MAGIC...

Back in 1971, my very 1st camera was a Polaroid Super Colorpack Land Camera.  My last photo from that camera came around 1979.

Today, I shot this model camera once again.  It is just like riding a bike.  All the sensations and the weird way of focusing this camera came back as second nature.

Pulling the little white tab to get the film pull leader out.  Evenly pulling the film away from the camera, setting the timer and then after 15 seconds.... the magic moment.

33 years after the last time I did it, I peeled away a chemical backing and saw the images above.

Something very special and a feeling that's hard to describe.

Don't get me wrong.... I still love all those other cameras and the things they can do which is light years ahead of this old Polaroid.

There was a single word that was associated with Polaroid.  In news articles, ad campaigns, etc...

That word still holds true today "MAGIC"

Instant Photography...

Not really a good representation.  Just a quick "digital" snapshot of an image from a Polaroid SLR 690 using The Impossible Project PX film.

Recently, the a new bug has taken hold.  The need to shoot Instant Film Photography (aka Polaroids).  The look of an instant photography image is unique and have a quality all of their own.  If you are just looking for pretty and technically sharp and clear images.... GO AWAY.

There was always something special about Instant Photography..  A new world awaits.  A new medium to learn and explore.

More on this subject at my other blog:  http:// journey-into-photography.blogspot.com

Drug Store...

Opened in Walnut Creek just a few months ago, this place has become a favorite.  

Good coffee and food to just die for.  

Considering how wonderful their deserts are.... it's probably going to make me die early - but as a very happy corpse.  

Just hope that their new owners don't mess with success.  

Their new owners.... STARBUCKS.  

If there is a god in heaven, please show them the wisdom of not turing this chain into a fancy Starbucks.

Keeping Balance...

You would think at this angle he would fall off...

He stayed on and finished the ride.

Faster, Faster, Faster...

Hard at work...

Being Labor Day... an image of fellow people hard at work.

Mix and Match...

Coming and Going...

Money making opportunity...

When torn up jeans and worn out clothing was put into the dumpster?  Ladies, save your old pantyhoses.  Guys, dig out those old Ray Ban aviators.

Becoming Friends...

Dude... we're on TV...

Fog...

Walk this way...

"America's Cup or no America's Cup, I'm still going to do my exercise routine."

Security Dude...

Don't mess with this guy who's lot in life is to guard the America's Cup.

Official Photographer...

Can you imagine having a job where you travel around the world and be paid to take photos all day long?  I give anything to be in that position.

City Spotlight and the America's Cup...

Although few Americans know much about the sport - shame on the sport for not educating the public - when the race for the America's Cup is held next year, the whole world will be watching.

Race preparation...

I've not seen a picnic basket in years.  This gentelman knows how to set up for a day at the races.

Result of Craftsmanship...

AC45's is the designation for this style of boat.  Stands for 45 feet long.  The sails are 7 stories tall and will travel about 30 knots.  Craftsmanship, Engineering, Skill, Art, Heart and Soul, is something that is an example of humans at their best.  Not to mention the ability to pilot these vessels.

Preparation...

Craftsmanship...

One thing about racing.  Boats, Cars, Planes, etc... Quality and precision manufacturing is a must.

Puma with style...

To the Good Life...

Here are two examples

I want to be able to just take time, go to an event and enjoy a glass or magnum of Moet.

This is also an example of living life well.  The people who had this set up were enjoying themselves.

At the end of the day.... success and happiness is what YOU make of it.

A bit too big ???

Now that's what I call a cap.

What to do before the race ???

Set up a lawn chair.  Get out your reader (what happened to books?), look at the boats and water.  What am I doing wrong where I can't live like this?

[  Nikon D3S // 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 70mm // f/2.8 / 1/3200s // ISO 200 ]

I'll not complain again...

Talk about heavy equipment and having to run around.  I have to stop being a cry baby.

What once was old...

Is new once again.  Back on May 1, I said good bye to this camera.  Today, I got it back.  Not the same model but the exact same camera.  Although no longer the top gun of the family, there's too many memories attached to this and holding it my hands made me feel "it's back home again".

Crowd in the trophy...

The America's Cup.  Can you imagine all the faces that were reflected in this trophy for over a hundred years.

Watch and Learn...

At the temporary America's Cup Village, there's plenty of opportunity to learn about the sport.  This scene also reminds me of "Big Brother" is watching you.

The America's Cup...

Here it is folks.  Not a replica but the real deal.  FYI, the next two races scheduled isn't The America's Cup but just races that are part of the series.  The America's Cup race will be held next year.

When you have to get it right...

Putting on the final touches by her MUA (Make up Artist)

Clothing...

The difference between the 19th Century versus today.

The Puzzles...

There are a whole generation or two who wouldn't have any idea what this lady is racking her brain over.

The Conversation...

Besides the title of an excellent film, it's just refreshing to see people sitting and having a conversation WITHOUT some sort of electronic do-dad around.

French Pastry...

Although just about 2 or perhaps 3 small bites - that old saying "a slice of heaven".

Just one look...

Sometimes just a quick pose can make your day.

How Cute and Lovely...

I'm talking about the puppy !!

Popcorn...

From Jiffy-Pop, CrackerJacks, Orville Reddenbacher, to even this high priced stuff, popcorn is just one of those comfort food snacks. Yum.

Dangerous Curves in Straight Lines and Shadows...

Shapes...

Best Friends...

They were best friends here and are best friends again in the hereafter.

BTW.... this was a Kodak moment taken with a Kodak EK6 Instant Camera

Flowing hair...

Reminds me of cartoon characters where they speed by so fast you have a long trail of hair flowing.

Damn it...

Not that I'm a neat freak.  Once again, some lazy slobs who can't walk 10 feet to the nearby trash can to put away their crap.

The Right Idea...

We've become a society where everything happens way too fast.  This woman has the right idea.

Cat Art...

Posted on the world wide web to live in cyberspace forever.  Artwork by ChiBe

Advertising...

If the idea is to get noticed.  It worked.  I'll certainly remember these folks if I am in need of a moving container.

Empty...

Joy...

Nothing greater in this world than having a special someone to hold hands, share moments and enjoy the gift of living.