I’ve spent a lot of time thinking the past few days about the recent announcement that Polaroid will be discontinuing their Instant Film format. I suppose it is hard for me to accept because it was one of those things that I trusted to always be there for me to explore more. I realize how naive and presumptuous this thought was. Truthfully, there wasn’t much thought about it before these past two weeks. It sounds silly to describe Polaroid as a cornerstone of my life that has now been removed, but it certainly represents that notion. It seems to represent a string of realizations (in m my life) lately that everything is fleeting. That’s a discussion for another day. In the grand scheme, Polaroid represents a small portion of all that is fleeting and important (or unimportant) in life, but it serves as a reminder none-the-less. (An irking, irritating, and unnecessary reminder.)

Polaroid represents what I love about art and photography. I believe experimentation, accidents, and unpredictability are important if not essential parts of the art making process. With Polaroid film you are guaranteed all three will occur at some point. I find that with digital photography I am lazy and expectant. It’s not that you cannot be experimental with digital photography: it’s just a lot more difficult. It’s difficult to make a mistake. Either that, or when you do experiment your results are predictable. In my opinion, the aesthetics of digital photography, especially experimental digital photography, will never compare to the images created with paper and chemicals.

Ultimately, I understand the decision made by Polaroid and decisions being made by film companies the world over. It is not profitable to make film anymore. If I could help support it by purchasing film and paper more, I would. I’m probably a fair sample of the consumer who is still interested in film and chemical processing. I would love to use only that. But, the fact is that I can’t afford it. I have a digital camera and a printer because it saves me hundreds of dollars a year. I hate to be a hypocrite, but at the same time, I refuse to believe that Polaroid cannot posses a corner in a niche market. I just hate to see an art form die. Are they going to stop making paint next? Pencils, maybe? (I heard pens are the new pencil..)

In an effort to garner some attention to the “niche market,” if one exists, and I believe strongly that it does, I have created a website- www.savethepolaroid.com. The website will be a hub for news from Polaroid and other corporations with options to pick up the Polaroid Instant Film format. To start, I am trying to gain support through photographers and Polaroid enthusiasts. The website provides the option to send pictures to Polaroid Corp. to express disappointment and representation for the existing market. Polaroid will not overturn its decision to stop making instant film. However, enough vocalization may be just what the art form needs to survive. Polaroid is interested in selling the technology, if only there is a buyer. Join the effort- www.savethepolaroid.com.