New York, NY—The Polaroid Capture Real Life campaign launched. Via the global campaign, 15 photographers interpret their world through the unexpected and unpredictable imperfections captured on Polaroid film.
“Polaroid film parallels real life. The unique recipe of film chemistry mixed with a photographer’s vision and unpredictable environment creates a one-of-a-kind image where flaws are celebrated and perfection isn’t the answer,” the company announced.
“Real life is beautifully imperfect. Real life is unpredictable. It’s messy; it’s color you can’t control; it’s dots and unwanted marks. It’s wild. Real life is beautiful as it is.”
Through the lens of 15 photographers from Stockholm to Iran, Polaroid is celebrating four truths found in the connection between real life and Polaroid imagery.
Polaroid Capture Real Life
Below, select Polaroid photographers interpret the campaign’s “four truths” through their photography.
Real life is having to wait.
According to Polaroid, nothing worthwhile should come in an instant. Not even Polaroid photography. “Life, like the development of Polaroid film, is worth the wait.” Andre D. Wagner was born and raised in the vibrant energy of Brooklyn, New York. His work reflects the city’s essence as well as the magic of the everyday through city streets, neighborhoods and parades.
“It’s an essential tool and fact of being human. I find beauty in waiting,” Wagner said.
Real life is making the most of those dots & marks.
No two people are the same, like no two Polaroid shots are the same. In life, just like in Polaroid photography, it’s our imperfections that make us unique. Edie Sunday embodies this. She uses color as well as light as distinct style choices, exploring the conscious and the unconsciousness.
“I couldn’t imagine trying to force a Polaroid photo to come out perfectly. The magic is in the mystery and uniqueness of each shot,” Sunday said.
Real life is color you can’t control.
From the bright and bold to the muted and subtle. From sunsets to stains to the saturation of film. Life, like Polaroid photography, is full of beautiful and uncontrollable color. Ry Shorosky’s journeys take him to the far reaches of America. He captures the hidden stories as well as captivating landscapes that are only discovered through exploration and adventure.
“I’d notice colors I wasn’t expecting. And instead of hindering my vision, it allowed for space to play around in the process in real time, which was exciting and pure to me,” Shorosky said.
Real life is sometimes unintentionally beautiful.
There is beauty in the random, the wild, the surprising. Cristian Bravo captures the intangible aspects of life. He portrays places, people and moments where everyone is involved. What’s more, his work highlights the abstract and unseen elements of everyday life.
“I don’t know what I’m doing until I’ve done it. Photographing for me is something that has to stay instinctive,” Bravo said.
All content was captured on Generation 2 Polaroid Now and Polaroid Now+ cameras.
