Keiichi Nitta went to America in 1997 and studied under Terry Richardson. As a photographer he is active in a variety of fields and his passionate style can be seen in advertisement and fashion.

“When using Polaroid cameras for a shoot, the model always showed a very natural face. After a shooting, i always used my polaroid camera to take some pictures for my personal memory. That’s why it was a really big shock when i heard of the end of production of Polaroid films.

While the needs of our generation go into a digital direction, the Impossible Project preserves the existence of analog instant film. I think that Impossible images look gorgeous, and I try to support them as much as possible and we all should, so that we never run out of the real analog instant film anymore!!”

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No. 328

Viewfinder: Amanda Jasnowski in Fixation Magazine

Patrick Tobin, | 434 days ago

Fixation is a mostly-analog, quarterly-released photo magazine. Ohio photographer Amanda Jasnowski has work that was included in Issue 1, which revolved around the theme, “Enamored.” In the work that isn’t purely documentary, Amanda works to convey a sense of honesty, intimacy and beauty. In Issue 1 of Fixation, she attempted to create a visual depiction of the encompassing feeling of being in love, and the frail beauty and grace that surrounds women in that atmosphere. The images featured here are from Fixation Issue 1 and also the sub-magazine, Quick Fix (Issue 2).

To see more of Amanda’s photography, visit: http://hokaytokay.tumblr.com/

15
No. 329

A Workshop in Enschede

Factory Team | 433 days ago

Ever since we started working at the Imposssible factory it was naturally all about development and production of Impossible instant films. In the end of February we dared venturing for a new initiative – a workshop! Only a few hours after we have sent a Newsletter to our Dutch supporters the workshop was fully booked which we took as a good sign.

The workshop was given by Carla Ellens, conceptual photographer and founder of beelbliC. Carla transformed one of our meeting rooms into a cozy studio with props and demonstration equipment. Garnished with a tour through the factory and lunch, the topic of the workshop was Lift It! Besides the techniques for image transfers Carla and the participants focused on shooting atmospheric portraits by posing and using designs, background, composition and perspective. At the end of the workshop, everyone was excited, happy and full of ideas.

We think that it was a very successful day and are planning a new workshop for autumn, so watch out for a Dutch Newsletter. Until then and due to limited capacity, please consider the possibility of the workshop at Carla’s photo gallery beeldbliC

No. 330

Manipulations Workshop @ The NYC Space

Jon Campolo | 433 days ago

MAR 25, 2012
10AM - 1PM
The Impossible Project Space NYC
425 Broadway
Floor 5
New York
NY 10013
map
Emulsion Lift

Announcing a brand new addition to the ever-growing Impossible Workshop Series! On March 25th, 2012, The Impossible Project Space NYC will host its first workshop on alternative techniques in analog instant image making. The workshop will cover three techniques: image manipulation, emulsion lifts and negative bleaching. These classic procedures are revived by Impossible materials, revitalizing techniques that have been lost with the extinction of certain film types. These techniques will give you the freedom to play with your images, allowing you to expand your skill set to create distinctive works of art through experimentation. Participants can expect to work in a small group with an expert Impossible team member to learn and create together!

• When: Sunday, March 25, 2012, 10am to 1pm
• Where: Impossible Project Space NYC
• Registration: (212) 219 3254
or nycspace@the-impossible-project.com 
• Fee: $75 (includes 1 pack PX 680 Color Shade and all tools necessary for workshop)

16
No. 331

8 Exposures...with Laura Taylor.

Patrick Tobin | 432 days ago

Photo by Lou Noble

Hello, again. Welcome back to 8 Exposures, our instant film interview series. This week, we bring you a lovely lady from the west coast, photographer Laura Taylor…

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

A: The SX-70 is my main camera, though I have a couple other Land cameras that I like to play around with.

2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?

A: It’s just magical to me. I love that the photo is tangible like a small treasure. The element of surprise is fun, too. You never know exactly what to expect because forces out of your control are at play. All of these aspects create a special experience, and beautiful photographs.

3) Q: What is your earliest memory of instant film?

A: When I was in preschool, I had a Polaroid photo taken of me sticking my head through a big wooden cut out clown. I still have that Polaroid.

(More after the jump!)

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No. 332

TicKL YOUR FANCY

Marlene Kelnreiter | 432 days ago

TicKL magazine proudly dedicates itself to the erotic side of instant photography, collecting and presenting naughty instant photography projects from artists all over the world, it quickly assumed collector status.

It is with great excitement that we now present a luxurious bundle of all four issues of TickL – the very last copies ever in fact, as no further TicKL issues have been planned for release. This is, boldly stated, your very last chance to experience TicKL!

The standard TicKL Limited Edition Box in a high quality cardboard sleeve is limited to 200 pieces, hand-numbered and contains all four issues of TicKL magazine as well as a silk screen-printed poster of two Impossible images by Raul Diaz. Get it here!

The Deluxe Version additionally contains an original Impossible image by one of the contributing artists Carmen De Vos, Frenchcockpit, Phil Garcia, Philippe Bourgoin, Rodeo, rrrdiaz or Zora Strangefields, all enswathed in a hand cut-and-glued black latex corset. Click to shop.

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No. 333

Viewfinder: Adam Goldberg's "Brother Sparrow" Music Video

Patrick Tobin, | 431 days ago

Welcome back, instant friends. This very special entry in the Viewfinder series chronicles one man’s epic journey through the music video production process. Our favorite Actor/Musician/Photog Adam Goldberg created a beautiful music video for Agnes Obel’s song, “Brother Sparrow” using only film. Here are his words:

“I was approached in late summer ’11 to submit a proposal for singer/songwriter Agnes Obel’s video. We shared the same record label (though her Platinum selling album eeks out slightly more revenue than my concurrently released Copper seller). Up until this point the only music videos I had directed were for my own songs. In fact I had wanted to do something like this—a video comprised solely or primarily of still photos—for my (Goldberg Sisters) “Skin of the Patriot” but once I heard Agnes’ song I was moved to throw my own music under the bus. Plus frankly I knew more people would see hers (or at least that’s what I thought at the time*).

After some back and forth with Agnes via the label she eventually chose my proposal—which was in essence to shoot the video entirely with instant films and a 16mm epilogue. I used Chris Marker’s film Le Jette, a film school favorite, as reference. It would be rather simple—an impressionistic piece featuring Agnes playing her protagonist wistfully biding her time by windows in her (our Brooklyn) apartment. There would be an underlying unease that would counterbalance the ostensible whimsy. By the time I was given the go-ahead,...Read All

18
No. 334

The Camera Museum: Polaroid Impulse (Blue)

Patrick Tobin, | 430 days ago

The Polaroid Impulse camera was introduced in 1988. Its body style was a bit of a change up from the boxy Polaroid cameras of the 1980s. The body is a hard-wearing plastic, and features rubber grips around the rear. Impulse cameras usually came in a dark gray color, but there were a variety of different colors released, including yellow, red, purple and blue (shown here).

The Impulse sports a single-element plastic lens with a fixed aperture (116mm, f9), fixed focus with a 4 foot minimum focal length, exposure compensation switch below the lens and a tripod-socket…

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20
No. 335

Work in Progress - An Impossible Staff Group Show

Jon Campolo | 428 days ago

MAR 29 - MAY 8, 2012
Impossible Project Space NYC
425 Broadway
New York
NY 10013
map
Kisha Bari

A large part of what makes Impossible so special is its dedicated, creative and analog obsessed staff. Many of our team have been on the Impossible journey since the very beginning – scrutinizing every version of dozens of production batches of film.

We’ve lived through countless test batches, damaged production runs and sometimes entirely unstable chemicals. Amongst light spots, chemical divots, killer crystals and shifting colors we have all come to fall in love with these challenging and distinctive materials.

The Impossible staff has seen the film grow up from its First Flush infancy into the stunning range of Silver and Color Shade films now available for three different Polaroid camera systems. With an intimate knowledge of these sometimes unpredictable materials, the Impossible staff members have become masters of the unknown.

WORK IN PROGRESS features Impossible images by of Kisha Bari, Dave Bias, Anne Bowerman, Jon Campolo, Michelle Casper, Andrew Chugg, Kyle Depew, Josie Keefe, Frank Love, Abigail Smithson, Wendy Strauss, Patrick Tobin and George Weiss.

Opening Reception
Thursday March 29, 2012. 6pm-9pm.
RSVP: rsvp@theimpossibleproject.com

Click for details

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No. 336

Viewfinder: Andrea Dixon's South Pole Impossible Photos

Patrick Tobin, | 427 days ago

Hello, instant film fanatics, and welcome back to Viewfinder. Impossible friend Andrea Dixon just returned from her trip to the South Pole where, despite incredibly cold temperatures, she experienced some success shooting Impossible film!

“I blew through numerous packs of film trying to get it to work outside in the cold but by the time I hit upon a method that really worked I was out of film and getting ready to head back to the US. I learned a lot though and I’ll be prepared when I go back next year to get some GREAT photos. You can actually shoot Impossible film at roughly 40 degrees below zero if you can keep the camera warm (moderately difficult) and get the film to a warm spot in under 2 minutes (more difficult- involved lots of running). You can see from some of my shots that the chemicals started freezing before making it through the rollers.

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22
No. 337

Artist in Residence: Instant Revolution's Jennifer Juniper Stratford

Jon Campolo, | 426 days ago

Although we’ve almost reached the close of Instant Revolution at The Impossible Project NYC Space, Jennifer Juniper Stratford has graciously shared her experience conceptualizing her work for the show in our next installment of Artist in Residence. By photographing Hollywood with Polaroid Classic Image film, she provides insight into the Polaroid camera’s relationship with movie making and its participants, ultimately reflecting on how a classic medium once influenced an industry:

“These days the use of analog is often misunderstood as being something that is nostalgic, meant to look old, or is reactionary to digital. In a larger scope it should be viewed as a choice of medium like any other and is not on the verge of becoming extinct in the face of digital…

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No. 338

"Traces of Time" in the NYT Lens Blog

Marlene Kelnreiter | 426 days ago

"Traces of Time" by Fabrice Nadjari and Varial aka Cédric Houin

The French photographers and adventurers Fabrice Nadjari and Cedric Houin have undertaken an amazing journey through the country of Afghanistan for their project Traces of Time.

On their journey that lead them into most remote areas of the country they took portraits on Impossible film of the local Afghans. Because of the high altitude and harsh conditions the portraits they took developed oddly and degraded rapidly.

But this made them no less valuable to their subjects, many of whom had never seen a photograph, and who all marveled at the fragile images and lined up to have their photos taken.

Click here to read the article on the New York Times Lens blog!

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No. 339

Holden x Impossible Cycle 1 Winners!

Patrick Tobin, | 425 days ago

Photo by David Sperring.

Cycle 1 of the Holden x Impossible Timeless In An Instant photo contest has now ended.

The winners of round one were chosen by Italian born photographer Alessandro Simonetti. Alessandro is part of the first generation of Italian kids documenting the HC Punk, Hip Hop and skate Italian scene in the early 90’s. He lives in NYC.

From Ale:

“I’ve been checking more than 400 entries and have gradually collected all the images that captured me, based on a really simple instinct criteria that someone in the past named, “punctum”.

I love the intimacy and the taste of what the instant film introduced in the 50’s and more in a larger scale in the late 70’s, giving the possibility to everyone to have access to the otherwise elitist world of photography. Like digital cameras have done more recently, the Instant films were a really democratic happening.”

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No. 340

8 Exposures...with Andy Jenkins.

Patrick Tobin | 425 days ago

Hello, friends. We’re back again with another entry in our popular instant film Q & A series, 8 Exposures. This week, we bring you Ohio’s own Andy Jenkins…

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

I mainly use my SX-70 Sonar, 440, Graflex Crown Graphic and my 110a converted to take pack film. I also mix in several other SX-70s with their own quirks, a couple 250s, one600, Supercolor 635 CL, Big Swinger 3000, Polaroid Reporter, Square Shooter 2, and Holgaroid back.

2) Why do you like instant photography?

I like the artistic outlet instant photography provides. The nuances of each type of film and camera allows for so many creative options. I know some people would just give up on a film like Push!, but personally, taking the mundane and transforming it to something else is what makes it fun. I like Jack White’s quote regarding his guitars, “I wanna work and battle it and conquer it and make it express whatever attitude I have at that moment. I want it to be a struggle.”

3) What is your earliest memory of instant film?

I remember making Mother’s Day cards when I was probably 10 years old using my mom’s Supercolor 635 CL (which I still use currently). Neon shirts, parachute pants and Air Jordans really popped on old Polaroid 600 film.

(More after the jump!)

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No. 341

The Camera Museum: Polaroid Spectra System

Patrick Tobin, | 424 days ago

Polaroid released the Spectra System in the early 1980s. It functioned similarly to Polaroid’s 600 cameras but utilized a new wide-format film. Spectra cameras also offered additional features such as a self-timer and a socket for electronic remote shutter control.

Spectras sport a 125mm 3-element “Quintic” lens, programmed auto exposure, sonar auto focus, focus distance indicator in viewfinder and a built-in electronic flash. Spectra film initially came with 10 shots per pack, but this was increased to 12 in some markets. Spectra film was also known as 1200 or Image film outside of North America.

Spectra cameras are compatible with any of Impossible’s PZ series films, including PZ 680 Color Shade film and PZ 600 Silver Shade Black Frame film

(More after the jump!)

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No. 342

"TIME ZERO" World Premiere @ IFF Boston

Marlene Kelnreiter | 423 days ago

APR 28, 2012
1:00 pm
Somerville Theatre
55 Davis Square
Somerville
MA
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For the last few years we have been contributing, marveling and waiting for Grant Hamilton’s documentary work TIME ZERO: The Last Year Of Polaroid Film. Now we are excited to announce that this unique film will have its world permiere at the Independent Film Festival Boston to be held April 25th to May 2nd. Stay tuned for details on exact time and place, and if you can – join the premiere in attendance of Grant Hamilton and Impossible as well as former Polaroid employees – last but not least Boston was the home of Polaroid!

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No. 343

Dr. Love - Under Pressure

Patrick Tobin, | 422 days ago

This week, Impossible USA’s Camera Resource Manager Frank Love explains the importance of caring for your camera’s rollers…

The all important rollers, and why you need to keep them clean. The rollers in your camera are a vital and often overlooked part of instant photography. The condition of the rollers will directly affect any image that comes from your camera.

The rollers that are on every Polaroid Camera, however old or new it is, large or small, one film type or another, they are what make the ‘magic’ of instant film possible. The rollers are what the film passes through to initiate the development of the film and print. Every piece of instant film from Polaroid to Impossible, of all sizes, has two main components that make it all work…

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No. 344

Impossible @ Photoshow Rome 2012

Marlene Kelnreiter | 421 days ago

MAR 2 - APR 2
Fiera di Roma
Via Portuense 1645/1647
00148 Rome
map

Together with our Italian partner Nital we are looking forward to be at the Photoshow 2012 in the eternal city of Rome.

Visit the Impossible Booth in

Hall 13
Stand A18B23

and enjoy a colorful Impossible program featuring workshops and talks by the community of Polaroiders, photographers Beppe Bolchi and Maurizio Galimberti and many more.

Click here for the detailed program.

A presto, amici!

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No. 345

Viewfinder: Maile Lani's Instant Wedding Photos

Patrick Tobin, | 420 days ago

Welcome back to Viewfinder, everyone! This entry highlights New Orleans-based wedding photog Maile Lani…

My name is Maile Lani, and I am a fine art wedding photographer based out of New Orleans, Louisiana. I’m obsessed with film photography and have been using Impossible film for my weddings since it was first released in 2010.

I love Impossible film so much because the photos look like tiny paintings. In this digital universe of Facebook and Instagram pictures, it’s so easy to just delete photos off of your camera, untag yourself, or Photoshop them so they don’t look anything like the original moment. With Polaroids, you can’t fake what you’re photographing or “fix” it later.

My couples’ favourite photographs always end up being the Polaroids. Polaroids are physical objects that are created at the actual moment an event happened. The films’ chemicals seem to absorb everything that surrounded them the second the shutter clicked and the photograph was ejected. Since all of the laughter and love is now encapsulated in between the layers of the film, people feel a deep connection when they hold one of these images. I love giving my couples a physical object that was actually created at the exact second they said their vows or laughed at a joke. In a way, their love helped make and alter what they’re looking at. It’s as though time was caught and sealed in a pretty white frame.

Be sure to “like” Maile’s Facebook Page and Follow her on Twitter

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No. 346

Plastic Lense Love in Berlin

Jörn Freitag | 419 days ago

plastiklinsenliebe.de - Anika Neese, Berlin

Ick bin ein Berliner! And I am happy to from now on contribute to the Impossible blog directly from the German capital city of Berlin. Since spring 2009 our Impossible Partner Store is the hub for analog instant photography in Berlin, offering all Impossible and Polaroid products, accessoires, literature, events, workshops, meetings, and much much more.

Right now we are happy to announce a new partnership with no one else but the lovely Plastiklinsenliebe. The lady behind this new project is Anika, who will from now on offer unique photo tours and many more analog events in Berlin. Beyond we are working with her on a new exhibition set up in our store. To check out her offer please visit her website.

No. 347

Urban Outfitters + Impossible at SXSW

Patrick Tobin, | 419 days ago

Our friends at Urban Outfitters wielded Polaroid cameras at SXSW, and got some excellent portraits and candid shots of the performers using Impossible films.

Each photo captures the gritty and personal atmosphere of SXSW and is signed by the pictured artist. To see the full pool of images, please visit Urban’s Live In Austin Tumblr page

No. 348

MANIPULATIONS WORKSHOP RECAP!

Jon Campolo | 419 days ago

For the more adventurous of analog enthusiasts, The Impossible Project NYC space held its first ever Manipulations Workshop last Sunday March 26th.
Workshop coordinator Kisha Bari presented a brief history on various manipulation techniques before delving into the wonders of Impossible integral film manipulation, negative bleaching and emulsion lifts. Working with all kinds of Impossible film types, the attending photographers could have stayed all day creating brilliant works of art using all three techniques. 
Check out the photos from Sunday’s Manipulation Crafternoon, and keep an eye out for more workshops at the NYC Space every month!

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No. 350

8 Exposures...with Maritza de la Vega

Patrick Tobin | 418 days ago

Hello, instanteers! Welcome back to 8 Exposures, our instant film Q & A series. This entry focuses on New York-based Maritza de la Vega…

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

Primarily I use an SX-70 Alpha, and an SLR 680 SE for integral film and a 440 for pack film. I recently acquired a Keystone 60 Second Everflash (a non-Polaroid pack film camera) that I really like to use and that is slowly replacing my 440. I have a few other Polaroid cameras but I don’t really use them very often.

2) Why do you like instant photography?

I like that it is instant, of course, but also that it’s tangible. It’s great to hold an image in my hand and admire it without the aid of a brightly lit screen!

3) What is your earliest memory of instant film?

??I don’t have specific early memories of instant film, but I do feel that it was a constant part of my world especially from the late seventies through the mid-nineties.

(More after the jump!)

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No. 350

PX 70 COLOR SHADE BY NIGO

Marlene Kelnreiter | 418 days ago

Nigo is a Japanese music producer, DJ, owner of BAPE sounds record label, host of his own MTV Japan show, creator of the urban clothing line A Bathing Ape, collector of Warhol Polaroids as well as dozens of colorfully customized Polaroid SX-70 cameras. Creating a limited PX 70 Color Shade film edition for his beloved cameras and for Impossible turned out to be just as complex as its creator.

The PX 70 Color Shade by Nigo Film Edition not only features our latest Color Shade film formula, but also varying colorful frames – yellow, orange, red, pink, lilac, dark blue, light blue, green, black and white featuring the logo of Nigo – ®. One film pack contains eight images as usual, and the occurrence of the colors varies randomly in each pack.

For details please visit our shop.

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No. 351

The Camera Museum: Polaroid 1000

Patrick Tobin, | 417 days ago

The Polaroid 1000 is a foreign-markets version of the original US non-folding SX-70 “Rainbow” Onestep. It is a basic plastic-bodied camera with single-element plastic lens, a fixed aperture (103mm, f14.6), fixed focus with minimal focal length of 4 feet, electronic shutter and an exposure adjustment knob surrounding the camera’s electric eye.

The 1000, like the OneStep models, has a socket for flashbars or electronic flash units, such as the Q-Light, which was specifically designed with the OneStep series in mind.

The Polaroid 1000 works with all of Impossible’s SX-70 films. For a selection of compatible films, click HERE

No. 329

A Workshop in Enschede

Factory Team | 433 days ago

Ever since we started working at the Imposssible factory it was naturally all about development and production of Impossible instant films. In the end of February we dared venturing for a new initiative – a workshop! Only a few hours after we have sent a Newsletter to our Dutch supporters the workshop was fully booked which we took as a good sign.

The workshop was given by Carla Ellens, conceptual photographer and founder of beelbliC. Carla transformed one of our meeting rooms into a cozy studio with props and demonstration equipment. Garnished with a tour through the factory and lunch, the topic of the workshop was Lift It! Besides the techniques for image transfers Carla and the participants focused on shooting atmospheric portraits by posing and using designs, background, composition and perspective. At the end of the workshop, everyone was excited, happy and full of ideas.

We think that it was a very successful day and are planning a new workshop for autumn, so watch out for a Dutch Newsletter. Until then and due to limited capacity, please consider the possibility of the workshop at Carla’s photo gallery beeldbliC