Next Generation

That’s right!  But it wasn’t just on the mind.  Believe it or not, some actually made it to the mouth!  At least, that was the general idea…

On using a polaroid camera…

I know, unless you’re a part of a youth scavenger hunt or some similar activity these bad boy cameras are not likely to be seen much anymore.  But let me tell you, they are a great camera for just starting out!  Just follow E’s instructions below and you’ll soon be a pro!

Find a friend to photograph.  It doesn’t matter if they use a digital or film medium, what kind of equipment they have, if they’ve been photographing for xxxxxxx years, just find someone you enjoy and that also likes taking pictures (or is interested in learning).

Take some shots of each other.  The initial photo with a Polaroid camera is much like a digital, in that you get to see what the end result is almost instantaneously.  In fact, many professional medium and large format photographers have a Polaroid back they can put on their camera to see what the photo will end up looking like.

After taking the photo, grab it as it shoots out the front, but be careful not to touch the image, just the white edges.

Wait and watch as the image magically appears.  Actually, there’s no magic involved, just some various chemical processes we won’t elaborate on at this point.  After the image is “developed”, consider whether or not you liked the composition, lighting, exposure, etc.  With polaroid cameras there is usually a fixed aperture, meaning that one point is usually the best place for maximum focus, so adjusting for certain elements will be up to both your camera and your know how!

If you didn’t like the first take, or want to get a little bit more creative, try some different angles!

And maybe another perspective.

After your done sit down with your friend and have some fun looking at all those photographs you took!  Discuss what you liked about the other person’s work, and offer creative critique if you like.  Then, go and show them to folks, perhaps on a blog…

E and I had another fun day hanging around the ranch, learning checkers, climbing in suitcases, playing house, and visiting mama at work (mmmm…steamed milk).  I think the concept of checkers was overshadowed by the sheer joy of making columns out of the pieces.  Sitting in the suitcase long enough was a challenge due to little boys moving to fast to be captured in focus at f/1.4 (very shallow area that is in focus!).  Visiting mama is always a plus, and it helped that although it wasn’t really warm out, it definitely wasn’t frigid either.  Hopefully spring will be here soon!

What can be more fun that Duplo blocks?

I made this video the other day using my new Canon 5D Mark II camera.  Enjoy!