fun on the beach
Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at 08:45AM 
Screwing around on the beach • click to embiggenOne of the 'things' inherent in the Polaroid medium is the propensity to just have fun. The instant feedback one gets from viewing a print, as opposed to chimping, is very intoxicating, addictive and, if you give in to the urge, expensive.
I can state, without reservation, that Polaroiding is by far the most fun I've ever had with a camera. The Polaroid experience really promotes spontaneity and, at times, rather frivolous behavior, photography-wise. For me, it is also the one photo format that I use more than any other to photograph people.
I don't know exactly why this is, but I do know that people tend to relate to a Polaroid camera in way that is different than the way they react when you point a slr-type camera at them and I tend to act and think in a different manner as well.
Photographers talk about how their picture taking MO is different when they use a view camera as opposed to a small format camera. That's never been the case for me. I switch between those formats and my vision and style come through unchanged. It's only with the Polaroid(s) that I become a changed man.
Anyone else out there with a similar experience?
Reader Comments (7)
Years ago, I bought a Polaroid "Reporter". It took (for that matter still takes) Polaroid pack film. The only thing that saved me from financial disaster was the fact that the thing didn't have a motor drive. I love the colours that 108 film gives, and the tones in the 667.
Oh, gees - I'm beginning to feel an itch....
I love Polaroids. Now I'm thinking it's time to dig out the camera again. Oy.
The other camera that really changes me as a photographer is my Zero Image 6x9 pinhole camera. I just LOVE using it.
That new pack of Time Zero film was like a box of dark chocolat truffles - damn hard to stop before it was done.
If there's a run on Polaroid film throughout the photography community, I guess we can blame it on the "Hobson Effect."
That works for me Kent. I was out photographing in the pasture this afternoon and wasn't as attentive to my surroundings as I should have been. I stepped in a rather fresh cow pie. I'm blaming that on the "Hobson Effect" as well.
Check out www.polanoid.net for a real treat.
Bad thread! Bad thread! I bought a Pronto! when the first came out in 1976. I couldn't afford an SX-70 then. It was fun. I need to look for some of those prints for scanning. But Mark, since SX-70 film is no longer available, what do you use for film? Blended? 600? I assume you are using an SX-70. Enlighten us so that we may go forth instantly.