The Polaroid Camera that Changed My Life
Our family was enthralled by my cousin George’s camera. He would come over with the Polaroid, like the one I now own, a 1957 110A, and he would begin taking images. Each pack of film held 10 sheets, so it was precious. I was amazed watching the picture rise from a white pool to subtle tones and then Bam! A fully realized photo of us would appear. Crisp and magical, I was smitten. Around 1962 Marie Cosindas was shooting color film with her Polaroid and making art. This was a complete revelation. She was bringing color photography to the art world where only black and white was recognized as having value. By 1968 I knew I wanted to pursue photography.
I did not rediscover Polaroid for myself until 2005. I was using Holga cameras (toy cameras that can produce startling results) and I found a site where someone converted these to use polaroid film. Randy, of Holga Mods was my new guru, leading me to purchase the 110A, and have him modify it with a modern film back. I began to take it to weddings, providing one of a kind images for couples as well as charming little art works for guests to have instead of the more common photobooth shots.
Unfortunately film Is no longer being made for this model of Polaroid, modified or not. Having this image on my wall reminds me of the excitement of finding my voice through photography.It has been a long and storied journey.
