Enough (for now) of introspection, retrospectives, and critiques (maybe the critiques are still there) it’s time for hard data! I want to talk about field experience: specifically, the beginning of my journey into instant photography with that little pocket gadget from the land of tulips, the Polaroid Go.

It is undeniable, and indeed unbelievable, how extremely compact the design of the Polaroid Go is. Some critics, the purist kind, or those who believe equipment is the only answer to quality, dismiss it as an “overrated toy attempting to rescue a decadent format, bla bla bla…” I totally disagree!

Fig 06. Experiments on a rainy day in the neighborhood.

Beyond the ‘Funny Toy’ Label

In life, just because something is fun and lacks the rigid, intrinsic rules of the task itself (photography, in this case), it doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the shot (pun intended… hehe). The “Go” isn’t just about portability. I feel it’s like what a certain YouTuber says: “Get out there, make some art.” It’s the same here: Go. Do some stuff. Have fun with whatever comes of it. It’s an invitation, a call to enjoy whatever the Polaroid Go can capture.

The automatic aperture selection between f/12 and f/52 might restrict certain types of shots or ranges (especially given the tiny format size of 66.6 mm x 53.9 mm). Of course, the factory specs claim an “infinite” range, but let’s be honest: it wasn’t designed for landscape photography. The “Go” stands out at short distances, thanks to the reflective coating on the viewfinder that performs as a selfie mirror. It is perfect for informal events or for breaking the ice at formal ones. (Indeed, I thought about taking it to a funeral a couple of months ago, but my wife told me it was a bad idea. Maybe she was right; I’ll never know).

Pocket-Sized Spontaneity

People who know nothing about it, see that little “white pocket rabbit” (mine is the white one, first version), adds an extra layer to their laughs and smiles. It gives a tint of spontaneity to the moment that is unique to the image being captured. The 9-second timer was essential for shots with my wife, though I quickly learned that finding a steady surface for the camera is a monumental task after six pints at the pub (for each of us!). The timer is also great for wider shots or group photos; it saves you from depending on an “innocent” bystander who might offer to help but doesn’t understand the high stakes of instant photography, where there are no second chances and every shot counts.

Fig 07. Cozy afternoon memories at home.

To Share and to Remember

The flash can be helpful, but also disappointing. It works very well up to a maximum of 3 or 4 meters, and it’s better to choose a framing that has something behind the subject to allow the light to bounce and reflect into the print itself. Of course, during a selfie (perhaps with some fermented beverages involved), you might forget these rules and end up with an unexpected result. But if the gods of photography are in your favor, an awesome physical memory will emerge. Even if you aren’t in the shot, you will always be remembered as the “mate who gave everyone that tiny Polaroid.”

Double exposure is almost a default feature in modern Polaroids, and the little Go is no exception. As a photo enthusiast, I still haven’t achieved any stunning results with it, but I suppose mentioning it is valuable for those who have the artistic eye that this software designer is still trying to open.

Go! Follow the white rabbit

As I mentioned in another entry, this camera (called the “world’s smallest instant camera”) was my entry into a rabbit hole that, unlike Alice, I don’t want to leave. It’s true that this isn’t a product for every analog enthusiast or professional, but again: “Go. Do some stuff” and have fun with the results. Probably, like me, you will like the results (or at least the experience of sharing a physical image in the moment). You might find yourself having tea with the Man in the Hat and his classic SX-70, encountering the Cheshire Cat with his temperamental or vanishing colors, or discovering potions to enlarge your world into medium format.