Vanishing Polaroid: February 2009

Vanishing Polaroid

It's hard to imagine when Edwin Land introduced the first one-step process for instant photographs in 1947 that he could have foreseen the impact his invention would have on the world of photography. As Polaroid cameras and film evolved, alternative processes such as emulsion transfers became creative ways for photographers to express their vision. The inherent imperfections from peeling film apart or pulling it through the camera's metal rollers gave Polaroid images their unique quality and character. Long before digital imaging, Polaroid gave us instant gratification in viewing our photographs shortly after pressing the shutter button. But in February 2008, Polaroid announced they will no longer produce instant film. By year's end, the final cartons of film were being shipped to retailers. So, this blog will be dedicated to images created with Polaroid film. I'll be shooting primarily with a vintage Polaroid 180 camera, using various types of Polaroid Pack Film. Random images will be posted here in occasional installments throughout 2009. Let's see what develops. . .

Christopher Grisanti

Photographer

Monday, February 23, 2009

B & B

No. . .it's not bed & breakfast. Just a bus stop & barber shop. I had never seen a fan at a bus stop before. It wasn't plugged in, so maybe you just have to wait for a stiff breeze - in which case, you wouldn't need the fan.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Getting There

I like the underlying contrasts of these two simple images. The bright red of the old train, and the stark white of the snow on a mountain road. The anticipation of going someplace on a well-traveled train, and the anxiousness of going nowhere on a snow-covered road.
Warm vs. cold. Hope vs. despair.

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Relics

Here are a few new Polaroid photographs of very old subject matter - an abandoned truck, a tall ship and a nondescript warehouse.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Santa Anita

I'm not much of a gambler, so I don't visit the race track very often. But Santa Anita is a pretty cool place so I went early one recent morning to watch the workouts and explore with my Polaroid camera. Here's a couple of shots I like.