Control photography

This is the last in this series, but this isn't a normal photograph.

I took this as a control exposure to check whether the settings I'd recorded in my notebook were appropriate for the conditions on the day.

I made the exposure and then kept the photograph in my inside pocket to help it develop in the warmth.

After ten minutes, I had a nicely exposed photograph, so I was happy to continue shooting with those settings dialled in.

Polaroid exposure is such a personal thing. I like deep blacks and a decent amount of contrast, so what works for me might not work for someone else.

Happy with the exposure, I carried on with my afternoon.

Sky and Polaroid

The sky is the key feature of this Polaroid photograph. The silhouette of the church works beautifully, its recognisable spire standing out against the amazing clouds.

It's the contrast between the dark outline of the church and the detail in the sky that makes this photograph work for me.

Alleys and backstreets

When wandering around York, it's worth keeping your eyes open. Look carefully and you'll find Dickensian passageways and backstreets just waiting to be explored.

This Polaroid was taken down one such passageway. It was quite dark, so I used the flash to bring a little light into the shadows..

Gatehouse

York Gatehouse, part of the old city wall.

I rather like the way the Polaroid emulsion has rendered this image. There's something about the tones and textures that gives it a character of its own.

Gatehouse - Wikipedia

A handheld delight.

A second Polaroid photo from the York trip. This is part of a stone structure thst surrounds a tree outside of York Minster.

Unique and tactile

Polaroid photographs are each a unique and perfect package that you can hold in your hand.

By perfect, I don't mean the technical aspects of photography. The aperture, shutter speed or even the emulsion. I mean the integrated package that is ejected from the camera. It's a finished photograph, all in one.

This photograph was taken during my trip to York this week. It's of the Ouse Bridge.

Changing Season.

I like this Instax Wide photograph because of the contrast between the grey of the wall and road and the colourful leaf litter that has gathered where the two meet.

The leaves are a reminder that the seasons are changing, and autumn is making its presence felt..