21 Polaroids in 10 Days

Falling Down the Rabbit Hole

The rabbit-hole went straight on like a tunnel for some way, and then dipped suddenly down, so suddenly that Alice had not a moment to think about stopping herself before she found herself falling down a very deep well.

You may have noticed a sprinkling of Polaroids on the blog lately.

Well, dudes… it finally happened. I done gone and bought my very first Polaroid camera (and then another, and then another. Oops!).

It’s been awhile since I was exposed to a whole new world of photography, but since buying the Polaroid Spectra earlier this month I’ve been having my mind blown left and right by the possibilities. Getting straight-up giddy over photography has been an awesomely refreshing experience.

In just 10 days I shot 21 Polaroids, and the count is on the rise. Some of them are duds, some of them are okay, some of them only serve to teach me a lesson. And, I admit it, a few of them I take out of their safe keeping and look at daily.

Alice was not a bit hurt, and she jumped up on to her feet in a moment: she looked up, but it was all dark overhead; before her was another long passage, and the White Rabbit was still in sight, hurrying down it. There was not a moment to be lost: away went Alice like the wind.

I think it’s plain to see that this is an area of photography that I have a lot of learning to do. If only you knew the troubles I encountered (or the blatant follies I made) with my first pack of film. I fear telling the story, lest I sound like an utter newb. :)

Let’s just say I was ready to throw in the towel before the rad folks behind the Impossible Project stepped in, not to mention my Polaroid-wielding pals who had nothing but good advice — and patience! — for me. A million thank-yous for taking care of me, guys.

The photos in this post are evidence that even seasoned photographers make huge mistakes when they fall down rabbit holes. The key is to be like Alice — to let your curiosity guide you, even if it briefly gets you in trouble, and no matter what, keep chasing that White Rabbit.