The appreciation for artistry and individuality has disappeared and its disheartening. (Excuse me while I vent) I work hard for the money I earn! I’ve invested a lot of time, energy, and all of my savings into developing my own non-profit photography business. I had no mentors and I had no investors. I’m self taught and self made. I’ve learned and continue to learn as much as I can about Polaroid film and Polaroid cameras. I’m an excellent photographer, but only one of a few Polaroid Masters. It’s insulting to hear remarks about my business such as “get a job”, “cute idea”, or “that’s not too hard” too many times have I had customers stiff me for my photos or not paid me my agreed upon dues. This has at times made me bitter about carrying on a non-profit business. But that’s not why I started “StrangeFrame”. I’ve always felt no matter what you choose to do in life, it’s important that you’re present. Shooting with Polaroid film is an instant capture of your present moments. And watching your films develop are a once in a lifetime experience. Just like “yesterday” it can’t be recreated. And unlike your smart phone, Polaroid cameras have no built in filter. Polaroid films come out beauteous, most of the time better than any filter found on your smart phone. And the other times, you get a mysterious enthralling one of a kind photo. I respect all photography (trust me I know how to shoot digitally), but there’s mad admiration to be had to all Polaroid Artist who strive to get the perfect shot in one take! No photoshop, no artificial lights, no multiple shots and then choosing the best one. This is hard work folks! I work a full shift mon-fri and then still shoot for StrangeFrame. Sometimes working 16hour days. So at the end of the day when I’m looking for a food bank distribution to get food for the week or scrounging up pennies for gas to get to my next gig… It makes me think…Being an artist takes courage. You have to deviate from society a lot. Because ‘things’ matter more than people, what can be bought and sold has overwhelming precedence over what can be felt and perceived. #impactinghumanity #starvingartist #savepolaroid #filmisntdead #notforprofit #starvingartist #savepolaroid #filmisntdead #notforprofit #impactinghumanity #smartphone #nofilter #photography #respectartists #textbooksgooutofdateartdosent #supportlivingartist #staybrokeshootingfilm #busksohard #donationsmakeadifference #speakup #artsmatter #oneinamillion #donttryandbiteme #hardwork #selfmade #portraiture #priceless #knowyourworth #idontgotoyourjobandtryandcheatyou