I am, of course, speaking about the demise of Polaroid instant film. If you haven’t yet heard, the company is planning to discontinue the manufacturing of instant film in 2008 and supplies are expected to dwindle then disappear in 2009. Some might argue it is merely a sign of progress, the replacement of an outdated medium with the new, easy, cheap digital method. I would argue that Polaroid has served many cultural and artistic functions. How else will we get souvenir photos taken with giant, animal-suited mascots, secretly snap a whole 10 pack of self-portraits, or explore photography as a medium without the encumbering development process. And then there is the unique texture and character of the prints themselves to miss. I have seen many an art installation incorporating Polaroids and love the process as much as the product. While I love many of the things the digital revolution has brought us, it is sad to let go of a cherished photographic process that has been deemed outmoded by the majority stakeholders.
