I’m usually much more interested in color film, but this new emulsion makes me swoon … I can see myself shooting lots of black & white film from now on.

You can see an additional test photo or two on Flickr, and I’ll be scanning more soon. Bravo, Impossible!

My very first solo exhibit is on display in Frederick, Maryland through October 28. The Spectra Show features 27 prints of instant film photos created with Polaroid Spectra cameras. A few local friends stopped by last week for a lunchtime tweetup, and the official reception is Thursday, October 6.

Paul Giambarba, the design great who created iconic packaging for both Polaroid and The Impossible Project, has a keen eye for art and photography. I was honored to be included in the “Instant Summer” series (Day 17 and 52), and more recently in an “Instant Talent” spotlight on his Branding of Polaroid blog.

Last weekend, I took a fantastic food photography class at The Kitchen Studio in Frederick. Our instructor, Andrea J. Walker, shared some amazing tips, and Chef Christine whipped up a bunch of photogenic and delicious treats for us. Most of my photos were digital, but I snapped a couple instant photos with my Polaroid SLR680 and Impossible PX680 film. The analog shots are by far the most imperfect, but of course, I find them much more captivating. Isn’t that always the way it is?

Polaroid Week, Day 1:

Polaroid Week, Day 2:

Polaroid Week, Day 3:

Polaroid Week, Day 4:

Polaroid Week, Day 5:

As soon as Polaroid Week ended, I hopped in my car and road-tripped to upstate New York for a long weekend with my best friend from college. There were laughs, cocktails, and serendipitous meetings. Oh, and hats:

Just yesterday, I found myself in a truly magical garden. Amazing views no matter where I looked, including through the greenhouse:

My friend Michelle has been wanting to shoot polaroids for a while now … Just this week, she got her first 600 camera. We met for lunch today so I could give her a “care package” of Impossible film and show her the ropes:

I’ve been using my Spectra ProCam a LOT lately, and starting to feel a bit paranoid about it breaking on me. So I got a “backup” on eBay. Turns out the new one is even nicer (close to mint), and it came with both original straps and the closeup filter. Not too shabby:

Believe it or not, I have a huge stack of photos that I still haven’t posted. I’ll be sharing those soon, along with some other news, including my first solo exhibit and some upcoming meetups and workshops. More soon!

My Colorpack camera, catching some evening sunlight.
(Polaroid SX-70 with Impossible PX680ff film) 

I’m helping out as a moderator again this year, so there may not be much time to spare … But I’m hoping to share my photos (and some outtakes) here if I can. The best stuff, though, is in the Flickr pool. See you there!

The winner of this round is Jess – Her comment was randomly chosen, and she’ll receive a pack of PZ680 film from the Impossible Project. Congrats, Jess!

This has been a great warm-up for Polaroid Week. Can’t wait to see what everyone shares on Flickr. Is it Monday yet?!

Even more so, Polaroid Week has become a chance to discover new photographers (and friends) and absorb a much-needed jolt of inspiration. There’s so much spectacular work that’s shared during the five days of Flickr fun … It’s difficult to keep up, but well worth it to lose a bit of sleep!

Anne Bowerman was one of my very first instant film friends, and has been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement. I love these PZ 680 photos she posted last month.

To enter, you must answer this prompt in the comments:

For the last giveaway, I had you share a photo of your own. This time, let’s try something different. Tell us about one of your Instant Heroes — Post a link to a photo or a photographer’s website. Leave a comment below before 12:00 noon (USA Eastern Time) on Friday, July 8, and you’ll be entered to win a pack of PZ 680 film, courtesy of The Impossible Project!

Here’s the fine print for this fine giveaway: 

To enter, you must comment here and use a valid email address. You must be currently subscribed to The Impossible Project’s weekly-ish email newsletter (sign up here) AND to theAnalog Adventures infrequent email newsletter (sign up here). The winner will be randomly selected, and the email address will be cross-checked against the subscriber list for both newsletters. Film will be shipped directly from the Impossible USA office, but may be shipped (no charge) anywhere in the world. International entries are welcome. The Impossible Project will see your email address, and of course I’ll see your email address, but otherwise it will not be shared, and you will not receive spam from either organization. The Impossible Project is supplying the film for this giveaway, and I occasionally receive test/promotional film to sample, however, TIP has not paid for this post/giveaway and all opinions expressed here are my own.

More about PZ 680:

PZ 680 can be used in Spectra/Image cameras. Learn more about the film here and here, and see examples in The Impossible Project Flickr group.

Congratulations to Claire Helene! (Her comment was chosen at random from the 39 responses we received.) You’ll receive your film soon!

As promised, here is a particularly unflattering polaroid of me from 1990, the year also known as my “awkward phase.” I couldn’t find the one with the dorky glasses, so I hope this shot of me cleaning an antique saxophone (don’t ask) will suffice:

My grandmother took this polaroid with her Spectra camera. It does bring back memories, but I don’t think this would be my “burning house” polaroid. Sorry, Grandma.

I’ll be back in a few hours to share the NEXT giveaway, for a pack of PZ680 film, so you can load up your own Spectra — Stay tuned!

** I think I successfully added photos from all the Flickr links. If I missed yours, please let me know!

Isn’t it magical?! The PX 70 photos above are by the spectacularly talented Anne Bowerman
(a.k.a. Anniebee from The Impossible Project).

I’ve been totally fascinated with The Burning House, a fantastic Tumblr blog that asks just one question of those who submit for publication: If your house was burning, what would you take with you? Scrolling through the posts, you’ll notice almost everyone includes photos in their lists. And many, many specifically include polaroids.

This comes as no surprise, yet somehow it’s noteworthy. It gives me hope for the longevity of instant film.

So, to celebrate Polaroid Week, the spirit of instant photography, the folks at The Impossible Project who are working so hard to keep the instant fires burning, and everyone who has actually read this far … Let’s have a little giveaway. Actually, let’s have TWO giveaways. This is the first one, for a pack of the new PX 70 film, courtesy of The Impossible Project. I’ll announce the second one later this week.

To enter, you must answer this prompt in the comments:

Show us your “burning house” polaroid. It could be a vintage photo from your childhood, or a favorite instant image that you or a friend captured recently. It doesn’t matter … Just a share a link to the ONE polaroid you’d save if your house was on fire and you could only save one. Don’t think too much, just answer it.

I can’t wait to see all the photos! When I announce the winner, I’ll share some totally nerdy vintage polaroids of yours truly. I’m wearing dorky 80s glasses. You will NOT want to miss it.

Here’s the fine print for this fine giveaway: 

To enter, you must comment here and use a valid email address. You must be currently subscribed to The Impossible Project’s weekly-ish email newsletter (sign up here) AND to the Analog Adventures infrequent email newsletter (sign up here). The winner will be randomly selected, and the email address will be cross-checked against the subscriber list for both newsletters. Film will be shipped directly from the Impossible USA office, but may be shipped (no charge) anywhere in the world. International entries are welcome. The Impossible Project will see your email address, and of course I’ll see your email address, but otherwise it will not be shared, and you will not receive spam from either organization. The Impossible Project is supplying the film for this giveaway, and I occasionally receive test/promotional film to sample, however, TIP has not paid for this post/giveaway and all opinions expressed here are my own.

More about PX 70:

The newest version of PX 70 can be used in an SX-70 or 600 camera, with careful adjustment of the lighten/darken wheel. Learn more about the film here and here, and see examples in The Impossible Project Flickr group.

Update: I just realized I didn’t put a deadline to enter … Let’s say Thursday, July 7 at 8:00 a.m. (USA Eastern Time).

Another Update: Comments are now closed. Thanks to everyone who participated!

My first 8 rolls of 35mm film were developed by Mpix, and I’m anxiously awaiting delivery of the negatives, high resolution scans, and more envelopes for mailing the rest of my film. For now, I have a few thumbnails of the preview scans, and I just couldn’t wait to share them …

Bicycles at the beach (Fuji Natura Classica)

A photographer’s silhouette (Fuji Natura Classica)

View from Ecola Point (Olympus OM-1n)

Surfers at Sunset Beach (Olympus OM-1n)

Friendly surfers (Olympus OM-1n)

Exploring tide pools (Fuji Natura Classica)

Rainy afternoon in Seattle (Fuji Natura Classica)

Strolling with Seattle friends (Fuji Natura Classica)

If you don’t have much experience with photography, this is the perfect opportunity to try something new. If you’re a seasoned photographer, you can experiment with composition and enjoy the company of other photography enthusiasts.

Details are TBD, but I’m leaning toward starting the shooting extravaganza at 8:00 a.m., then wrapping up with breakfast around 9:00 a.m. A small group will be the most fun, and I have a limited number of toy cameras … If you’d like to come along, please leave a comment here, and I’ll email you with details!