Lately, I’ve been using Polaroid film cameras more often. As a photographer in the professional world, instant film isn’t always considered serious. Instant film can be thought of as a means for non-photographers to enjoy photography. I think differently about Polaroid cameras. I find that Polaroid photography allows the wielder of the camera to think less when shooting.
Most plastic Polaroids allow you to only change the shutter speed, altering how much light you let in. On my 620 Polaroid, I get a lot of camera shake if I am working inside with a broken flash. The photos presented here are all taken outside.
The first five Polaroid images show the beginnings of “The Polaroid Adventures.” I took my new camera to Tulum, Mexico at the start of summer and photographed the Mayan ruins and seaweed-infested oceans.
The last five are from the end of summer when I went back home to Texas and spent time in the Gulf of Mexico. These are from the second pack of color film that I used in my 620. I thought I wouldn’t enjoy the colored borders, but I genuinely think they look nice. They add to the preciousness that I associate with Polaroids.
One of the main reasons why I delved into Polaroid photography is because instant film gives the feeling of tiny gifts — of little keepsakes that can be collectable or decorative.
