Sunday, October 04, 2009

Kodachrome

A short while ago it was announced that Kodak would stop producing Kodachrome film. I've been shooting digital since about 2003 and have never had the pleasure of shooting this type of film so I bought some for myself and gave a roll to my friend Carrie. Next week, on Columbus Day, we are going to go out and shoot it, weather permitting.

It's been so long since I've shot film I am actually nervous about this. The fact that this is sort of a precious commodity doesn't make it any easier. I have two rolls... that's 72 shots folks! 72 carefully planned and executed shots. And once I shoot them there will be two less rolls of it in the world, a world where there won't be any more... EVER. There is also only one lab left in the world, THE WHOLE WORLD, that still develops this stuff and they are only going to be developing it until the end of 2010. So let's add a deadline to the pressure now shall we?

I also have a stash of Polaroid film that I am sitting on... Maybe I should shoot it all on the same day? I'll have to think about that.

So, next week Carrie and I are going exploring and shooting. We are thinking about heading down to the Plymouth/Carver area in the hopes of finding a cranberry bog. That shouldn't be too hard. Foliage is also a must and I'd like to find a beach as well, if only to dip my toes int he cold, cold water. I would also like to find some old signs in weird colors or maybe a diner to shoot. Anyone familiar with the area is welcome to leave me tips as to where to go in the comments section.

And please visit The Kodachrome Project to see how beautiful this film is.

4 Comments:

At 6:34 PM , Blogger jon TK said...

It really is a shame that film, especially great stocks like Kodachrome are becoming extinct. I know there's a certain majesty to digital images, and digital cameras are much better for random snapshot stuff. But I can't even bring myself to call that photography. Photography is an image made with light. Film still does that best for the most part. This is not to say great images can't be taken with digital cameras; of course they can. But there's a richness to film that we are losing.

Enjoy shooting with it! You hold in your possession a thing of lost beauty; like silent movies, chamber music or the DeLorean. At least we will always have the Paul Simon song.

I would save the Polaroid film a little longer. Good luck to you, Carrie, and the Kodachrome film; may it live out its potential in a great blaze of glory!

 
At 8:29 PM , Blogger kris said...

Thanks!
By the way, do I know you? Just wondering... thanks for stopping by!

 
At 9:51 PM , Blogger jon TK said...

Yeah, you know me.
Happened to stumble across your blog a few weeks ago. May pop in again from time to time.

 
At 10:08 PM , Blogger kris said...

Alright, I give up... who are ye? I only know a handful of Jon's.

 

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