Polaroid

Every time I hear about Polaroid no longer being available it brings tears to my eyes. I don't now if it's the fact that the only experience I will have with a Polaroid will only be distant, fuzzy memories or if it's because of some distant emotion that I can't really explain.
Yes, I realize FugiFilm also makes instant film, however, who knows how long they will continue producing it before they follow in Polaroid's footsteps. I have heard the arguments that digital is here and there is no need for Polaroid. Well, anyone who feels that way doesn't realize the power that Polaroid, or instant film in general, has on the artistic world. Go onto most any art community website and type in Polaroid and you will see a flood of works either using or about Polaroids. The fact is, it's not just a Pop icon, it's an artistic expression, one that, much like instant film its self, can not be easily replicated. There is just a magical air that comes with instant film that you just wouldn't understand unless you've experienced it's magic, either first hand or through someone elses passion.

Not to mention the fact that there is just something...(I've used this word to much in this post)magical about watching your photo being produced in your hand. Yes, with digital you can see your photo instantly but can you give it to someone right there? The fact is even though you can see it you can't produce it in a tangible form until you get home, transfer it to your computer and go to Walgreens or some other place which prints photos, which all take about an hour to print. Yes, they have made cameras which hook straight up to a printer, but who carries a printer around in their bag just so they can print their photo in the cafe? Personally, it's just not the same or as convenient as Polaroid. Not to mention not as (here it goes) magical. I remember, back in 5th and 6th grade, at the dances there would be a teacher set up next to some backdrop made out of colored butcher paper and construction paper shapes which were related to the theme of the dance and for a dollar they would take a Polaroid of you and or your friends and you could take it home with you. A memory of that night. Take it this was before everyone had a digital camera in their pocket or even one on their cell phone (or cell phones for that matter {okay, I'm not that old but it was before everyone between the ages of ten and eighty had one}), but still, it's the same issue. You can't just print a photo from a digital camera in two, three seconds unless you have a printer next to you and that even takes longer.
NOTHING BEATS INSTANT FILM
Don't take it away. That's all that's left to say.

-Disco-