There is something truly mesmerizing when making polaroids.
I got my Polaroid Land Camera out of hiding about a week ago, and started taking pictures with it again. I have been thinking about how unique the images are, as I stand around waiting for them to develop. Because the controls are so limited, you really don’t know exactly what to expect until they are developed. Once they’re developed, they become one of a kind moments. I recognize that after scanning a Polaroid, and posting it online, it becomes part of the digital world and can be replicated over and over, but that original Polaroid which comes out of the camera is still very distinct. You actually hold a finished print in your hand. I think that part of it being distinct has to do with not being able to immediately see the image and correct mistakes, and maybe it has to do with slowing down the image making process in general, but paying closer attention to things like composition and even time of day, something occurs in the moments until the picture is ready that is remarkable. There are generally only 10 exposures per package, and with Kodak not making the film anymore, prices are relatively high to purchase film. So, approaching the image making process with a different mindset is a nice change of pace. It has been a very meditative experience to create polaroids, and as I continue to create them I will post more.
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