OSAMU YOKONAMI IS A JAPANESE PHOTOGRAPHER WHOSE WORK I ABSOLUTELY adore. His humour and quirkiness screams out in his children’s portraits but its the colours, tones and milky-ness that had me drooling from the moment I saw them. His work reminds me a lot of the gorgeous “milky” photography in French children’s magazine, MILK.

The light is magical and is a perfect house to bring out the wonder and innocence in these kids.

Check out these links to see more of his work.

This little cherub reminds me of Claire from Six Feet Under (picture below). Its how I see her as a little girl. I have Claire on the brain as I have just watched Season 1 through to the heart crushing final episode. I’d never seen the series before- SIDE TRACKING!

Claire from Six Feet Under in a “self portrait” actually taken by Doug Hyun not Yokonami

Where was I? They also have the same free feeling that the children in many of the Sigur Ros videos do, which I also adore.

Osamu Yokonami’s website

You must check out more of his work. Its simply stunning.

I USUALLY DO A BEST SHOTS OF THE YEAR however this is a film photography blog so they are what I am picking from for this list. If you want to see popular shots, look at the Explored set on my flickrstream.

I wanted film to be a big part of my photography in 2008 and it certainly was. So much so that I was asked to contribute to a Polaroid book and had my first ever publication of that kind. Working with those amazing photographers certainly inspired me to start up this blog. Photography was good to me in 2008. I also shot my first professional wedding which was a big learning curve. I’m not sure that I hit all my goals for 2008, but I made a dent in them. I haven’t made any major goals as of yet for 2009, but they will come.

Anyway, enough jabber, on with what were my personal favourite film photographs of 2008.

Cameras used: Nikon FM3A, Polaroid SX70, Polaroid Spectra System, Yashica Mat 124.

Thank you to everyone who has whole heartedly supported Paper Cameras since we opened. I have more things in store for next year, which I will be working on in the next few weeks. I still have a couple of Polaroider interviews to post also! I haven’t forgotten you Fer!

Here’s to lots more film and hopefully happy Polaroiding in 2009!

THOSE OF YOU WHO FOLLOW MY ONLINE ADVENTURES ON MOCKING BIRD will know that I usually do a Best of list of favourite photos and gigs that I have attended for the year. This year I am doing them here because this is my blog and I can do what I want, right? hehe

Now my little challenge to myself is to find film photographs of each of the bands. Lets see how well I do!

I will start with the gigs.

2008 was the best year for gigs for as long as I can remember and not because I went to a lot. It was the best year because I saw the 2 greatest shows of my life, one night after the other. And by 2 different acts. So choosing a number 1 is extremely hard. I am still undecided.

Number 1: Bjork at The Sydney Opera House.

Those who have read Mockingbird will also know that seeing Bjork was number 1 on my list of artists to see. I have been waiting many years to see her live and when she finally graced the stage, I was so overcome that I cried. I had photographers (ahem Matt Booy) turning their cameras on me to catch the embarrassing moment, but it couldn’t be helped. She did not disappoint, it was the most uplifting and incredible night. I go to a lot of gigs, so the excitement that they once held when I was younger isn’t really there anymore. I often look at my watch. Bjork’s show was a night I never wanted to end. That is why it gets my number 1. It will remain Number 1 of all shows for a long time to come. Read the review here.

Number 1: Arcade Fire at The Enmore Theatre

Now, I just said the Icelandic Princess was number 1, but The Arcade Fire show that I saw the night before Bjork, is without a doubt the greatest show any rock band have ever put on that I have seen. I can’t even express still, how good they were. My heart was pumping throughout the whole show and I have never seen The Enmore so alive. I left with a smile that hurt my face. Read the review here.

Number 3: Sigur Ros at The Hordern.

For a song that is not very Sigur Ros at all, Gobbledigook was the number that stole the night. It was wild and full of energy. I only wish I’d been at the gig in Iceland where Bjork performed on drums with them. Sigur Ros never disappoint live but this show was one that I enjoyed maybe more than others. It was in a crappy venue but that didn’t matter, they blew the lid off. I love me Icelandic musicians.

Number 4: Feist at The Metro.

Oh, Ms Feist, I think I love you. I had only seen her once before at the teeny Hopetoun hotel where maybe 100 people watched. Now she blasts through The Metro and held the crowd all night. She is elf like and sexy, cute and cheeky. Her voice is incredible and her show has definitely matured since last we saw her. Her audience have too, but that may have something to do with Mac ads.

Number 5: Goldfrapp at The Sydney Opera House

My first time seeing Goldfrapp so it had to be on the list. I am a little in love with Allison Goldfrapp so it was a dream come true to see them live. I was disapointed by the venue because it was just a little bit snooty to get up and dance, which is all I wanted to do. The acoustics of the place were incredible for her amazing voice however, so it was worth it for that. Hairs were standing at one point.

Number 6: Broken Social Scene at Laneway festival

Nothing could live up to their show at The Metro in 2007 but seeing Leslie Feist and Amy Milan on stage with the rest of BSS was an amazing moment. They have so much fun and they almost drag you up on stage with them. I thought the show at Laneway was better than their show at Manning Bar, it was more carefree and crazy.

Number 7: The Polyphonic Spree at The Metro.

For a band I really knew nothing about, they did a great job of impressing the pants off me. I was elated, ecstatic, shocked and even a little scared when Tim De Laughter jumped into the crowd. They are a bit of a nutty band but totally bring you into their insanely happy world. The back up singers alone make you want to be in their band. One of the best shows of 2008!

Number 8: Joanna Newsom at The Sydney Opera House

Joanna, a harp and an orchestra. What more could you want? Oh, Sprout and the frickin’ Bean, perhaps?! Why will she never sing it when I see her?! Still incredible.

Photographs stolen from Flickr. I know Ro took the Arcade Fire and Joanna shots, please leave a comment if yours is here. I stupidly lost all the links to flickrstreams.

Here’s to a great 2009 of music. It started last night with Underworld! Oh my!

SANTA DELIVERED ME MY FIRST PEEL APART POLAROID CAMERA for Christmas and I’m not even sure it works yet. It was a complete surprise gift from a family member who has no idea about cameras really. What a lovely surprise to open a Polaroid Land Camera 340 on Christmas Day.

I know NOTHING about peel apart film and how this camera even operates. I am excited to learn that I can use the Fuji Instant film with it. Black and White Polas…woo! I just hope that she works. I am reading up and doing my research but if you have any tips on how best to treat such a camera, please leave them in the comments.

I may have to pay a visit to Vanbar in Sydney to pick up some film as my usual supplier didn’t seem to have any. I am going to test it out with Fuji before making any big Polaroid purchases on Polaroid Premium. Fingers crossed that she does work as I would love to get my hands on some 669!

Anything I should know about this camera, people?

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1. She got a TV eye on me….., 2. TV Party, 3. Saturday between 6 and 7pm - Rriot Girl., 4. iced branches, 5. Behind enemy lines, 6. winter berries

I AM A VERY CHRISTMASSY PERSON, so of course, I am taking lots of shots of Christmassy things at the moment.
Here are some Christmas Polas for you to peruse.

1. light., 2. lostdeer, 3. Are you ready?, 4. then i’ll dig a tunnel, 5. Untitled, 6. 7{24 Days of Christmas}, 7. happy holidays!, 8. The tinkling of a bell is heard., 9. Snowman, 10. xmas stuff, 11. Things I’ll miss: christmas lights, 12. christmas market

POLA PREMIUM HAS OPENED UP SHOP and it is full of Polaroid goodness. There are films, cameras, books and a few accessories for you to purchase. It is great to see people trying to take hold of the love that is out there for Polaroid. The lay out is great and it is easy to manage. There is also a small gallery of Polaroids from Polanoid users, which will most likely grow in the future.

The hype that was building about this website was pretty intense in the last couple of weeks and its great to see that there are quite a few different films available on offer.

I will say this however, the stocks are already depleting after hours of going live and the shipping costs are quite high. I am sure its great for Americans but a US$50 shipping charge for 1 box of film is extremely steep. That is the standard shipping rate from big companies like B&H for a heavy camera, not a little box of film. After realising that 2 boxes of film would cost me well over $100 in Australian dollars, I had to clear out my shopping cart.

The hype has been great and I hope that there are some very happy North American customers, but for the rest of us, its not very feasible. It is a great site, it stocks a lot of Artistic TZ film,  it is doing what it can and trying to keep Polaroid going for those of us who so dearly love it, I am just disappointed that I can’t take part in any of its goodness.

There is however some discussion going on about sharing shipping with some good ideas to get around this problem. Check them and all the other discussion out at Flickr.

EDIT: Apparently, its based in Austria, so its not a great deal for Americans either. My mistake.

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1. Untitled, 2. beach bone

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE MAGAZINES IS AUSTRALIAN MADE, Frankie.

I first discovered Frankie on a flight to somewhere. I remember scouring the airport news stands for something interesting, something that wasn’t full of celebrity gossip and fashion that nobody would ever wear. Like a beaming light, the Frankie cover called out to me from amongst all the garish odiousnesses before me.

With its crisp, clean, dream like photography and interesting articles, I wanted more and more. Its a bit quirky, a bit art house meets Saturday morning markets and a little bit silly. I think the issue before last had a two page spread on toilet paper reviews. And yes, its got to be Sorbent or Kleenex. Even the layout of those pages was pretty.

They also give away some good stuff. No cheap, plastic tote bag with a tacky name emblazoned on the side, no greasy lip gloss, but beautiful hand drawn art work made into sheets of wrapping paper or a calendar for your desk. Things you will use.

Frankie is beautifully presented, made for young women who read and is unlike any other cover you will see from an Australian magazine. Oh and the paper is this gorgeous matte that you will want to run your fingers across all the time. I just wish I could purchase the issues I’ve missed. Check out their frequently updated site too. Its purty.

THE WEBSITE POLAPREMIUM HAS APPEARED OUT OF THE BLUE, emails are being sent out with links to the website, Polaroid fanatics on Flickr are claiming they know something about this “exciting new home of instant photography” and all are remaining hush hush about the big “secret”.

Being someone who is devestated by the loss of Polaroid film, I am a tad skeptical. However these people who claim to be in the know, promise that it’s something that we are going to be happy and excited about. I for one won’t be too excited if it’s a one off. If they are trying to hold on to the Polaroid love by stringing it out a little longer, that’s great. Anything that will get Polaroid some more attention is always a good thing. However, I really hope it’s something that is going to be around for a while.

Maybe those surveys we all did actually went somewhere!

Check out the speculation here and here.

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Photographs by 1. some sort of berries, 2. Untitled, 3. Untitled, 4. Untitled

p.s. Sorry about the lack of posts lately, its my crazy busiest time of year in my job, but that’s nearly over, so back to normal soon hopefully!

LATELY I HAVE BECOME OBSESSED with buying gorgeous prints online. In the past couple of weeks I have received beautiful prints from some of my favourite photographers, Jen Causey, Jen Altman and Alicia Bock.

Alicia Bock

Each of the photographers has an online shop from which to purchase their work. All use paypal, send out the goods quickly and each was packaged with a few beautiful extras. I received postcards and personal hand written thank yous from each of the artists. A beautiful touch which made the package so much more personal and heart warming.

Jennifer Causey

Jennifer Causey’s print is framed and on my wall, but I’m still finding frames for the other 3 prints I have.

Purchasing prints is something I intend doing more of, what better way to decorate my home than with the artwork that I love. I plan on opening up a little online store of my own hopefully over the summer. I just hope its something that people may be interested in.

Jenifer Altman

I COULD BE TOTALLY PUN-HAPPY AND SAY THAT ANN SUCKOW HAS “MOXIE” but I won’t be that cheesy. She is one of my favourite Polaroiders and has created her very own style and niche of Polaroid photography. Ann wields a Spectra and shoots brilliantly composed portraits, which are often a little quirky and full of cheek. She  is someone who certainly inspired me to pick up my Spectra cameras again. Ann has mastered the self portrait, along with the self portrait stance which in itself now has a cult following. Beautifully rich, golden photographs covered in Pola light, a contributor to the book, For the Love of Light and also one of the featured artists in Napa Nest Gallery’s recent Polaroid exhibition.

PC: Why Polaroid?

Ann: Growing up, Polaroid was a mystery to me. Our family shot everything on a Pentax K1000 and never Polaroid. It was too expensive. My “Uncle” Harold, whose family we went to a cabin with once a year, had a Polaroid. Those are some of my favorite photos of my childhood. The saturated colors just kill me. There is something a bit unreal and otherworldly about a Polaroid photo.

PC: Which Polaroid cameras do you use? Do you prefer some over others?

Ann: I adore my Minolta Pro. It’s when I discovered where Polaroid could go. I had been picking up Polaroid cameras here and there over the past 10 years and started off with the 600 and the cheaper, flip up Spectra. Then I got the Minolta from a guy off eBay whom I was in a bidding war with. He wanted the camera I had bought and offered the Minolta as a trade. The clarity and the layers of light that I can get with the Minolta is just stunning sometimes. I love using it indoors when the light of the day is at its peak.

PC: A Polaroid genie appears to grant you any Polaroid wish. Who or what would you shoot with your Polaroid?

Ann: If the Polaroid Genie could provide me with a flash for my Land Cameras I would love to be able to go into restaurants and take photos of diners. There was a guy at the restaurant across the street from where I used to live in Los Angeles that went around with his 600 camera and would take photos for $5. I love taking portraits so it always seemed like fun. I would obviously need a big supply of Polaroid so I could keep a copy of the photo for myself.

PC: Please share a couple of your favourite Polaroids and tell us the story behind them.

Ann: This one was the one that made me love the Minolta. It’s a crap shoot when you don’t manually set the distance to see what object it’s going to focus on using its sonar system. The focus on this one was what made me realize the potential this camera had.

And this one was at the restaurant that Russ and I had our first date only a year and a half before this photo was taken after 8 years of friendship. This was shot a few weeks before we moved out of Los Angeles and to Portland together.

PC: Can you tell us about some of your favourite Polaroiders?

Ann: Fieryeyed does something with her SX-70 that I long to do. Every single photo is really what I love about Polaroid. The otherworldly quality.  And she kicks some serious ass when it comes to capturing light.

And *Cate* whose photos first showed me something completely new in the Polaroid that I had never seen before. She gave me a kick in the ass and has always so immensely supportive of me.”

PC: Thank you so much Annie!

Check out Ann’s flickrstream here and her 500 odd Polaroids in this set.

We have only one more instalment in the Polaroid Photographer Feature but I hope to do a few more in the future. Up next, the amazing Fernanda Montoro.