When the last Polaroid factory closed down in 2008, the good folks at the Impossible Project stepped in to rescue their machines. Thankfully, the Impossible Project still believed in the power of analog photography, even in the digital age (sound familiar?), and they wanted to create our own instant films to save the millions of original Polaroid cameras out there from becoming obsolete.

After years of research and refinement, they are now the only people making film for 600, SX70 and Spectra/Image Cameras, as well as 8x10 large format film at our two factories in Enschede and Monheim. We here at Third Man are big fans and big supporters, and now we're the inspiration for one of the Impossible Project's very special runs of limited-edition instant film — one that develops in black & yellow! Be still our hearts!

To launch the collaboration, Third Man has selected three photographers to create a unique photo exhibition using the duochrome film. The exhibition will open on 10th September in the Blue Room at the label’s Nashville HQ and will run until 16 September.

The photographers are New York-based Patrick Pantano who shot the cover photos for the White Stripes’ Elephant and White Blood Cells albums; musician and tour photographer David Swanson who has been on the road with Jack White and previously worked as Terry Richardson’s assistant, and Third Man’s own Angelina Castillo.

“Photography using mechanical means is a beautiful art form. Digital pictures are very portable and easy to make happen, but you can’t hold the photo in your hand, or put it in a family album. T here’s a romantic feeling of pulling a photograph out of a polaroid camera, holding it your hands and showing it to others. It can’t be replaced or replicated.” — Jack White

“Since the start of The Impossible Project, we’ve always collaborated with like minded people and companies, and the guys at Third Man really couldn’t be a better fit. We both celebrate making real things, records and photos you can actually hold and pass around, and all the struggle and pride that comes with it. The black and yellow film is also one of my favorite things to date, so I couldn’t be happier that we’re releasing it together with such a great partner.” — Oskar Smolokowski, CEO of The Impossible Project

Join us for the opening reception, September 10th from 7-9pm in the Blue Room. If you can't make it, the exhibition will be on display through September 16th and open during normal Third Man business hours.