Polaroid Project

Recently, I had the opportunity to use  a Polaroid 350 Land Camera, with 100 ISO Fuji film, courtesy of Rare Medium, on Capitol Hill, in Seattle. The photography club I belong to, F-Stop, were provided with 6 different Polaroid cameras, by Cory at Rare Medium, along with a variety of films, for a two week period, during which we experimented with shooting in this classic format. A portion of our results are being published in an upcoming issue of 1000 Words Magazine. 

Polaroid 350 Land Camera

Shooting in the Polaroid format was a refreshing change, as well as a challenge. I was provided with one partial roll of film, and purchased an additional roll, which gave me about 18 shots total.  When you consider that there is no LCD screen in this purely analog camera, no attached light meter, no menu, no digital feedback whatsoever, and that control is limited to a sliding focus bar, a Lighten / Darken dial, your own knowledge and understanding of light, and the fact that Polaroids are extremely sensitive to contrasty lighting, it is easy to see what a challenge shooting Polaroids can be.

Shooting on a tripod is key. Plus, it looks so cool!

Since the 350 Land Camera does not automatically eject each shot, and you literally pull each image from the camera manually, you are free to shoot double or even, in my case, in one instance, triple exposures. I had a blast with this, and wish I could have played some more! Alas, the film is $16 per 10 exposure pack, or I would have loaded up with several rolls.

Film is pulled manually from the camera,  per frame,
allowing for double or even triple exposures. 

The kicker, with shooting Polaroids? You do not, of course, see the results of each shot for about 10 minutes, assuming you allow for optimum processing, while keeping each light sensitive photo frame in a pocket or case to protect it. So, the question I kept asking myself was, do I keep shooting, trusting that I got the shot I wanted and that the light I saw and interpreted is the light that will appear in the shot, or do I wait and look at my result from the first shot? I did both. I got great results and disappointing results, typical of any experimentation.

The most fun aspect of shooting with this camera, besides its cool appearance, with folding bellows, and people stopping me everywhere to ask what kind of camera I had, was being able to shoot double exposures, in camera; something I experimented with for several frames.  When it came time to return this camera, I did not want to let it go. In fact, I nearly cried. It was so much fun to be challenged to really think about and perceive light in a new way, or rather, in the "old fashioned" way. We are so used to digital cameras that give us instant feedback via sensors, meta data and LCD screens, as well as endless menu choices, not to mention the freedom afterwards to "Photoshop" whatever we do not like, that it was a major reality check to operate without any of that.

Check out my some of my results below. These Polaroid photographs are un-retouched, the only digital process was scanning them into digital files:

My attempt to shoot via candlelight, with floor lamps used for additional illumination.
Besides winding up with soft focus, I struggled to get enough light into the frame to register...
Candles III

My first attempt outdoors...
Flowering I

I love the statuary and crypt architecture in cemeteries, particularly old cemeteries, so I began again, with a trip to Evergreen Washelli, a few miles from where I live....

I have always admired this statue, atop a headstone...
Daydreaming

First attempt at double exposure. I really like this one...
Gazing I

Another double exposure with the veterans section of the cemetery
combined with a stand of trees. This one has my heart...
Dream No Small Dreams

Another eerie double exposure, this one of an angel from two sides.
O'Neill's Prayer

The next day, I went to Lakeview Cemetery, the oldest cemetery in Seattle to shoot more images, as well as Volunteer Park,  which are very close to each other, on Capitol Hill...

I began with this statue, which I have a soft spot for...
Reflection

She seems to be coming to meet you here. Another double exposure...
Walking

Again. And she turns, stepping into herself...
Turning

Party trick! A triple exposure. Two different angles of this statue, plus an extreme
 close up of her face, being out of the range of focus for the camera. I wanted to see
what sort of canvas the out of focus face would provide...
Nine Year Old Girl - Triple Exposure

A beautiful crypt, with flowering vines...
Austin A. Bell, RIP

Last double exposure, the crypt combined with a shot of the grass...
Sleeping and Growing

My very last Polaroid exposure, about 50 feet within the entrance to Volunteer Park...
Volunteer Park Entrance

Hope you have enjoyed looking at these as much as I enjoyed creating them! It is so refreshing to step outside of the ordinary, to challenge your perception, and to just play. Here is hoping that you, too, will get to experience these in a happy way!

Blessings,
Linda

Fertility Goddess Tree Meditation

While on a walk through one of the parks in Seattle, I noticed this unusual tree, near the path, and stopped to look more closely at it. Little did I know at that moment, how it would pull me in, irresistibly for a prolonged study with my camera. 

I was almost immediately struck by the Tree's resemblance to a human figure, and from there, a female figure. When I moved in closer, and really began to see the details of this Tree, I felt She symbolized the Divine Feminine, both physically and spiritually. Like Her, we are all connected to Earth, Water, and Sky, and Her Body is, in many ways, like Ours...

Fertility Goddess Tree...

Fertility Goddess: Torso...

Fertility Goddess: Vulva...

Fertility Goddess: Lactating Breast...

Fertility Goddess: Stretch Marks...

Fertility Goddess: Angles and Curves...

Fertility Goddess: Back Tattoo...

Fertility Goddess: Wounds...

Fertility Goddess: Arms Wide...

Fertility Goddess: Reaching for the Sky...

Fertility Goddess: Reverie...

Fertility Goddess: Connected to Earth.

I hope you see these in the Spirit they are intended, and that the parallels between our own human bodies and those of Nature show how we are not only related, but deeply connected.

Blessings,
Linda

Parallel Shots of Tree and Water

Golden Gardens Park, in Seattle, is one of my favorite places. I have been there countless times, and still find new colors, new light, new details, new experiences. Sometimes change seems gradual, and sometimes it happens in the blink of an eye. 

Here are two photos nearly identical in framing, different day, weather, and time of day.

Afternoon shot, March 22nd

Sunset shot, about a week later.

I hope you enjoy these. They came about from moments of reflection, as I sat looking out at the Water, and the many branchings of the Tree. These are what we are made of: our bodies are water, and endless branchings of blood. These are what we are made of: our lives are layers and branchings of experiences, choices, perceptions, roots, and intertwinings with other lives.

Blessings,

Linda

Richmond Beach Overlook

I went to the overlook at Richmond Beach, one day, recently, after work, to see the sunset and I was really surprised, for once, to find it mostly deserted. I whipped out my camera, as it is rare to find no one around the pergola. People seem to flock to it and the area directly around it. as bees to honey. The solitude there was very beautiful and soothing, with an undeniable air of mystery to add poignancy to the experience.

Pergola II
Here is an overview of the pergola and the view out to Puget Sound... 

Pergola Closeup II
I had a great time playing and experimenting with framing
and shooting different angles and details of the pergola
 with the beautiful view of the water to compliment it...

Pergola Closeup III
Another angle, as the light shifts and changes
 with the movement of the clouds and sun... 

Pergola Closeup VI
This is the kind of architectural theme that I love,
 and can get passionately involved in studying with my camera,
external structures made by human hands,
paired with Nature and natural light... 

Water View I
I love the dramatic contrast here, in shapes, textures, and light.
Nature is endlessly creative in Her timing, combinations,
intricacy, and expression. It is a continual inspiration
 and source of solace and reassurance for me..

Water View II
The water view, as the sun moves behind the clouds,
before its final bow of the day.

If you are feeling stressed, tired, in pain, or other malady of heart, body or soul, I cannot recommend strongly enough, step outdoors, and especially to a place where you can watch the sunset. It is good medicine. Some of the best.

Blessings,
Linda

Campus and Park Overlook: Storm and Sun

A few dreamy photos from a surreal afternoon when it was sunny and hailing at the same time, then sunny and raining at the same time. We certainly do not lack variety in Seattle, or in this case, the Shoreline area. These photos were shot on the Shoreline Community College campus and a public park about a 1/2 mile down the road, around 4pm in the afternoon.  

Dream Road
One of my favorite things to do is to get in the car
 and just go, with my camera at the ready.
This photograph was enhanced in Photoshop.
I like the painterly effect...

Dream in the Rain
I like the dreamy soft-focus effect here. The sky and light
 were dramatic, with sun and blue sky southward
 and dark clouds, rain, and hail from the north...

Glowing Trees II
Sunshine on the trees with stormy sky behind.
I love this kind of dramatic light. Everything glows,
as from within, and colors blaze forth.
My favorite photographing weather...

Storm and Sun Medley III
I liked the shapes in this tall, sentinel of a tree,
against the stormy shapes of the clouds

Storm and Sun Medley I
Horizontal version, with more emphasis on the cloud banks,
 above and below...

Thank you for looking! 

Blessings,

Linda

Volunteer Park Conservatory, Feb 5, 2012

I love the Volunteer Park Conservatory, and I was very distressed to find out that it is in danger of being closed, in these challenging economic times. The glass building dates back to 1912 and is a wonderful place to go and explore. There are 5 separate "houses" within the conservatory:  Palms, Ferns, Cacti, Bromeliads,  and the Seasonal Display House, with a variety of flowers.

Please go to http://www.volunteerparkconservatory.org/ to show your support for the Volunteer Park Conservatory.

The images below are just a fraction of the beautiful, intricate, and fascinating plants that can be viewed in person...

Sun Through Green

Blossom

Cacti I

White Icing

2 Leaves' White Icing

Red Heart

Glowing Veins

Leaf Lines

Spiraling I

Spiraling II

Intricacies in Red

Purple on Green

Cacti with Window

A shot each of the Cactus and Palm Houses:

Palm House

Cactus House

I hope you enjoy these images. There is always more to discover in Nature, even if it is inside of a greenhouse. Nature has personally given me solace and joy in its beauty, fascination in its intricacy and the deep inspiration of witnessing endless creative innovation. Through my walks in our parks, beside the water, and under the sky, I cannot help but feel the deep connectedness between all Life. I wish this solace and happiness for you, too.

Blessings,
Linda