The Table, A Polaroid

Sounds like you have malaria.
Croton-on-Hudson, New York - May 2008

The mrs. took yesterday off from work, and we decided to treat ourselves to lunch at a place that we've been recommended by a couple of neighbors. With boxes still waiting to be unpacked and film taking up space in the fridge, freezer, and bathroom, I bought a pack of Polaroid 600 at the supermarket for $15. A few months ago, that was a ripoff, but now with the film on the way out and prices skyrocketing, pushing $20 at some stores, it was a steal. It'd have been a shame not to buy it.

I looked across the table, with my beer stupidly positioned just off frame to the right, unfolded the camera, heard a couple people chuckle or just raise their eyebrows at the near tables, and pushed the button, and out came this photo. There's nothing really specifically interesting about it. Nothing at all. Just a couple of glasses and a bottle of ketchup, with soft focus, but it's dying. Soon, there'll be none left. It's strange to look at the camera, and know that there's a finite amount of photos left in it, through no fault of its own, no fault of the masterful engineering that went into it. It's being forced into obsolescence. Knowing that it's going to be gone soon feels almost like watching a funeral.

I've noticed more and more Polaroids showing up on photo sites lately. Seems like people, myself included, are realizing what's going to be gone soon. I'd like to think that people are buying more Polaroid film, and shooting more film, and making more and more noise. I'd like to think that it'll be enough to save instant film, but will it?

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Polaroid 600 film in an unmodified SX-70 Sonar Camera.

Labels: 600, film, funeral, ketchup, polaroid, polaroid sx-70, sonar, table, water

Brooklyn Public Library Contest

Everything's coming up Scott.
Brooklyn, New York - November 2005

Yeah, I posted this one before, I know, but this is here for a little self-promotion. This photo was selected as a finalist in the Brooklyn Public Library's 2007 "My Brooklyn" photo and essay contest. This means, among other things, that this shot and my essay will be on display at the Brooklyn Public Library's main branch in Grand Army Plaza through the summer starting on Wednesday June 20, 2007. I'm pretty happy. This is the first time I've ever won, or come close to winning, any photography or writing contests, so here's to me. I raise my Saranac Pale Ale to myself.

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Shot with my Olympus XA2 on expired Fuji Superia 400.

Labels: atlantic ocean, brooklyn, coney island, contest, olympus, olympus xa2, pier, sky, water, win, xa2

Lilly Pads

Jordan Jonny Joey Donnie Dan.
Beaune, France - July 2005

This photo was used as the front cover of the Clag Hats' Hula (new window)album in 2003. That's right. This means that it was used as the cover before two years before it was taken.

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Expired Fuji Superia 200, Olympus XA2.

Labels: beaune, france, fuji, fuji superia, green, lillypads, olympus, olympus xa2, water, xa2