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It’s time for another edition of Dr. Love’s Tips, where Impossible USA’s Camera Resource Manager Frank Love provides you with advice on how to get the most out of your Polaroid camera and Impossible film. This week: Shooting Checklist.

Yo, Camera Checklist, one-two, what is this?

Thanks to our Flickr thread looking for suggestions, we got a topic request for a ‘Shooting Checklist’. In effect, something people can use to make sure they have everything set before shooting. I think when it comes to being prepared, there’s more than one ‘list’, there’s the checklist for when you leave the house, and then there’s the checklist you have for every time you take a shot.

Photo by James Matthew Carroll

Continuing our Impossible Workshop series, we are pleased to announce the return of a classic workshop on one of our favorite cameras, the Polaroid 600 camera. The Impossible Project will hold a three hour interactive workshop on maximizing Impossible film in the Polaroid 600 Camera.

Let’s talk about PX, baby!

Tackling the Impossible takes time, dedication and expertise − and we can all get by with a little help from our friends. Come join in on the ever-growing Impossible community for our next monthly Analog Feedback Night.

Next Thursday, May 31st, come by the NYC Space to show off your work. Talk film and photography with like minded instant enthusiasts over a few beers. Discover new camera and film secrets, geek out and maybe even get your work featured on The Impossible Blog – this is your chance to connect with other artists and photographers involved in the instant film community!

WHEN: THURSDAY, MAY 31, 2012 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
WHERE: Impossible Project Space NYC 425 Broadway, 5th Floor Between Howard & Canal Streets
RSVP: Email rsvp@theimpossibleproject.com or call +1 212 219 3254
FREE and open to the public!

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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!

Photo by Kisha Bari

Master an Iconic Tool in the History of Analog Photography!

The Impossible Project NYC Space is excited to welcome back a classic workshop on the most celebrated of Polaroid cameras, the SX-70. On Sunday, May 20th, the Impossible team will host a three hour interactive workshop on maximizing Impossible film in the Polaroid Sx-70 Camera. Our introductory workshops are designed to give you the confidence you need to let your imagination run wild! We’ll discuss the features of the SX-70 camera and focus on shooting techniques to ensure you achieve the best results out of the newest Impossible films available.

Photo by Adam Custins

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Last week at the NYC Space we had our first ever Analog Feedback Night. Impossible photographers and enthusiasts gathered to discuss their images in an informal open table discussion. The night was a warm gathering of like minded individuals and an excellent way for people to meet other passionate Impossible photographers. We discussed shooting methods, differences in film types, and the advantages and disadvantages of shooting analog instant film in various settings. Adam Custins came in with his portfolio and talked about how he integrates instant film into his commercial work. Dave Knapik was preparing for an art exhibition (up now!) and requested input about framing and presentation methods. We also had some great imagery shown by Josie Keefe, Patrick Tobin and Wendy Strauss.

Analog Feedback Night will be a reoccurring event at our space. If you miss those art school class critiques or just want to discuss other people’s work while getting feedback on your own, come to the next Analog Feedback night on May 31st!

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As The Impossible Project NYC Space gears up for another busy month, we invite you to all of the following events! This Thursday celebrate the imaginative approach of Impossible explorers Varial and Fabrice Nadjari with the opening of Traces of Time, then follow up on their adventure at their Artist Talk later in the month. Don’t miss the rare and special duo of events with Italian maestro Maurizio Galimberti, and practice honing your skills with a classic camera at our upcoming SX-70 Workshop. Come and experience these very special events for yourself, or bring some friends to everything happening this month at the NYC Space!

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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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Hello, Impossibles! Welcome back to the wonderful world of Dr. Love. Today’s topic is one that has been requested a few times: The Long Exposure…

Some people have written in either having issues with blurry images and not understanding why they were getting them, or simply asking how to make a good long exposure with Polaroid cameras.

Before you attempt this, you must understand the concept of a long exposure. When the camera is exposing the film, moving the camera can cause a motion blur. When in well-lit conditions, the exposure is so short that little movements have no effect. In lower light however, you need to be more careful, especially with SX-70s, because of the slower speed of the film.

First you need to know your camera. The easiest rule to know is that if you’re using one of the many types of standard 600 plastic box cameras, the longest exposure the camera allows is 1/4 second. This is meant to help prevent blurry images in general, but would also make trying to take a shot at night w/o flash very hard as it would be too dark.

Using an SX-70 camera or a Spectra camera, one can get longer exposures, up to a few seconds. The exact maximum can vary on specific models. First of all, this means if you’re shooting in low light, you need to be sure to steady your camera, as you will likely have a blurry image otherwise. Bracing yourself and/or your camera...Read All

Let’s talk about PX, baby!

Tackling the Impossible takes time, dedication and expertise − and we can all get by with a little help from our friends. Come join in on the ever-growing Impossible community for our first ever Analog Feedback Night.

On April 26th, The Impossible Project NYC Space invites YOU to showcase your favorite Impossible images to knowledgeable peers and fellow enthusiasts. Spend the evening reviewing your work and getting feedback while making new analog-loving friends. This is your chance to connect with other artists and photographers involved in the instant film community!

The night will take place from 6-9pm in The Impossible Project NYC Space. Come with originals or digital files on a USB flash drive. Bring your friends!

• When: Thursday, April 26, 2012, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Where: Impossible Project Space, 425 Broadway, Floor 5, NYC 10013
• Registration: (212) 219 3254 or nycspace@theimpossibleproject.com
• FREE and open to the public

UPDATE – WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED! We apologize for any inconvenience.

Spring into the Magic of Spectra!

Continuing our Impossible Workshop series, we are pleased to announce the return of a classic workshop on one of our favorite cameras, the Spectra. The Impossible Project will hold a three hour interactive workshop on maximizing Impossible film in the Polaroid Spectra Camera.

In the workshop, participants will be guided through the ins and outs of the Polaroid Spectra series camera with a knowledgeable Impossible expert staffer. Workshop participants will learn introductory and intermediate techniques to master their Spectra camera including exposure, functionality, and accessories. The workshop will include an in depth overview of shooting Impossible Project film including light shielding and temperature control.

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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!

Emulsion Lift

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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)

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)

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)

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As many of you purchased PX 70 Push film as part of our Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, we thought it was the right time to remind everyone of the tips and techniques necessary to get the most out of your Push images.

Push film was our 2nd incarnation of color film for SX-70 cameras. It’s not a true-color film, but instead tends to yield pinkish, bluish and purplish tones.

Push film is slower than the standard 100-speed film that SX-70 cameras were designed for, so Push film needs A LOT OF LIGHT! We don’t recommend shooting Push indoors. Take it outside on a bright, sunny day. In addition to that, turn the exposure wheel/knob all the way to brighten (white) to allow in the maximum amount of light.

Also, heat is Push’s best friend. During development, tuck your Push photos under your arm or put them in a warm pocket. This will bring out better tones and colors…

(More after the jump!)