the stare...

Here is another case where Tyler allowed me to collaborate with him and show up to take an 8x10 photo during an engagement shoot (even using one shot of his color film). In the end, this photo wasn't the best composition because I angled the camera down too much and created some un-appealing angles on the vertical planks of the building. That is probably being overly picky, but I seem to focus on that now when I look at the image. One thing is for certain, the only way to learn on 8x10 is to make mistakes. Because of the cost involved and the rarity of the film, you really pay attention from that point on after you make a mistake. That being said, in my opinion the warmness of the image and the couple's pose makes up for the composition. Because of that, I couldn't help but post this image. There is still nothing like an 8x10 Impossible color image... 

Polawalk TX - 8X10 Portraits...

Last weekend a group of instant film fanatics from all around the  metroplex, the state, the US and abroad converged on Texas for our 2nd annual Texas State Fair Polawalk (ie. #PolawalkTX). Even with all the visitors, we didn't get a large Texas-sized heap of good weather. The weekend was plagued with clouds, rain, heat and humidity. Unfortunately the main event on Saturday ended up being a sunny, bright 90 degree humid day. This was absolutely brutal on the visitors (and even the native Texans). As a follow-up to this event, we spent the next day resting at a local studio in Deep Ellum (many thanks to Makeshift Photography) and just photographing each other. I had planned on spending the entire weekend using my 8x10 Toyo View Camera and Impossible 8x10 instant film at all the different locations. Due to the unpredictable Texas weather, I had to compress the entire four days of 8x10 shooting into one. Justin Goode also broke out his 8x10 Burke and James Grover to take a few photos, including the ones of Toby and Cameron below. Toby Hancock wanted to be photographed by both Justin and myself. His goal is to become the most photographed person on 8x10 instant film. He is well on his way after the Texas trip (I think he has been photographed by four people now)...

Speaking of 8x10 photography, it must be said that 8x10 photographs taken with a view camera are nothing short of amazing. The entire process takes you back to a day when photography, as the sole means of capturing a portrait, was very rudimentary. When you are behind the camera the reality of seeing a reflection of the focused image projected onto the ground glass is absolutely surreal. As all of the people below can attest, "the 8x10 process" takes patience from both the photographer and the subject. My main goal with 8x10 photographs is to slow down and spend enough time with the subject to produce an image that makes them smile when they see it. I think all of these image met that goal.

A well-deserved thanks to The Impossible Project for bringing the idea of instant film back to life and for supporting all of us instant film fanatics in more ways than we can ever mention. For me personally, without the encouragement & support from the staff at the online US Impossible Office (specifically Anne and Patrick), I would have never gone this far with instant photography.

Now to the photos...

Toby
*by Troy Bradford

Toby 
*by Justin Goode

Celina

*by Troy Bradford

Juli and Will

*by Troy Bradford

Jessica
*by Troy Bradford

Ben
*by Troy Bradford

Frank
*by Troy Bradford

Cameron 
*by Justin Goode

a proud dad...

I have been planning on a color 8x10 of Maci and Sadi all summer. Just hasn't worked out... Until today... Kinda a last minute, but still a bad time, happens to be the one day this summer it rains, I gotta get one before Sadi leaves for college kind of picture. All of the imperfections aside (both in the picture and in our sometime disfunctional lives as a family), I stare at this image and realize that I have lived a truly blessed life and had the honor of helping my incredible wife raise two absolutely beautiful girls.  It is moments like this where I honestly couldn't be more proud to be their dad...

8x10 Color Test Film - Take Four...

Took the picture of these textile spools using available afternoon light coming through the window. A little bit over-exposed in the highlights, but still very colorful and super sharp. Large format cameras rock when it comes to nailing the focus exactly as you want.

8x10 Color Test Film - Take Three...

Wanted to see how the film handles highlights and shadows. I metered on the actual sunlight coming in. The film definitely has a very narrow exposure (as it said in the instructions). I nailed the exposure on the side of my face with the sun. Any more (trying to get details in the shadows) and it would have blown out the highlights.

Overall, I think this is a great image. You could say that my flaws are somewhat hidden by the shadows. This film is great stuff!

And yet still more to come...

8x10 Color Test Film - Take Two...

Ok, this is actually take three. For the real take two, I put the negative in the holder backwards. That is what I get for trying to hurry a shot today at lunch. Came home this afternoon from work and re-shot this one and also a self-portrait in the back yard (will post it later).

Have to admit, I edited the image by reversing it in Aperture. I couldn't get past the word TAXI being backwards (IXAT). Other than that, it is exactly like the original.

The detail in this image is INCREDIBLE. Click on the image to enlarge and see the detail that I am talking about.

Still more to come...

8x10 processing...

Captured a photo of Tyler processing his first Impossible color 8x10 image this evening...

8x10 Color Test Film - Take One...

Impossible Color Protection 8x10 Test Film...

Only my 2nd photo taken by me with an 8x10 camera... Ever...

THIS is the reason that I bought an 8x10 camera...

Click on the image to enlarge and see the details...

More to come...