The Last Polaroid Invitation

As the technology of photography moves increasingly to digital some of the old favourite creative processes are slipping away as companies stop producing the necessary materials. For many years specialised Polaroid films have been processed by photographers using a technique called ‘transfers’ where the image is fused onto art papers instead of the usual print materials. This transfer process is done just after exposure and requires some quick and wet work by the photographer. The results are unpredictable, a little grungy and often have a ‘painterly’ watercolour ‘look’. And that’s why photographers like it so much.

In the mid 2005 Polaroid went broke and the specialised films were no longer available except for small amounts sequestered away in the back of photographer’s film cupboards. We found some 4×5 material in the Photoimaging store at TAFE and I had a part used box of 10×8 film which had an expiry date in the mid-1990s. Over a few weeks of experimentation with a group of art photography students we collated the best images and put on a showing at Futures Gallery.

Watch a Video of the momentous occasion – the last Polaroid box opening, loading the Polaroid back, the last Polaroid “Pull”, the last few transfers and lifts ever to be taught to and done by students – teachers – anyone!!

SEE http://youtu.be/zFSbb0g-yQo

At the opening, a master of photography Wayne Radford, helped to create the last Polaroid images with the few sheets we had left. Here is a picture story of the opening event with some of the resulting images….

Tracey+Shanea a Type 59 transfer – Photo by Wayne Radford

Photo: Ian Poole. Doug uses white wine as the transfer fluid!

Photo: Ian Poole. Wayne Radford being photographed by Doug Spowart

Wayne Radford photographed by Doug Spowart

Ian Poole photographed by Wayne Radford 10×8 Type 809 Polaroid

Wayne Radford’s last portrait was of Victoria and myself. The Type 59 Polaroid sheet film had sat in the bottom of the box for over 5 years beyond the expiry date and the mark of time left as a humidity smear of magenta in a reduced D-max. It’s a great image — and a fitting end to the ‘Roid’.

Doug and Vicky – The last ROID!

.

Bye Bye POLAROID …

.

Cheers  Doug
POSTGRAPH: Polaroid is back!!!  At least with some of its products. SEE The Impossible Project Website HERE