Simple elegance is hard to come by these days. The digital polish of today’s HD everythings has created a world of imagery that at times can be too clean. A subjective opinion this is – but dirty lenses, worn edges, accidents, and lost focus are something that no photoshop filter can accurately re-create. The essence of photography is to capture a moment in time. Bringing the viewer of the photograph as close to that moment as possible. Great photography puts you there, evokes emotion like any art should. If an image is worth a thousand words – then the moments they capture must be worth infinitely more. Raymond was kind of enough to share some of his process and equipment with us. Check out Raymond’s photo blog for more. Oh yeah he’s also the newest member to our Skate Team – welcome to the team Raymond!

Why do you shoot with Polaroids? What has drawn you to that camera and format?

The reason I shoot polaroids is  because of the instant gratification you get..and actually having the real photo in your hand..not like a lame digital camera. Having a photo develop in 3 minutes is pretty damn amazing..the years that Dr. Edwin Land put into the camera and film is just really something. The camera I use is an SX-70 land camera and I think it is hands down the best polaroid camera to this day. There is so many interesting things that you can do with it..and also the lenses in the camera are glass not cheap plastic like the modern day polaroids. Those are shit!

Considering that the film and polaroid format is being discontinued – are you more cautious with what you capture? Do you question whether or not it’s a worthy shot? Do you plan on continuing shooting with polaroid?

Im a little more cautious then I was when I found out polaroid was leaving instant photography, but not that much, when I run out it will give me more time with my 35mm, but I just instant photograpghy so much. I never really did question whether its gonna be a good shot or not. Polaroids are hit or miss, sometimes I only get 2 photos that I like out of ten.

What makes an image worth capturing for you? Do you have a favorite subject matter such as people or scenery?

What makes a image for me worth capturing is a moment or a feeling that I get before I take the photo and hope that I will get that same feeling when I look back at that photo in say 10 or 20 years. That’s kinda what I go for.  I really love shooting photos of my friends. I do some abstract or weird photos here and there. But that’s not as satisfying compared to a photo of a person or place.

Any photographers out there that inspire you – living or dead?

These are some that just come to mind:

Richard Avedon, Diane Arbus, Autumn De Wilde, Brian Gaberman, Greg Hunt.

For more of Raymond’s photography check his Flickr account. It’s good. Thanks Raymond! Check his video part from the Habitat video Inhabitants. Shop Habitat.