Photos A Year In the Making: ONE Magazine #20

It was like Christmas finally getting to see the latest issue of ONE!  I saw the cover, flipped through the pages and stopped to see this: Spotlight - Jeremy Soderburg.  

I had no idea which photos they were going to use.  I submitted 10 photos and until I picked up this issue, wasn't sure what was going to print.  

I stared and I was in a slight state of shock.  Here was a set of photos I shot a year + earlier (with another year of work put into it) as one of the main editorials, for a magazine whose photographers inspired me years ago to shoot skate photography.  One of the prouder moments of my life.  More so when I had people come up to me to pat me on the back and tell me their favorite photos.

Luckily, I was given a last minute assignment to shoot with tattoo artist Chuck Cauton, to snap a portrait of him for a Folio feature as well.  I hadn't seen Chuck in a while, so it was nice to catch up!

So without further adieu, the rest of the photos from those features.  Support ONE magazine and buy a copy! Or check out their first ever Digital Issue!

If anyone has questions about lighting or post, shoot me a line. :)

ONE Magazine: The Re-Education of Michael Collins

A couple weeks ago, I found myself with a last minute call from ONE Magazine to shoot pro rollerblader, Michael Collins.  He was in town for a cousin's funeral for a couple week.  

Michael had been out of the scene for a couple years now, having just picked up a pair of skates a couple of months earlier.  He already has a new skate sponsor, USD, so I'd say he'd done well so far.   

I managed to link up with him a few times and show him around my spots.  It turns out he lived here right before he stopped skating.  Who knew?  But that makes sense.  I ran into him 2 years ago around the same time.

Anyway, we both snagged some spectacular photos in a week, some of which are in ONE's online article "The Re-Education of Michael Collins".  The rest will appear this July in the ONE's 2nd online issue.

The shot of Michael was composed with a AB-800 high left, set 1/1, as my main light; a speedlite set at waist level to far right to fill in the retaining wall (didn't want a completely dark frame and the architecture there is rather interesting); a 2nd speed light held by my friend pointed at Michael to fill in any remaining shadows.  

In post, I mostly darkened/cloned out any of the backdrop (a few lit signs), burned the flooring/far left highlights, brought up the contrast on the stairs, popped Michael's clothing, warmed the concrete, sharpened.  

The little things can make or break a photo. The first 4-5 shots were done in a black shirt.  Until I realized he was fading into the black backdrop I was creating by killing the ambient lighting.  So I asked if he had a different shirt.  Michael pulls a lime green shirt.  That'll do!  It stands out in just the right way to bring focus to him.

Weekend Snapshots of Impossible in LA

Poster at the entrance to Space 15 Twenty

Having crowed about The Impossible Project setting up shop at Urban Outfitter's Space 15 Twenty earlier in the week, I headed over Friday night for the opening reception of the gallery as well as Saturday to watch the 8x10 workshop.  The gallery showing featured photos by photographers who have been Impossible supporters since the beginning.  Some inspirational stuff on display!

Photos of various places in LA, including The original Tommys in Filipino Town 

There was a supporting merch table with Impossible film (B&W Cool Shade and Color Protection, in case you're curious) and various cameras for sale.  There were a few rarities and novelties, like a Tazmanian Devil Polaroid camera.

Several Polaroid 680s were for sale at the asking price of 400 some dollars! A bit more than I had on me I'm afraid.  But they were oh so pristine and restored by Impossible to working condition.  Someday right?

An SX-70 on display

David Bias, VP of Impossible

I learned some interesting tidbits about the guy who repairs Impossible's cameras, talking to Impossible VP of the American team, David Bias. David was quite friendly and willing to answer everyone and anyone's questions, no matter how big or small.  Every VP should be this willing to talk to the pubic!

What was surprising to hear was Impossible will help troubleshoot your camera and if it's a problem that can't be fixed via email, you can send it in and have them repair it.  Repairs start at 75 dollars and go up from there, depending on how much disassembling is required. Oh, and it comes with a year warranty!  Not too shabby right?  Your camera is in good hands too!  That repair guy of theirs worked for Polaroid for over 30 years. By just clicking away and listening to a sound of a camera, he can figure what ails your aging Polaroid!  He's a Polaroid Genius from what was said, with a knack for figuring out solutions in a way no one else can!

David handled the demonstations of their Impossible Instant Lab 'camera', which uses the iphone and this 'Polaroid' attachment to turn digital pictures into polaroids!  Being an android user, I was a bit disappointed, but they're working on a cradle for androids.  It'll be out in June for $299 if you're looking to snag one.  

Impossible sought backers through Kickstarter for the Instant Lab and again, David let out some astounding knowledge.  Their goal was $100,000 and within 4 hours, it was met!! I was taken aback and blown away by that!  That shows you how much people love Impossible and Polaroids still.  

8x10 back being loaded with Impossible's BW film

There were two B&W 8x10 workshops which sadly I wasn't able to participate in, but they did let people watch the film being prepped, loaded, and processed. The camera was a beauty!  Wood and brass.  Timeless.  The photo it put out was just as classy.  Those in the workshop were able to have their picture taken by it.  Jealous!

In the two days I spent hanging around, I met so many people who were stumbling in, wondering what the commotion was about, and their eyes as big as saucers, ecstatic that they could pullout their old polaroids again!  I ended up playing unofficial staff a few times (they had their hands full with the number of people coming in), helping by explaining who and what Impossible was, answering questions about their cameras and what was for sale.  It was worth seeing the glimmer in their eyes as they dreamed of shooting in film.  I'm so glad I was able to help them remember the magic of instant film.

A wall of Polaroid 600 cameras.  I ended up picking up one :)

I ended up talking with one of the photographers, Jessica Reinhardt, later in the day.  It was great to pick her brains about the Spectra series of cameras (my foray into Impossible film began with a Spectra SE).  For instance, it's capable of multiple exposures and there was even a filter kit for it!  She was nice enough to show me some examples of the filter set in action on her Flickr page. I will now be on the hunt for one!

Alas, I wasn't able to stick around for the Hollywood walk, but I did snap some photos of the crowd gathering with their Polaroids, itching to press the trigger! 

The Impossible Has Happened!

Now that I have your attention...heh.  It seems impossible to me, but The Impossible Project is coming to LA this weekend from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th, over at Space 15 Twenty.  They'll be selling film, gear, and I'd imagine accessories to show the world how much you appreciate the analogue world still.

I'm just excited to have the option of picking up films for my Polaroid Spectra SE (which sadly doesn't have more than a couple options...dreaming of an SX-70...).  

There are also several workshops throughout the weekend you can sign up for, most of the free, if you feel like wetting your whistle in an instant.  Here's the full list, copied from Impossible's blog:

New Frontiers Exhibition Opening 

Friday April 12th, 6-9pm, FREE

Handpicked from our archives, this exhibition features works from California-based Impossible film photographers who have been early pioneers of our experimental analog film; Adam Goldberg, Toby Hancock, Bradley Johnson, Brandon Long, Clay Lipsky, Justin Molina, Jessica Reinhardt, Susan Sabo, and Laura Alice Watt. Stunning large scale enlargements, combined with originals, show off the wide range of colors and characteristics of our unique film chemistry as it has developed over the past 3 years. The exhibition will feature an installation of Hollywood signs and night time neons taken in Los Angeles by Toby Hancock.

Instant Film 101 Workshop 

Saturday April 13th, 12-1pm, FREE

This event requires registration – email rsvp@the-impossible-project.com

This workshop teaches the ins and outs the most popular vintage Polaroid camera, and will help you optimize your 600 camera with our new Color Protection film medium. Workshop will include a presentation and demonstration with hands on guidance from our expert staff.

8×10 Large Format Demonstration and Portrait Session 

Saturday April 13th, 2-5pm, $40 

This event requires registration – email rsvp@the-impossible-project.com

Impossible is getting bigger than ever before, and we have now tackled the world of large format film! We will show off our PQ silvershade 8×10 instant film and large portrait camera, which register striking detail and clarity with the warmth of analog film. Participants can watch for free, or email rsvp@the-impossible-project.com to register for a unique black and white portrait.

Hollywood Nights Photowalk 

Saturday April 13th, 7-10pm, FREE

This event requires registration – email rsvp@the-impossible-project.com

Hollywood lights up at night, and in this free photowalk we will explore the iconic signs, neons, and lights that make this city shine. We’ll meet up at Space 15twenty and then explore Hollywood Boulevard at together at night on this fun and free photowalk.

Creative Manipulations Workshop 

Sunday, April 14th, 12-1pm, FREE

This event requires registration – email rsvp@the-impossible-project.com

This workshop will cover two alternative techniques: image manipulation & emulsion lifts. These techniques will give you the freedom to play with your instant film images, allowing you to expand your skill set to create distinctive works of art through experimentation. Participants will work in a small group with an Impossible expert, learning and creating together!

Another Teaser from Issue #20 of ONE MAGAZINE

I was flipping through Facebook and caught a post which features Chuck Cauton, tattoo artist extraordinaire out of Carson, California.

He has a unique style of artwork and great sense of shading.  I found out about him from the groups we hang out with (he rollerblades as well).

Luckily for me, ONE Magazine asked me to shoot him for this issue.  I was fairly excited to have another photo featured (on top of the editorial photos for Jeremy Soderburg's 'Spotlight')!

Here's hoping to seeing the full issue soon!