Michael Schnabel
What was your first shot ?
I played with the film in and around the studio in a controlled environment, shooting things I could repeat to get a feel for the film. I had been warned that it is special, to phrase it gently.
How did your work, idea evolve ?
There was an idea based on a series I am working on, which is a landscape project, yet due to facts I wasn't in control of, this was impossible.
I then played with various concepts and approaches, while at the same time learning more about the film. As well it occured to me that a lot of my ideas appeared not suitable for the PX film.
It seems like it is a lot about letting go with these "instant" images. Neither the pictures appear quickly nor the film feels controllable. And I am told it isn't really stable.
So letting go to me meant shooting open minded, playful and not trying to take too much control. I eventually decided on a "people" based project, approaching it positively, but not really knowing the outcome.
Are you happy with the result ?
At this point I do very much like the result. I think there is a nice feel to it and it's something unusual as well.
What's next ?
There are some major "bugs" in that PX film. I am hoping these will be taking care of, then I am happy to continue using it. It remains in my opinion a very special interest material to shoot with.
And I think it's awesome that some guys attempted to manufacture such a film again.
Michael Schnabel
What was your first shot ?
I played with the film in and around the studio in a controlled environment, shooting things I could repeat to get a feel for the film. I had been warned that it is special, to phrase it gently.
How did your work, idea evolve ?
There was an idea based on a series I am working on, which is a landscape project, yet due to facts I wasn't in control of, this was impossible.
I then played with various concepts and approaches, while at the same time learning more about the film. As well it occured to me that a lot of my ideas appeared not suitable for the PX film.
It seems like it is a lot about letting go with these "instant" images. Neither the pictures appear quickly nor the film feels controllable. And I am told it isn't really stable.
So letting go to me meant shooting open minded, playful and not trying to take too much control. I eventually decided on a "people" based project, approaching it positively, but not really knowing the outcome.
Are you happy with the result ?
At this point I do very much like the result. I think there is a nice feel to it and it's something unusual as well.
What's next ?
There are some major "bugs" in that PX film. I am hoping these will be taking care of, then I am happy to continue using it. It remains in my opinion a very special interest material to shoot with.
And I think it's awesome that some guys attempted to manufacture such a film again.
He never forgot his artistic passion, which would provide him prestigious awards.
Born in Neunkirchen (Germany) in 1966, Michael Schnabel moved to San Francisco (California) at the age of 25, after having learnt photography in Germany.
But in 1995, he decided to get back to were he once belonged, becoming a professional photographer in Stuttgart, Germany, where he still lives today.
At first, he focused upon commercial contracts (with Hyundai, SAP, HSBC, Jeep...) but he never forgot his artistic passion, which would provide him prestigious awards (AOP Gold, ADC Gold, Communication Arts) and even reached the recent list of the 200 best photographers in the world. His numerous exhibitions (not only in Europe) contribute, with the interest of many magazines, to his great success both sides of the ocean.
