Vanishing Polaroid: trailer

Vanishing Polaroid

It's hard to imagine when Edwin Land introduced the first one-step process for instant photographs in 1947 that he could have foreseen the impact his invention would have on the world of photography. As Polaroid cameras and film evolved, alternative processes such as emulsion transfers became creative ways for photographers to express their vision. The inherent imperfections from peeling film apart or pulling it through the camera's metal rollers gave Polaroid images their unique quality and character. Long before digital imaging, Polaroid gave us instant gratification in viewing our photographs shortly after pressing the shutter button. But in February 2008, Polaroid announced they will no longer produce instant film. By year's end, the final cartons of film were being shipped to retailers. So, this blog will be dedicated to images created with Polaroid film. I'll be shooting primarily with a vintage Polaroid 180 camera, using various types of Polaroid Pack Film. Random images will be posted here in occasional installments throughout 2009. Let's see what develops. . .

Christopher Grisanti

Photographer

Monday, April 13, 2009

trailer

Somehow, trailer parks have managed to survive. These communities of homes on wheels seem stuck in time, mobile but immobilized by having nowhere else to go. This image was made last week, but it appears to be 40 years old. I don't know if these communities will eventually fade away altogether, or go through a renaissance and thrive again. In a way, they represent what Polaroid is going through right now. There was a recent sale of what remains of Polaroid to a group that would like to revive it. Then the sale was rejected and an auction for the assets reopened to bidders. There is talk of re-introducing some of the peel-apart pack films that helped make Polaroid a household name. But at this moment, those films are in diminishing supply and Polaroid is hanging on by a thread. I hope it survives. In the meantime, I am also uncertain about continuing this blog. This may very well be the final post. So, thanks for visiting. It's been somewhat of a nostalgic trip.