Today we’d like to introduce you to Eduardo Salgado.
Hi Eduardo, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I have been a Mexican-American artist since birth. I have always wanted to be an artist but didn’t know what artistry meant until I discovered my mother’s box, filled with memories of our family. I hadn’t opened it for years. There were at least 200 photographs in that box, but only two real Polaroids remained, which made me curious about what they were.
I researched everything related to Polaroid and its founder, Dr. Edwin Land, and his scientific achievements throughout his career. An idea from his daughter led him to invent instant photography, and the rest is history.
However, Polaroid declared bankruptcy in October 2008 and discontinued all instant products and machinery. Fortunately, the Impossible Project’s founder, Florian Kaps, saved this. Their goal was to revive instant photography once more. Its rich history drove me to discover great artists who used the same creative tool to capture their family, art, and lifestyle, which changed our culture forever. Edward Land’s magic opened my eyes to a new world of instant photography, and I wanted to be a part of the movement.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey of instant photography was not easy. It took me through many challenges, and I had to figure out which type of cameras could give me the desired results. There were numerous errors and attempts, but eventually, I mastered it to the point where I didn’t care if I used a whole film pack to get one good image. It made me think about the possibilities. One quote that stuck with me was, “Never undertake a project unless it’s manifestly important or nearly impossible.” That has been my motivation ever since. Now, the results are incredible, and it’s all about pushing yourself into the existence that you want to be a part of and the world to see.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in the arts of instant photography, which involves taking pictures with old & new cameras. I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others interested in learning about this art form. I even get to travel for my work, attending events like PolaCon.
Seeing my work featured on Polaroid’s website and packaging and being published has always been a dream come true for me. It’s part of a more significant movement that many people are starting to appreciate.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
My photography journey began when I first picked up a book about 35 mm photography at a thrift store. I loved it because it taught me everything about analog photography. This set me off on a journey of trying new ways to capture images, and I found analog photography to be more enjoyable than digital photography.
I bought The Polaroid Book while traveling to San Francisco and had my SX70. While exploring the city, I thought about the beauty of Polaroid then and now. Seeing all these great artists using Polaroid made me feel like this is what I want to do with my life – taking Polaroid photos to tell a story that no one else would envision.
Years of perfecting my craft have taught me much about my story and who I am. Getting published in “Polaroid Now: The History and Future of Instant Photography” was an incredible experience. Seeing my name in print gave me goosebumps as I flipped through the pages, thinking about the countless artists who exist and inspire future generations like myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://edouardx.redbubble.com/
- Instagram: @______edouard_
