It was going to be a series: photos of my boys leaning on my car in front of various restaurants where we ate dinner. And I was going to use nothing but box cameras. Then I made just two photos. It’s not much of a series.

Boys at Waffle House
Ansco B-2 Cadet, Kodak Ektar 100, 2016

I suppose I could make more, eventually. But now that both boys are out of high school we’ll simply go out together a lot less often. And what are the odds I’ll have a loaded box camera then?

The boys at Perkins
Kodak Six-20, Kodak Verichrome Pan (exp 9/1982), 2016

The boys live near an Interstate highway, so the available restaurants are the chain diners you expect to find at an exit. I have a bunch of dietary restrictions which make ordering at a restaurant tricky. But I can always confidently order the bacon and eggs.

It so happens that I sent both rolls of film to Old School Photo Lab for processing. I didn’t order prints, but they printed these two images anyway and sent them to me for nothing. The prints are truly wonderful! Far better than these scans. Crisper, more vivid. If I didn’t tell you I took them with box cameras, you’d never know.

© 2016-17 Jim Grey. All rights reserved.


Comments

11 responses to “Sons at diners photographed with box cameras”

  1. DougD Avatar
    DougD

    Nice, I should try and take some photos of the kids, maybe I notice them less than you because they’re around every day?

    What’s the big R on your license plate for?

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      It’s the logo of my alma mater, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

  2. jon Avatar
    jon

    Nice Jim. Good on you using the old box cameras. I think they take pleasing pictures.
    I have used Old School for processing a few times and found them very helpful and was pleased with the results. Also, they are located in the nicest town we have here, be sure and stop if you are in the area.

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Old School does great work and they are fast. Always happy with their work!

  3. Heide Avatar
    Heide

    You’re right that I never would have guessed “box camera,” Jim — what great results you got! And how kind of Old School to make you a couple of prints, too. These are images to treasure.

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      This is what those old boxes were for: photos of people at medium range. They’re quite good at it!

  4. Sam Avatar

    Cool pics, love the old school look! And nice to see your boys Jim!

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Thanks Sam!

  5. daisymae2017 Avatar

    It’s tough when kids get older and want to do their own thing. Their are times you sometimes have to say this is when family time is and spend time out with them.

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Yup. That’s exactly what I’m experiencing.

      1. daisymae2017 Avatar

        That’s what happens. I’m kidless but see what happens with my sister’s kids.

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