Polaroid 330 Land Camera: Back to Life!

It’s been quite sometime since I wrote a blog entry, but my current project seemed photo-blog worthy. I recently acquired, thru a friend who found it in an old house, a Polaroid 330 Land Camera, circa 1960-1970’s. I had never seen a camera like this, and was instantly curious as to how to use it.

After some research, I learned the camera opened up (see photo above) and there were still places to get film for it! I also learned it was inoperable without battery power from a #532 Eveready 3v battery. When I finally figured out where the battery compartment was, I was disappointed to see the camera still contained the same battery from the late 60’s.. and it had completely corroded both connections.

I found a 3v battery online, but I had not a clue how I was going to get this thing working without intact battery contacts.

I came across a forum for Polaroid enthusiasts, and saw a post from a user who had the same issue with their Polaroid 450. A few users had suggested rewiring the battery compartment, and after a trip to my local RadioShack, I was ready to attempt to rewire my camera..

I purchased a 2 AAA battery holder, along with some lithium AAA batteries.. First you should remove the corroded contacts from the old wire. Trim all the way to the edge of the old contact, as the wires are only about 3 inches long. Wire the white (camera) to the red (holder) and the black (camera) to the black (holder). At this point, you should insert the AAA batteries to check if the camera is getting juice. Extend the lens to shooting position, open the back of the camera and look at the back of the lens.

If you were successful, when you cock the shutter, and press the red button on top you should hear the shutter click. I am going to solder the wires together for a more permanent connection. I need to figure out how to cram this rig in the battery holder, it will almost fit, but you will have to trim the plastic of the old holder in order to get the door to shut.

Now, I must patiently wait on film… If all goes well I might have some awesomely vintage photos to post this time next week!

Beaufort!

It’s been way too long since I updated this blog… I’m sorry for the general slacking on my part. I do however, have some new stuff to share.

I went on a road trip to Beaufort, SC on July 1st. I traveled thru Yemasse, SC and came across the Old Sheldon Church ruins. It was so beautiful! But so muggy, God love the south in the summer. You step out the car and the heat is so intense it literally takes your breath away. Don’t forget about the mosquitos, we started to venture down to the marsh until we were attacked by a swarm of them. Go figure I left my ‘Deep Woods’ bug spray at home this time…

Next we traveled further towards the coast, finally arriving at Hunting Island State Park. The beach is loosing a lot of land and trees due to erosion. It was really spectacular to see all these large trees and their roots fully exposed, then hardened and preserved by the sea. She is so unforgiving, the sea… takes with her whatever is in her path…

There were once many cabins for rent at the park. Today, only one remains standing (and is booked for at least 5 years…), I was hoping to find at least 2 cabins left. However, the sea claimed another one last year… You can see the last remaining one in the background, the small blue building in the distance. This is what’s left of the other one, a few hundred feet of bricks and blocks and pipes and all sorts of other things. All covered in rust and cru stations, broken glass and even a blanket were buried in the sand. I wonder how long it will take the tide to wash it all away.

We ended our first and only night down in Beaufort with a fantastic trip to the Dockside Restaurant. With impeccable timing, we were able to watch the sunset as we has some pre-dinner cocktails. It was absolutely amazing.

Till next time! Which, I promise, won’t be so long.

Props Props Props!

Woo! I love getting surprises in the mail! Today I had a few new things delivered. Such cute stuff! I can’t wait for this weekend to try them out on my model. I have booked two more newborn sessions and another client gave birth today! It’s going to be an exciting year for Shenandoah Photography. I have made it my goal to get at least one new prop every weekend. This weekend I focused on babies, with an Easter theme! Easter will be here before you know it. Why spend all the money on an adorable outfit and not have photos? It’s the perfect time of year to start booking Spring portraits too. I can’t wait for it to get warmer outside. Take a look at the goodies below!

 

Little Angels

An adorable set of wings and a halo came today. It’s the perfect size for baby, and is absolutely precious! The wings have two large elastic loops on the back to ensure baby is completely comfortable while wearing the prop. It features white feathers and a small matching halo to complete the ensemble. Bring your Little Angel in today, we feature many more baby props to choose from! E-mail for booking info – Shannon@Shenandoahsc.com or visit www.ThePictureLadySC.com and use the contact tab.

 

Peter Cottontail

The second prop I got today is a handmade Floppy Bunny hat from DiVine Designs by Velvet. Hand made, I found this in on her Artfire store and had to have it! The floppy ears will be a perfect touch to the Baby Bunny Easter Special! Visit www.ThePictureLadySC.com and use the contact tab to set an appointment. For only $75 dollars, this package features prints, Easter cards, a CD of the edited images and many more exciting extras!

 

Something Simple & Sweet

How cute! Two magnetic key chains that ‘kiss’ when they are together! I found them online for a price so cheap that I can’t even say. They took almost  weeks to arrive, but made it just in time for Valentines Day! I wouldn’t call this a ‘prop’ – more like a really cute gift I just had to share! LOL

Gift Certificates!

(Again, pardon the cell phone photos…lol)

Gift certificates are now available!

Hand made, each certificate comes in a wide variety of colors and designs. Fully customizable, they feature an elegant folded pouch made of high quality cardstock with a hard plastic & cardstock removable certificate. Available in any dollar amount,  it will be printed on both sides and can be made to tailor any style! Call or text today to order one - 803-712-3371. They will be available year round but please give me a few days notice to make it!

 

The pouch is made of textured card stock – black glitter in this case. The front design is a sticker made of glossy paper lined with silver and the center is faux pearls. Inside the pouch, there is a removable certificate printed on both sides with the name you choose. I can make just about any color combination possible!

Happy Birthday Trey!

Happy 4th Birthday to my nephew Trey!

He will be having cake and ice cream at Chuck E Cheese's on Saturday. Look for pictures from that adventure next week! I stopped by with my bf, and Trey remembered playing the “Angry Birds” game on his Droid from Christmas. Time we sat down at the table, “Can I play your Angry Birds?” He’s so cute with his southern twang. I wish I could let you hear how he says it! Anyways, we stayed a while and played monster trucks and took pictures (which he loves!) and just hung out.

Not bad being a four year old. No stress, everything is fun again!

Hmmmm…

Today I had a chance to sit and watch the sun set for a moment. If you actually took the time to sit and watch it, you will notice it sinks quite fast. At my day job, I stare at a calendar and count down to 5:00 everyday. Some days, if I’m busy, it flies by. Some days, when I’m not busy, it drags. I have noticed the older I get, the faster it goes. I will be 25 this year (groan) and I have major plans for the last part of my twenties. Big plans. Or dreams, whatever you want to call them. Maybe goals is a better word. It starts with little things I hope to do before the sun sets each day. Because no matter what, the sun will always set at night and rise again tomorrow. Each day, we age with the knowledge of yesterday. Sooner than we think, we’ll be at the age where you sit back and think, “What have I done with my life?” So, my question to you is what will you do today?