New York City Polaroid Project
by Amanda on April 1, 2010
With the advent of the new Impossible Project film upon us, I have Polaroid on the brain even more than usual at the moment and it just so happens that I’m not the only one.
Andrew Faris is a Polaroid photographer who has recently launched a new site dedicated to a project he has been working on for the past 7 years. The New York City Polaroid Project is a treasury of glorious New York themed Polaroids that will leave you wanting to hop a flight to the Big Apple. I asked Andrew a couple of questions about the project.
What is the project for?
The project was something I created when I first moved to New York City back in 2003. It was a way for me to share the city with friends of mine that were scattered around the map. I used the Polaroids as a kind of visual diary/journal of my meandering walks through the streets.
It felt like the camera gave me permission to stop and appreciate all the little marvels that caught my eye. The camera was my little sidekick that made me feel a little more comfortable in the big city.
I am fascinated by light, line and colour…especially if they can all be captured in a cohesive composition. One of the things I love about Polaroid is that it is what it is. It feels very honest. I wouldn’t look at any of the shots until I was done walking the streets. Once I’d get home I’d take the Polaroids out of my satchel and sit and enjoy seeing the city for a second time in the same day.
How did you shoot it?
I shot the project with my parents old Sun 600 Polaroid camera. I carried a beat up satchel stocked with Polaroid film and hit the streets snapping a pic whenever something felt right.
I love that Andrew says ‘Polaroid is what it is’. How very true. What I love about projects like these are that if you pick yourself a theme and a medium and keep on shooting, before you know it, you have your own library of images to share with the world.
See more of Andrew’s photography work here
Purchase cool project posters in Andrew’s shop.
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9 Responses to “New York City Polaroid Project”
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These are amazing. I think my heart started beating faster seeing these NYC Pollys!
Aren’t they, Alexandria?
I kinda love that they were shot with an ordinary 600 camera too. Andrew has an amazing eye for detail.
That is so true. They are what they are. No extra magic required.
Thanks for sharing. x
I love this interview. The “it is what it is” quote really captures what’s so special about Polaroid.
oh i do love seeing projects like this, one day i would love to do my own. i guess the only thing stopping me is the cost… but the end result would be worth it!
Pearl xo
What a wonderful blog you have. I leave a footprint from Sweden & Agneta. Nice to meet you!
Thanks for the good vibes everybody!
These are GORGEOUS!
I loved them so much I bought a print! I can’t wait for it to arrive!
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