Photographer Christian Courrèges prepares Anne Biroleau and Jean-Claude Lemagny, of the Bilbliotheque nationale de France, for their portrait in front of a crowd at the Baudoin Lebon Gallery booth at Paris Photo.

A bit of nervous fun just before the flash goes off.

The 20 inch x 24 inch Polaroid portrait is revealed moments later, to applause.
Copyright 2006 Christian Courrèges.

The instant reaction.

This was one of the only interactive/performance spaces at Paris Photo this year, and it attracted large crowds during the entire festival. The alchemy and magic of instant large-format Polaroid photography enthralled people. And the line-up of portrait subjects was interesting as well. Celebrities, photographers, people in old-world costumes, and playful nudes kept the audience buzzing and the snapshots flying.

Apparently, this is the only 20 x 24 Polaroid camera in Europe, so it travels a lot, and is booked far in advance. The photographs were thick and rich and luxurious.