Polaroid artist Ming Chan combines iPhone photography with instant retro

Ming Chan seems like a typical shutterbug – showing up for an interview with a hefty backpack filled with his favourite Polaroid cameras, photographs and films, but photography is more than a hobby for him. Chan has found his creative language combining retro Polaroid imageries with iPhone photography.

Chan is able to incorporate his hobby of shooting Polaroids with his day job as a nurse for mentally challenged patients, sharing his joy of instant photography with his patients.

He was one of the few local Polaroid artists taking part in the ‘WHY IMPOSSIBLE’ photo exhibition at Eslite bookstore in March. He employed traditional Polaroid and iPhone to document the life of a rose in 15 exposures, attracting much attention from the Polaroid community.

We sat down with him to find out more about his Polaroid journey, how he incorporates technology into Polaroid photography, and how the roots for his artwork lie in his childhood.

How did you get into shooting Polaroids?

I got my first Polaroid camera from a colleague. I became attached to it straight away and began shooting. I started shooting for family and friends, and I find that very meaningful. I have kept on shooting, sometimes giving Polaroid photos out as gifts to friends, and use it as a way of artistic expression.