The SX-70 and The Impossible Project

I had desired one of these cameras for many years and finally took the plunge and made a purchase from Ebay in 2008 only to have Polaroid announce it was discontinuing production of al instant film and closing the factories.  This was met with dismay and sadness (and certainly some anger) worldwide.  However a small group of people (including a few former Polaroid staff) decided to get together and work on producing a new film.  It has taken them nearly two years but today they launched a new analog film called PX600 and it will be available for sale from Thursday 25th March.  You can see a short video of their NYC launch here

What makes this film special?   The SX-70 was the camera that really established Polaroid as it used the first integral film (it developed before your eyes).   Previous films involved peeling and coating the prints to stabilise them.  It was also the first SLR (single lens reflex) camera that they produced.  It was the digital of its day.  Like many of the faithful I spent time hunting and acquiring stock.  This is still some available (at not too extortionate rates) but you have to know where to look.  I have my own on going projects which started with another icon heading for possible extinction, our Sir Gilbert Scott designed red telephone boxes and Walthamstow Dog Stadium now long departed save for the Grade II listed facade.

The Stow...

Irving Penn: Portraits

'Sensitive people faced with the prospect of a camera portrait put on a face they think is one they would like to show the world...Very often what lies behind the façade is rare and more wonderful than the subject knows or dare to believe'.  Irving Penn, 1975

I went to the National Portrait Gallery last weekend to see an exhibition of his portraits. For me, one of the most appealing things was the simplicity of the settings in many of the images.  There was nothing to detract from the sitter.  From famous or not he was always focused on getting beyond that façade.  I think this is what portrait photography should be about.  So get yourself down to the NPG before 6 June 2010.  Here is one of my favourites which is included in this show. ©Irving Penn

Film Festivals

Having recently returned from Berlin, I'm now in the process of sorting out my accreditation for Cannes.  Since it's a renewal one is usually asked to send proof of publication for the previous year's photography.  This picture of Atom Egoyan was taken in Cannes in 2008 when he was promoting his movie Adoration.    However it's usage goes beyond that as this shot was used in the latest (Spring 2010) edition of Tank Magazine.  You can read the rest of the transcript here.