Blog

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Welcome back to 8 Exposures, our ongoing instant film Q&A series. This week, we are pleased to bring you UK photographer Leanne Surfleet…

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

I have a few different Polaroid cameras but the main 3 I use are my Spectra, 450 Land and non-folding SX-70.

2) Why do you like instant photography?

Well, I never thought of myself as an impatient person but when it comes to photography I like to see the results instantly! Then I feel that I can move on with my shoot and change things up. I just find it exciting and feel that it’s a great skill to master, to have a certain control over your instant photographs. I’ve been shooting instant film for around 6 years now and I’m still completely amazed and confused by the whole process! Only having a certain amount of exposures makes me think about each one carefully before pressing the shutter, I’ve learnt over the years to not get too excited about a fresh pack of film and waste them. I cherish each and every one of my instant photographs.

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Hi there, friends. Welcome back to 8 Exposures, our popular instant film Q&A series. This week, we’re happy to bring you creative wizard and all-arounnd nice guy Patrick Winfield…

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

I currently am using the Macro 5 SLR, Spectra and the SX-70.

2) Why do you like instant photography?

The “Thing-ness” of it. That the photo is a direct object of a memory – a tangible memory that can be held immediately and further manipulated as it develops or ‘lives on‘… that quality of being an instant artifact which can be further manipulated to play up the materiality of the medium is what attracts me to the film.

3) What is your earliest memory of instant film?

It was a picture of a dead man. Then the film was sucked back into the camera and the whole time I took pictures of things with my polaroid and tattooed myself to help figure out what happened in my life since I had some sort of amnesia…or was that the plot of Memento?

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Ciao, Impossibles! Welcome back to 8 Exposures, our instant film question & answer series. This week’s entry focuses on Italian photographer Andrea Tonellotto…

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

By now, I’m making a collection!! I use three SX-70s, two of which are the original model (my favorite), an SLR 680, a Spectra system, a 1000 and, recently, I bought a 600 SE, with which I’m starting to become confident.

2) Why do you like instant photography?

At first the tones and colors made me mad for the Artistic TZ’s pastel tones, but now i’m in love with last impossible PX 70 12\11 batch’s colors, wonderful!! Secondly, for the fact that I have the result immediately, after a few minutes, and for an impatient man like me, it’s very important. Paradoxically, altough a dated method, it’s faster than digital photography. Dear old Edwin Land was really too “advanced.” Last, there is a “technical” reason…I like to take photos in balance between real life and an abstract world, with subjects born of imagination. Instant film is an absolutely real and tangible material.

Photo by Andrea Jenkins

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Hello instanteers and welcome back to Sunday Brunch, where we share spectacular photos taken with Impossible film that have caught our eye over the course of the week.

This week’s issue is very special. We invited you to keep Polaroid Week 2012 alive for an extra week by submitting your favorite Impossible photos to our Roid Week Gallery. Our intention was to select our 5 favorite photos, with the winners receiving a special Impossible film package. Well, with so many fantastic submissions, we had a hard time deciding on just 5, so we chose 9!

Winning photos come from Andrea Jenkins, Linda Nielsen, Juli Werner, Nicholas Misciagna, Moko Chen, Heather Champ, Frank Zierenberg, Cromwell Schubarth and Matt Dicke using the following Impossible film types: PX 70 Cool, PX 680 Cool, PZ 680 Cool, PZ 600 UV+ Black Frame and PX 600 UV+ Grey Frame.

Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all of the wonderfully talented Impossible photographers out there who took part!

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One of our favourite photographers, Chloe Aftel, is featured in the current edition of Blur magazine’s “Instantion” category.

Selected images taken by Chloe as well as a bunch of interesting question make this feature an insightful and inspiring one.

About her experience with Impossible film she says: “I love it because you have to use it with the expectation that it will evolve over time or in certain lights; you can get images that far surpass your expectations if you learn how to use the film and then to push it past its intended uses.”

Download BLUR 26 here

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Named one of the world’s best photographers by Lurzers Archive, Ray Lego loves shooting with Impossible Project film for commercial and personal projects. Some of his commercial clients include Nike, ESPN, Warner Brothers, Atlantic Records and Death+Taxes Magazine.

The Polaroid 690 is his weapon of choice and Impossible film is his ammo.

“I love the visual bombardments, from the moments of calmness to the ambush,” says Lego. “The Polaroid camera and Impossible film help me take random pictures that describe how we see – not all at once but in separate glimpses. Shooting the Impossible film on commercial projects is a great ice-breaker; the tactile and tangible quality of instant film is so unique, most subjects are in awe. On personal projects, experimentation, creativity, innovation with the film helps me push the envelope of photography.”

You can see more of Ray’s work at www.raylego.com

Photo by Nick and Dave Photography

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It’s time for another foray into 8 Exposures territory. This entry revolves around California photographer Heather Polley

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

I have several folding SX-70s, as well as a plastic box-type Pronto SX-70. For pack film, I shoot an Automatic 104 Land Camera. My dad is conveniently a vintage camera dealer. He recently gave me three Spectra cameras that are so new to me, I haven’t had a chance to shoot them yet.

2) Why do you like instant photography?

Instant film breathed new life into my work. I’ve always been an analog photographer, and I work a lot with alternative print processes because the element of chance brings a freshness and beauty that you don’t often see in digital work. I like happy accidents and imperfections. I shot with 35mm film for many years, but I have found that shooting instant film adds a new layer of complexity to my compositions.

3) What is your earliest memory of instant film?

Most of the pictures my parents took of me as a child were with a Polaroid camera, probably a One Step. It was there for every milestone and event while I was growing up.

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Last weekend we were lucky enough to host TWO special events with Italian maestro and analog instant master photographer Maurzio Galimberti at the NYC Space.

During his visit to New York, Maurizio shared his experiences and thoughts on the instant analog medium and on his transition from Polaroid to Impossible films. Some lucky guests were selected as subjects for some of his unique instant mosaic work, and the Impossible team was there to capture a video of the action.

To send him off in style, The NYC Space will host one final event with Maurizio, a farewell pizza party and documentary screening!

Come by The Impossible Project NYC Space on Tuesday the 22nd of May for a one time screening of a wonderful documentary on the photographic life of Maurizio Galimberti. If you missed the chance to meet him earlier this month, now’s your chance to eat pizza and drink some beers with Maurizio himself at this informal event.

MAURIZIO GALIMBERTI DOCUMENTARY & PIZZA PARTY!

WHEN: TUESDAY, MAY 22ND, 2012 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
WHERE: Impossible Project NYC Space, 425 Broadway, 5th Floor Between Howard & Canal Street
FREE and open to the public!

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Italian photographer Maurizio Galimberti has been working with Polaroid film since the early 90s, but has now adapted his techniques to incorporate new Impossible film materials. Maurizio uses instant photographs to create stunning multi dimensional mosaics, consisting of up to 140 individual images, capturing personalities like Johnny Depp, George Clooney and Sofia Coppola among many others.

The Impossible Project NYC Space is proud to offer TWO special events lead by Maurizio Galimberti in early May. During his very special visit to New York, Maurizio will share his experiences and thoughts on the instant analog medium and on the transition from Polaroid to Impossible films. Participants in this very rare workshop will have the opportunity to ask Maurizio all their artistic and technical questions, and also get an exclusive look into his signature techniques and observations using Impossible films.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from a master of instant photography, and RSVP today!

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Hi there. Welcome back to 8 Exposures, our instant film Q & A series! This week, we bring to you Parisian photog Emilie Lefellic…

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

Mainly my 180 and my SX70 model 2, which are my two favorite cameras.

2) Why do you like instant photography?

What I love about instant photography is its completely unpredictable character, the whimsical suprises it creates whenever you click the button. I also love the fact that development takes place before your eyes and you can even influence it once you know the film. As the awesome 101 Impossible Ways Project shows, instant photography leaves infinite room for experimentation and creativity – before, while and after the picture is taken : you can decide to double-expose, use special filters, put your picture in the fridge, in the oven, write, draw, paint, stick stuff on it, create artifacts with it – I actually feel a bit like a craftswoman when I fiddle with my pictures, which is a great source of joy. But what I love above all in instant photography is the instant film itself : its colour, depth, painterly texture, its retro feel – it alters reality in a way that is surreal, dreamy and poetical to me. Somehow, it’s perfect in its many imperfections.

(More after the jump!)

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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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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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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…

Photo by Lou Noble

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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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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.

Maurizio Galimberti @ Meet the Impossible Photographer, 3 March 2012, Vienna, Austria. Photo by Eva Mühlbacher

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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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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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Hi there, friends! Welcome back to 8 Exposures, our instant film question & answer series. This week, we spoke with Phoenix, AZ-based Sean Rohde…

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

A: Loaded Question! I mostly use my 190 and 195, but I also have a 180, Fuji Fotorama FP-1, Mamiya Universal, Crown Graphic with Polaroid and Fuji backs, SX-70 Model 2 (white), SX-70 Alpha 1 Model 2 (black and modified for 600), Colorpack III, Big Swinger 3000, and some other stuff, plus things I have owned and sold in the past, like a Konica Instant Press and modified roll film cameras, as well as various plastic hard case and folder cameras. I would love to have a 185 to complete my collection, but they seemed to have gone up in value in the past two years to some ridiculous prices. I have to use my cameras, not just look at them on a shelf.

2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?

??A: Well, certainly the fact that it is instant is a draw. Though sometimes I don’t peel my 100 and 80 for six hours so I guess they aren’t always so instant. There is just a certain quality that instant films have that film doesn’t have. Color shifts, textures…it all kind of gives photos a vintage quality that I like.

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Hello, Impossibles! Welcome back to 8 Exposures. This week, we spoke with Portland, OR-based photographer, illustrator and MAE student Jade Sheldon…

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

A: I have a small collection of Polaroid cameras that my grandparents have given me over the years. They love estate sales and whenever they come across a camera, they can’t resist getting it for me (you won’t catch me complaining). Not all of them are in working order, but they are beautiful to look at nonetheless. The main cameras I use for my instant film photography are my Sun 660 and Fuji Instax 210. I’m looking to add a Polaroid 195 to my modest collection.

2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?

A: I earned my BFA in illustration in 2009. That was four long years of sketches, thumbnails, roughs, color comps, second-guessing, finals, and critiques. Creating an illustration can take hours… days… even months. There is so much planning and so much preparation that goes into it. When I discovered instant film, I felt so free. With instant film, I could create a piece of original art in seconds.

Gary Baseman

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POLAROID and IMPOSSIBLE present
INSTANT REVOLUTION

To celebrate the collaboration between Polaroid and Impossible, The Impossible Project NYC Space will host a very special group exhibition dedicated to showcasing five of the world’s freshest contemporary photographers. For more than 60 years, the instant image has been a revolutionary aspect of how artists create, consider and define analog photography. The five artists featured in INSTANT REVOLUTION all take different approaches to illustrating their relationship with analog photography.

Featuring photos captured with the last original Polaroid Spectra film production run from 2008, one of the first products introduced as part of the Polaroid Classic line, five of the world’s most dynamic and contemporary artists have contributed to INSTANT REVOLUTION: Gary Baseman, James Franco, Maripol, Mary Ellen Mark and Jennifer Juniper Stratford. INSTANT REVOLUTION will be shown at The Impossible Project Space NYC from February 9 to March 23 2012 and on our official website. The Opening Reception will take place on February 9 from 6pm to 9pm, in the presence of the artists and with refreshments provided.

POLAROID and IMPOSSIBLE present
INSTANT REVOLUTION
at The Impossible Project Space NYC

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Hello again, 8 Exposures fanatics! We’re back with another splendid entry in our instant film interview series. This week, we spoke with Andrew Millar…

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

A: I have quite a few SX-70 cameras; some work better than others but I mostly tend to use my trusty old brown SX-70 Land Camera 2.

2) Why do you like instant photography?

A: It can be unpredictable and love it when you try to control or play with the outcome and end up with something unexpected and unique.

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

No one in my family owned an instant camera so my earliest memory would be going to get my passport photos done when I was a child in an old-fashioned photo booth.

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Hello, friends! We hereby present you with another entry in our instant film Q & A series, 8 Exposures. This week, we profiled California photographer Kristen Perman…

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

A: My favorite camera is my SLR 680. I actually have two of them, both in a delicate state from being dropped. I also love my Spectra camera, gifted to me by a good friend, who found it by her apartment dumpster in Philly. It’s clear, so you can see all the inner workings and it has proven to be a great conversation starter.

2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?

A: Instant photography taught me how to frame a photo and of course, to slow down. I’ve learned that the first shot is always the best, even if that first shot is not the best or your favorite.

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

A: We always had a Polaroid camera around. There are random family photos throughout my childhood proving its existence even though I don’t remember it much.

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Analog instant film has been an integral part of the fashion world for decades. For this installment of our “Viewfinder” series, our featured photographer Jorge Valle sheds light on how Impossible films can not only refresh a photographer’s attitude, but also help communicate a unique style in an industry so dominated by digital photography.

“I’m 29 and I live in Madrid, Spain, but I’m moving to London in a few months. I work as a graphic designer, but my big passion is photography. That’s the reason why I left my job in Madrid and moved to New York City, where I spent the last three months of 2011 taking some courses and workshops at the International Center of Photography. While I was in the Fashion Photography course I noticed that almost every picture was taken with digital cameras, and at that time I was a little bit tired of digital. I needed to make something different. So inspired by my teacher Andrea Blanch, who always wanted us to go further, I created for my last assignment a fashion editorial with pictures taken with Impossible Film. And the result was exactly what I wanted, something fresh, natural and with attitude. It’s funny how instant film is considered something refreshing now, when it was so common in the fashion industry not so long ago!

More after the jump…

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This past Thursday, we were so grateful to celebrate the opening of Oskar Landi’s Also in India exhibition at the NYC Space! With his debut show at Impossible, Landi portrays the country through dry image transfers of original Type 679 Polaroid film, revealing imperfections and faint colors reminiscent of early photographic processes and hand coloring techniques. Attendees took in the many textures of India as portrayed by the artist and enjoyed delicious artisan chocolate from FINE & RAW!

Those wishing to see the exhibition may visit the Impossible NYC Space any time during store hours: Monday through Friday 11am–7pm and on Weekends 12pm–5pm until February 9th. Thanks so much (and congratulations!) to Oskar and everyone who attended!

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Hello again from 8 Exposures! This week, we’re highlighting Maryland Event Planner and photo genius Jessica Hibbard Elenstar!

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

A: My collection is always expanding, but my favorites are SX-70s, Spectra ProCams, and Super Shooters. I always have at least two of each in case one breaks, and multiple cameras also come in handy for shooting different film types at the same time.

2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?

A: I’m drawn to the beauty of vintage cameras, the warmth of film, and the uniquely imperfect nature of each image. Even “bad” polaroids are good, and a nice reminder for a control freak like myself to be open to surprises.

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

A: My grandmother’s Spectra camera. I still remember her opening the crinkly silver package of film. She insisted on taking a picture of the entire family at the dinner table when we were all together, so there are many vintage shots of me as a kid with food in my mouth.

(More after the jump!)

Jimmy Pardo

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You’ll find Rick DeMint, founder of Portroids and his Spectra camera behind every red rope and at every press conference worth photographing. For this installment of our “Viewfinder” series, we take a look at only a few of the thousand (!) instant images he’s shot of inspiring personalities over the past decade.

“My name is Rick DeMint and for over 8 years I have been documenting my life and the people I’ve met by taking Polaroid portraits of them and having the photos autographed. I call them portroids and have collected almost 1,400 so far. From my home in Fort Collins, Colorado, I’ve been lucky enough to be able to travel to many places and I always make sure to have my Polaroid Spectra camera with me, plenty of film, and a Sharpie. I enjoy attending film festivals, comedy events, theater, and just seeing who I may meet by exploring various cities.

In association with the comedy podcast Never Not Funny, for the past two years I have taken portroids (Polaroid portraits) backstage at their 12 hour marathon podcast Pardcast-A-Thon. For this year’s event I exclusively used the Impossible Project PZ600 UV+ Silver Shade Black Frame film to take portraits of each of the guests, the hosts, and associated crew.

More after the jump…

The good doctor.

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We put out the question to you all about what kinds of tips you all would like to hear. One topic we heard several times was about cleaning and maintenance of your folding SX-70 and SLR 680 cameras.

There are a few simple things you can do to help keep your cameras running well and looking good. Now not to sound like a broken record, but I again cannot stress keeping your rollers clean. You can refer back to our Door swapping post about how to get the door off your camera to make cleaning easier and safer. Then you can go back to our first video with Dave about cleaning rollers for how to do this.

After that you can keep the inside of your camera clean with a can of compressed air or an air blower some of you may have for keeping lenses clean which can help keep dust out of the film compartment of the camera (more after the jump!).

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Photobooth, the world’s only Tintype and Polaroid portrait studio, exhibited our good friend and fellow Impossible photographer Brandon Long last Friday, January 6th, and Brandon has been kind enough to share a sneak peek of his SX-70 shots with those of us that couldn’t be in San Francisco!

See more of Brandon Long’s dreamy portraits on his flickr!

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Hello again, instanteers, and welcome back to 8 Exposures! This week, we spoke with Washington, DC-based Ben Shuster…

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

A: I have a couple SX-70s – the Original and the Sonar Onestep – and a Spectra for the current and past integral packs. For packfilm I go with either the Model 340 Land Camera or my Kiev 88 fitted with the Polaroid magazine. I also still have a fair amount of Type 80 series packfilm, and those go straight into my Holgaroid.

2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?

A: Like so many other people, I love its vintage coolness, nostalgia-soaked colors and analog unpredictability. It sets your shots apart from everything else out there. It can take a perfectly normal snapshot and make it perfectly unique. The variety of manipulation and lift techniques really make creative possibilities endless. AND! Name someone you know who doesn’t have a “make my photos look like instant film” app on their phone – you can’t do it. WE know what’s up. WE have the prints to prove it.

(More after the jump!)

Amassing four separate worldwide journeys over the past decade, Oskar Landi translates multiple communities of India with a unique visual language, when discovery through spoken word was insufficient. Landi was born and raised in Italy and has lived and worked in New York since 1998. His personal projects have been recognized by the International Photo Awards and Prix de la Photographie Paris as well as numerous publications worldwide.

On Thursday, January 12th, Oskar Landi’s “Also in India” opens on the south wall at The Impossible Project Space NYC. With “Also in India,” Landi portrays the country through dry image transfers of original Type 679 Polaroid film, revealing imperfections and faint colors reminiscent of early photographic processes and hand coloring techniques. Conditions such as uncontrollable humidity, heat, dust and expired photographic chemicals caused unexpected but enchanting consequences even for the artist. The resulting exhibition is a visual introduction to the rich cultures of India dependent on Landi’s astounded curiosity.

Oskar Landi – Also in India
At The Impossible Project Space NYC
January 12, 2012 – February 9, 2012

More after the jump…

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We’re happy to bring you another entry in our popular instant film question-and-answer series 8 Exposures! This week, we proudly feature UK-based photographer and digital artist Jake Messenger…

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

A: Many! My favourites are my dad’s old original SX-70, and the SX-70 Sonar which belonged to his business partner. I also use a hefty 600SE; the quality you can get from it is fantastic, but it is a beast to lug about. My lighter pack-film option is a Land Automatic 250. I have a few other cameras knocking about – a Super Shooter, a 600 P, an SX-70 3000. On my shelf there are a couple of beauties for show: I love the 800 roll-film camera. Oh, and I have a pack-film back for my Holga!

2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?

A: I love the ‘thingness’ of instant: how you compose your picture, take it, and within a few minutes you have the physical object in your hand. While I love all kinds of image-making, the immediacy of instant is just magical. I love the fact that the film is its own darkroom, that once the image is there, that’s it – there are no processing decisions to be made.

(More after the jump!)

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Hello again, friends, and welcome back to 8 Exposures! This week we spoke to Britta Hershman

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

A: For most of my instant photography, I use my trusty green OneStep Express, aka, the Turtle. Actually, I’m mildly obsessed with all things Italian, so I call it by its Italian name, la Tartaruga. It’s cute, green, and round, and I found it in a thrift shop in Naples, Italy. It was my first instant camera, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. I also use a Spectra, a Polaroid 330 for Type 100 peel-apart film, and a Polaroid Land Camera 800 for Type 40 series roll film, nicknamed the Dino because of its impressive size and weight. And also, sadly, because film for it is nearly extinct. It’s difficult to find, and the few films that are left have been expired for decades and are often dried out. So the chances of ending up with actual photos are slim, but once in a while it does happen. And every time it does, I’m reminded of why I love instant photography.

2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?

A: It’s a thrill to create tiny but complete works of art with a camera.

(More after the jump!)

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We recently discovered a treasure in Impossible Gold Frame photography.

Texas photographer Thomas Jackson has taken breathtaking images using PX 600 Silver Shade UV+ Gold Frame film and PX 680 Color Shade Gold Frame film with the intention of using the images as a holiday promotion. His plan is to mount the signed original images on metallic copper cards and seal them in metallic copper envelopes to send to clients and close friends.

We couldn’t believe our eyes when we saw Mr. Jackson’s photos, and we can’t think of a more beautiful card to receive in the mail for the holidays.

To see more of Thomas Jackson’s work, visit his website at thomjacksonphoto.com/

Model: Allison with Kim Dawson Agency
Hair and make-up: Ashley Robinson.

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This past Sunday, The Impossible Project celebrated the meticulous art of the Instant Photogram with Patrick Winfield ! Although mastering Patrick’s techniques proved to be quite challenging, workshop attendees worked diligently in the pitch dark to craft wonderfully surprising photograms of their favorite objects. After giving an inspiring history of the photogram, Patrick took the class through a series of integral steps in making photograms possible. Using jewelry, toys, cassette tapes, colored filters and many other assorted items, attendees took turns in a blacked-out NYC Space with only a pack of opened film, a flashlight and their newly acquired skills.

As you can see from our blog’s gallery, the results were fantastic! Thank you to all who participated and to Patrick Winfield of course! We hope he returns very soon to lead another workshop filled with more secret techniques.

Feel free to sign up for our weekly newsletter to always stay up to date on everything Impossible. Call 212-219-3254 or email nycspace@the-impossible-project.com for more info.

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Hi again, 8 Exposures fanatics! We’re happy to bring you a special Sunday entry in our series. This episode, the star of 8 Exposures is Seattle-based designer, project manager and mom Brooke Castro…

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

A: I have 12 Polaroid cameras (there is no such thing as too many cameras, right?), but the ones I use most are my SLR 680 SE, SX-70, and a Polaroid ColorPack II.

2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?

A: I love that it has proved time and time again that the most beautiful or interesting photos aren’t always the ones you planned for or expected.

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

A: When I was really young, my grandfather used to take family photos with a Polaroid camera. I can remember waiting, anxious for him to peel back the film and show my cousins and me the photo. (That Polaroid ColorPack II that I mentioned above? That was my grandpa’s camera.)

(More after the jump!)

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Hello, Impossibles! Welcome back to 8 Exposures. This week, we turned the spotlight on Long Beach, CA-based photographer Bradley Johnson:

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

A: I use them all!…or at least, as many as I can get my hands on! Each camera has its own charm, but there are a few that I prefer more than others. I think that the SX-70 is the quintessential Polaroid camera. It does everything you would want a camera to do, and it uses instant film! My runner up would be the Propack. I know that many of my photographer friends will make fun of me for this, but it produces nice photos, and is relatively compact. I use the close-up, and portrait lens attachments (meant for the Polaroid 250, 360, 450 land cameras) to make it even more versatile. Also, it never has the jamming problem associated with Fuji pack film.

2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?

A: First and foremost is the instant feedback. However, with the advent of digital, that isn’t such a novelty anymore. I suppose the real reason I love instant film so much is the fact that each photo is an original work of art. There is no negative. The print you hold in your hand is one of a kind. There will never be another. Sure, you could scan and print a copy, but it will never be the same.

(More after the jump!)

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Hello, 8 Exposures fans! This week, the star of 8 Exposures is Bay Area Dog Portrait Aficionado Jesse Freidin…

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

A: This is a dangerous question, because I am a collector. I own about 30 Polaroid cameras, all salvaged for around $5 from various yard sales over the past 10 years. Most of them are retired, littered throughout my apartment in some sort of display. But many of them work perfectly. My two favorites are the Spectra Image (which I now shoot exclusively with Impossible Film), and the Land Camera 103. They smell good, they feel good, they are like extensions of my body. If my house were burning down, I’d be the jerk with singed hair and 30 instant cameras around my neck.

2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?

A: Instant photography was my first love, and I fell hard. There is something so powerful about making the images in your head exist in the real world, and instant photography has always articulated my personal vision perfectly. As a photographer dedicated to analog means, I will never let go of the physical interaction I have with my cameras and film.

(More after the jump!)

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Hello friends, and welcome back to 8 Exposures! This week, we spoke with German photographic wizard Oliver Zelinski…

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

A: There is a Barilla pinhole and some old plate cameras with Polaroid backs, a Macro 3, a couple of 636s, an EE100, an Image Spectra, two SX-70 Alpha, a 340, two EE44 and something in the cellar

2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?

A: Because of its own limitation and in connection the results + the smell on x-posed in polanoid.

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

A: I remember my mum dissing grandpa’s Sun 660 and those unstable pictures with the boring frame.

4) Q: What’s your favorite Impossible Film type?

A: PX 100 FF and PX 680 beta.

5) Q: What are your favorite subjects to photograph?

A: Mr Giulio Stucchi but generally I am trying not to see the subjects as such but let them speak out. Then you can listen, looking at the picture…

(More after the jump!)

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Welcome back to 8 Exposures! This week, we spoke with the amazing Brad Elterman, who since the 1970s has been photographing celebrities and musicians such as Blondie, David Bowie, Michael Jackson and The Who!

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

A: Polaroid One.

2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?

A: It’s so sexy.

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

A: My mom was a painter and in the 70’s she went out and got an SX70. That was really something special. I still have it, somewhere.

4) Q: What’s your favorite impossible film type?

A: PX 680.

5) Q: What are your favorite subjects to photograph?

A: Modern Pop Culture

(More after the jump!)

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This new feature is a sister project of “8 Exposures.” It provides an opportunity for interesting people in the Impossible film community to tell us about themselves and the projects they’re working on. This first edition focuses on NYC-based photography student Joe Western.

“I’m 25 years old, living here in NYC. During my teenage years I spent lots of time photographing friends, or concerts I attended, all of which I captured using disposable cameras. I eventually was able to take some photo classes during my time at college, where I became completely hooked after learning the dark room process. While learning more about the history of photography, and discovering different artists, I began finding my own unique subject matter. What I eventually discovered by looking at different artist’s images, was that I was able to relate the most to portraiture, representing a certain time and place… one example being Brassai’s photos of his fellow artists in Paris’ Montmartre district. Another example is Nan Goldin’s work, which is essentially a diary full of personal references. I decided to take a close look at my own environment, attempting to find if there was anything there worth capturing.

(more after the jump!…)

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Welcome to another exciting edition of 8 Exposures, our new interview series highlighting interesting people using Impossible film. This week we talked with UK-based photographic wizard Dan Ryan.

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

A: I’ve got loads of Polaroids in various states of repair, but day-to-day I normally use a battered, brown SX-70 Alpha and a nice and shiny 180.

2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?

A: I don’t know…Why do you like breathing?

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

A: I have a bit of a false memory of instant film which, as it turns out was taken on a Kodak. It was a family snap of a walk, with dad and a backpack. I rediscovered it a few years ago in an old album. My modern love affair with Polaroid came at a party about 6 or 7 years ago, when someone pulled out an old 330 or something – I was blown away with the simple beauty of it.

(More after the jump!…)

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Welcome to another thrilling episode of 8 Exposures, our new interview series highlighting interesting people using Impossible film. This week we talked with Oregon-based instant film magicians His & Hers (Dave Tuttle and Whitney Johnson)…

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

Hers: Between the two of us, we have a lot of cameras. We actually have an entire closet devoted to cameras, accessories and film.

His: The cameras are in various working conditions, of course. I think we probably have only 30-40 total. There are more than a few that could probably stand to be donated for parts.

Hers: Ha! Only 30 or 40.

His: Yeah, it is a bit ridiculous considering we really only use the same ones over and over again.

Hers: I love my SLR 680. It has a tiny hole in the bellows that I have to tape every few months, a burn mark on the sonar from where I attempted to dislodge a piece of stuck straw with a lighter (note to others: this is not a good idea) and the entire top cover melted off on a Caribbean cruise (seriously), but it still works like a champ. It is the best $75 I’ve ever spent.

(More after the jump!)

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Welcome to another episode of 8 Exposures, our new feature consisting of 8 photography and instant film-related questions, accompanied by 8 Impossible images from the featured artist. This week, we interviewed Chicago-based photographer, rabbit-lover and life-liver Azuree Wiitala

1) Q: What kind of Polaroid Cameras do you use?

A: My favorite Polaroid camera to use is the SLR 680. Sadly that camera died while my husband and I were visiting my family in Puerto Rico last year. Since then I’ve been shooting with three Sonar One Step SX-70 cameras. Yes, three. They each have different film in them although I have to admit that I can never remember which has what film, which turns out to be a fun surprise, for the most part.

2) Q: Why do you like instant photography?

A: I am drawn to instant photography because it is…instant. I do not prefer to shoot digitally and find that I drag my feet to develop 35mm (which I also love to shoot) so instant film just makes sense to me. I also love the perfect imperfections that come along with shooting instant film.

(More after the jump!)

Continuing the series of Impossible Art Works featured on the South Wall at the New York City Impossible Project Space, we are proud to present French born photographer Bruce Soyez-Bernard and his latest work, entitled “Ensemble #1, #2, #3, #4.”

Currently based in New York, Bruce began as a photojournalist in Africa for two years before transitioning into Beauty and Fashion photography in Paris and New York for prestigious clients such as Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan and Schwarzkopf.

These four composite pieces, called “Ensemble,” are a continuation of Soyez-Bernard’s photographic work on the body. Finding inspiration in shapes, skin texture, color and light. Taking several images with different crops and levels, the frames are then re-united, the body put back together, or part of the body, as a final collage.

While using The Impossible Project’s film range, Bruce pursues this process with a focus on the film grain, format and the “happy accidents” of this specific instant medium to create impressive life-size abstract pieces.

More after the jump…

The Next Movement is a unique collaborative project between The Impossible Project and Sol Exposure.

The Impossible Project is extremely honored to welcome Italian instant film maestro Maurizio Galimberti at our New York City project space. During his visit we are celebrating the launch of the upcoming PZ 600 UV+ Galimberti Edition film from Impossible. Signore Galimberti will be on hand for an in-person Q&A and demonstration of his rigorous techniques. We invite you to pick up some PZ 600 film at special prices and enjoy a glass of wine with us!

Since the early 90s, Galimberti has worked exclusively with instant film from Polaroid, and now Impossible. His amazing mosaics, sometimes consisting of up to 140 individual frames of film, have captured personalities including Johnny Depp, George Clooney, Julian Schnabel, Sofia Coppola, Wim Wenders, Monica Bellucci and Robert de Niro, among many, many others. He has also applied this mosaic technique to New York, Paris, London and Berlin, creating mathematical, yet entirely musical, portraits of the people and architecture of these cities.

Preview the world premiere of the upcoming PZ 600 Silver Shade UV+ Galimberti film edition before the official launch and take advantage of special prices on film multi-packs for his favored Spectra/Image camera.