Polaroid 20x24 on TV art programme

philldresser · Dec 8, 2005

Watched a fascinating programme on late last night about american artist Chuck Close. I was fascinated to see he uses the big polaroid 20x24 in a London studio to make 'head only' shots. He then uses theses as guides for his large portrait paintings. They showed him doing 2 or 3 sessions with the operaters pulling out these massive portrait prints of him (and a few of the interviewer). To get the 'head only' shots the subject was about 24" from the lens.

Man, I would love to play with that beast of a camera.

Not sure I would like to fund it though

Phill

mark · Dec 8, 2005

One of my fantasies is to get it into my classroom to do portraits of my students. The kids would totally get a kick out of seeing their heads that big.

PhotoPete · Dec 8, 2005

Generally, the Polaroid 20x24 does not come to you- you go to it. It is more like a piece of furniture than a camera. They're not too easy to focus, from what I understand, but if you have ULF experience, it may not be too bad. There's one at the Mass College of Art that can be used for a fee. They'll set you up with lights and a few sheets of film. Polaroid's only making this stuff to order, so my advice would be to act now before they pull another SX-70 on us.

lee · Dec 8, 2005

damn they did not have this beast at Mass Art when I went there. They barely had film and paper when I went there it was so long ago. (early 70s) this was in the old building next door to Beth Israel Hospital.

lee\c

PhotoPete · Dec 9, 2005

<OT>MassArt probably hasn't changed that much. It's still byo paper and film, but there is plenty of darkroom space, and absolutely no security. As long as you look remotely like you belong there, you can stroll right past the guard and help yourself to some free darkroom time. Of course, if you go in the afternoon, be sure to bring your own TP- custodial services seems to pack it in early. MassArt combines all of the administrative disorganization of an art school with the inefficiency of a public agency, but it is still a lot of bang for your art education $$$, at least for in-state folks.</OT>

Ian Leake · Dec 13, 2005

philldresser said:
Man, I would love to play with that beast of a camera.

If I remember correctly, I think Paula at Linhof Studio will hire you a 20x24 if you ask nicely. It's not polaroid, but it is portable

TracyStorer · Dec 16, 2005

Actually, the camera can come to you, as long as you pay the transportation and ancillary expenses. I've done many many shoots all over the US, and internationally over the years.

The original cameras are not too hard to focus, the have a sort of "brightscreen". In any event, rental of the camera includes a specialist to not only focus, but handle everything particular to the 20x24.

I wish I could have seen the program in question, I have only worked with Chuck once, and I enjoy his work. (he usually works in the New York Studio) There is currently an exhibit of his self portraits (photo and painting) at San Francisco MOMA.

Best,
Tracy

PhotoPete said:
Generally, the Polaroid 20x24 does not come to you- you go to it. It is more like a piece of furniture than a camera. They're not too easy to focus, from what I understand, but if you have ULF experience, it may not be too bad. There's one at the Mass College of Art that can be used for a fee. They'll set you up with lights and a few sheets of film. Polaroid's only making this stuff to order, so my advice would be to act now before they pull another SX-70 on us.

Polaroid 20x24 on TV art programme

philldresser

mark

PhotoPete

lee

PhotoPete

Ian Leake

TracyStorer

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency