pictures of us...

It is always a good day for me when I get to take a picture of Sherri. It is an even better day when I actually get her to take an instant photo of me with one of my Polaroid cameras. She's not completely brainwashed yet, but I have made some progress...

memories...

The main reason I buy cameras/film is to create tangible memories of the ones closest to me. I absolutely love that Sherri and I have so many memories of the 24 years that we have been married and I look forward to every year (and memory) that is ahead of us. Took this photo when we got home from a day spent together eating brunch and searching for unique things for our house...

another halloween in the record books...

Decided on headshots for my instant Halloween memories. Getting in closer provides fewer details on what they were wearing, but it shows more about their emotions from the day and who they really are. In this case, closer is always better...

aunt jePyper...

Sometimes you have to just be ready to take the picture. This is why I always have a camera with me. Met up with the Tyndells to eat dinner and immediately had Pyper step outside with me to take this one. Just the right light and just the right subject...

out of place...

Another shot from this past summer during the fourth of july parade. With no context and taking the picture at face value, this vaquero seems a bit out of place just marching along with people and cars in the background.  I really like this shot, especially the fact that he is waving my way...

home of the free...

Finally getting around to scanning some of my instant film from this summer. This one was taken at the local fourth of july parade. I remember how amazed this guy was that I took his photo with an SX70 camera in 2015...

from above...

Took this one tonight as the sun was setting. This is exactly why I had my Holden SX70 converted to a 600 camera by @2ndshotsx70service . It makes the camera so much more useable and versatile. As you can see, the exposure is perfect! The beauty of an "instant" print in your hand is beyond compare...

progress...

For the most part, all of the progress on our new house has been captured on my iPhone or DSLR camera. Along the way, I have captured a few instant images. Found a Polaroid Super Shooter to load up with film and leave in my Land Rover for captures like this. This one shows where we were at this past week. Almost ready for the stone/brick and the interior sheet rock is essentially complete. Such a neat process, but I will be much happier when it is over. Progress indeed, but still quite a ways to go...

my catalyst for change...

Been such a long time since I have posted anything to any of my blogs. I still continually shoot all formats of film (instant pack film, instant integral film, instant large format, 35mm and 120mm) on almost a daily basis, but I have hardly posted anything but digital on Instagram lately. As I write this, I know that I will be leaving on another business trip tomorrow and the easiest film camera to take with me will be my Leica M6. I have taken some amazing shots with this camera (will know for sure when I finally decide to get my 5-6 rolls developed), but it is far from the convenience of instant film. As I get make time over the next few weeks, I hope will be posting more of my instant film. Let this photo tonight be my catalyst for change...

joy in the imperfections...

Felt like I needed to get out and shoot my 8x10 today. The weather was not exactly cooperating with me but I decided to try the shot. It started raining on me (and my camera) in the middle of taking the picture, so I got in a bit of a hurry. I guess I pulled the film holder away from the camera and let in some light. I lost some contrast, but I still like the final image. 

Such a surreal winter scene from the viewpoint of a winding/disappearing road through a local cemetery. As weird as it may sound, I love visiting cemeteries. Any time that I stop at a cemetery, it always makes me reflect on my own life. More than anything, I realize how fragile this life really is. Just as many of the details in this image, some days I feel that my life is disappearing before my eyes. My takeaway for today is to slow down, enjoy the things around me and cherish the memories (no matter how imperfect they are)...

more for the album(s)...

So happy to be able to use my instant film to take portraits/snapshots of family. My album(s) are filling up more and more every month. So many photos that I have to order more albums. Such a great problem to have...

Sadi came home for a few days and as always, I used the opportunity to take some photos of her. Fuji FP-3000B is always a great choice for any and all occasions.

pretty in pink...

After taking this photo with my Polaroid SLR680 camera and flash, I heated it during the development. Sometimes this heating brings out the color and sometimes a color is added. In this case, it fits the photo perfect. I would say that Pyper definitely looks pretty in pink...

under new management...

The "new management" never quite materialized. Another failed attempt at revitalizing a grand building in downtown Greenville. I have taken several photos of this building over these years. I still love documenting the decay of what might have been...

home of the jumbo shrimp...

This photo is long overdue for me. It is one of those local places that I am determined to document on film prior to it being torn down or made into something other than a restaurant.  This restaurant has been through several name changes and owners, but we will always remember it's original name "Caddyshack". We spent many a weekend night here with our friends and all of our kids. It was basically the only place in town where all 15-20 of us could dine out and sit together. The kids have all grown up and the families have moved around, but we all seem to somehow occasionally stay in touch. Not the same as the days where we laughed and dined together on a weekly basis, but when we see each other it is like we never stopped...

broken view...

A partial success in taking an instant photo in downtown Greenville the other night. I posted my iPhone photo of the same view a few days ago. An almost dead chemical pod left only a small part of the building on the left side. After my initial disappointment, I realized that I really like the "flawed" image...

take the photo...

Snapped this one after trying to focus for what seemed like an eternity. Pyper was getting impatient...

the next big shot...

Allister's first Big Shot image. She didn't even see it coming. Eventually, she will associate the super-bright flash of light with the famed camera...

twin sisters...

Was able to get two photos of the two of them together. This is a rare occurrence, because they are both equally against being photographed. That makes these images twice a momentous...

take it when you can...

Here is my last Polaroid Fade to Black shot... I have been saving it to take one of Maci. On her way home tonight, she stopped by our house and let me take the photo. It was almost dusk, so the light was limited. Looking back over the other shots, the film definitely responds better to sunny conditions. However, sometimes you just have to take the photo when you get the chance (and this was one of those times). Still love the shot...

downtown with Sherri...

Spent some time walking around downtown Greenville and combing through the antique shops with Sherri. As always, I had an instant camera with me (in this case, my Holden SX-70). Stopped long enough to snap this one before we left. It is so much better continually producing these physical prints instead of just a bunch of images on my iPhone and computer. My collection is growing by the day...