Friday, March 25, 2011

The Type 59 Project

Almost three years ago I began shooting a series of skateboard photos on Polaroid Type 59 film with a 4x5 view camera.  The process was a very expensive way to shoot skateboarding, as the shot is lost and $5 is down the drain if the skater bails the trick, or the expired film doesn't process correctly, etc.
Using the camera movements really made me think out my composition and where I wanted the focus to be in the shot.  There aren't a lot of people shooting action photos with a view camera--if you have ever used one, you will understand why. 
I kept sitting on these photos with the hope that I would get more shots done.  It's been almost three years, so I am just going to post these.  The tricks are awesome, and in some cases the never been done before or after the photo was taken.
Everyone knows the fate of Polaroid.  This film is no longer available.  I still have two boxes of Type 59 -- 20 sheets per box.  I hope to be able to add to the series this summer.
enjoy.
 
Devin York - ride up a jersey barrier, ollie over to smith grind.

David Law - back tail

Holland Redd -  precarious back smith

Glenn Calvert - crooked grind

Jovi Bathemess - thread the needle nollie back lip

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

dude, freaking awesome!

christian said...

the best!! great work brother.

David said...

awesome stuff, man. have you tried out any of that impossible project film? Lauren and I just bought some... its pretty rad

Lauren! said...

WOW I am so impressed by this. It's an accomplishment for me to get a successful shot that's exposed correctly, in focus, etc. with a subject that's not moving lol...

Nick Adams said...

These are amazing. I have wanted to use a tilt shift lens to shoot skating but shooting with a 4x5! That's just rad! Congrats on the shots!