Early Photography
The history of photography dates back to the 19th century. Back then, shooting pictures required a lengthy and difficult process. Large, heavy cameras were required, coupled with plates coated in unique light-sensitive compounds. Photography was a laborious and difficult process because these plates had to be exposed to light for a long period of time (Brownlee, 2019).
The Birth of Polaroid
In 1947, a person named Dr. Edwin Land had a groundbreaking idea that would change photography forever. He started the Polaroid Corporation with one goal: to create a system where people could take a picture and see it develop instantly. This was the start of Polaroid instant photography, a massive leap forward in photography (Wikipedia Contributors, 2019).
How Polaroid Instant Photography Worked
The magic of Polaroid photography was in its special film. This film had all the chemicals needed to develop a photo. When you take a picture, the film comes out of the camera, and while it comes out, the roller presses and squeezes the chemical bag inside the film, which starts the chemical reactions. These reactions created a visible picture within minutes, so you didn’t have to wait or go through any extra processes (Akash Peshin, 2018).
The Decline of Polaroid
When the digital era began, Polaroid found it difficult to keep up with the emerging technology. As more people started using digital cameras and smartphones, the need for instant film significantly decreased. For those who loved instant film, the bankruptcy of Polaroid in 2001 marked the end of an era (Wikipedia Contributors, 2019).
The Return of Vintage Tech
Despite the rise of digital photography, many people began to appreciate traditional analog and instant photography once more. They liked how these more traditional techniques seemed real and earthy. This rekindled enthusiasm led to the return of Polaroid film. Instant film has been effectively brought back by businesses like the Impossible Project, often known as “Polaroid Originals,” and is now popular with a younger age that enjoys the novelty and allure of instant photography (Akash Peshin, 2018).
Conclusion
Instant photography with Polaroid was a significant turning point for how we save memories. Its ingenious method of photo development immediately altered how we will always recall certain times. Although Polaroid had difficulties in the digital era, its resurgence in recent years demonstrates that many people still value antiquated technology and the enduring nostalgia of instant prints.
Reference list
Akash Peshin (2018). How Do Polaroid Pictures Work? [online] Science ABC. Available at: https://www.scienceabc.com/innovation/how-do-polaroid-pictures-work-instant-color-films.html [Accessed 9 September 2023].
Brownlee, M.B. (2019). RETRO TECH: POLAROID. [online] www.youtube.com. Available at: https://youtu.be/6oHrNuXPVck?si=fSGYNn2Ni1hsXfLG [Accessed 9 September 2023].
Wikipedia Contributors (2019). Polaroid Corporation. [online] Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polaroid_Corporation [Accessed 9 September 2023].
