Polaroid Process

Many of us who were getting started in photography were fascinated by the process, which always seemed magical to me. Especially in 1963 when Polaroid introduced color film.

I’d take the packet from my camera, peel off the top layer and watch the image develop before my very eyes. With each passing second, the image became clearer and clearer. During this time, we would all anticipate how clear it was going to get. Finally, when it reached its maximum limit of clarity, the process was finished.

Kinda like the writing process.

Kinda like this particular post.

The idea starts out in my brain somewhere and slowly begins to form itself into thoughts which lead to words that become available and as the words are combined the picture becomes clearer and clearer until it’s clear enough that it’s comprehendible to others, like you, for example.

The idea will continue to develop until it links on to a memory. In this case, the idea has linked to a memory, which is conveyed in a Ringo Starr song that talks about the sometimes-bittersweet tastes of the miracle of photography.

When all we have is a photograph............

We think back to times gone by and we chuckle at the ways our wardrobe has changed, along with everything else

and those who are departed

are present with us

for a reassuring moment

of unchanged clothing, character and clarity