For Night of Starless Skies, I’ll be using FP-100c and FP-100c45 film extensively, alongside 4x5 Portra 400 and 4x5 Ektar 100. The book will follow a structured layout: the first 2-4 pages will be text, followed by 2-6 pages of FP-100c/45 film showcasing scenes inspired by the preceding text, and the final 2-4 pages will feature dramatic fantasy shots captured on 4x5 Portra 400 and 4x5 Ektar 100. These final images will embody the striking style of Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell — artists whose work first sparked my love for the fantasy genre. I still remember visiting Berkeley at age 10, stepping into a few shops, and being captivated by their art on display. I've included their art below.
Some of the cameras I'll be using are the Polaroid Studio Express cameras, I was able to buy all four models: the 203, 403, 255, and 455. The 203 and 403 shoot FP-100c, while the 255 and 455 shoot FP-100c45 along with all 4x5 film. Having all four cameras will give certain sections of the book a comic book feel, with photos presented in a grid-like format. I'm also looking to add another camera to enhance this concept, though I’ll keep those details under wraps for now.
I've developed a unique double exposure technique that will allow me to capture powerful, surreal images — adding another layer of depth to the project. While I'm pretty sure I'm not the first person to do this, it's something I discovered on my own, and it’s become an integral part of how I plan to shoot Night of Starless Skies.
